“Because it is not my name.”
“Then, in Heaven’s name, who are you?”
“I am Nick Carter, the detective!”
“What!”
Abbott jumped to his feet, as he made the exclamation, and stood looking at the man before him like one entranced.
“You must have heard of me?” said Nick, dryly.
“Heard of you! Who has not heard of Nick Carter?”
“Would you believe me if I made a plain statement of facts?”
“That depends.”
“Well, I’m going to risk it, and rely on your good, sound common sense. I believe I know you well enough to trust you with an astonishing secret.”