“Well, to tell the truth, Mr. Carter, I have great confidence in you,” Mrs. Thurlow said earnestly. “Your frankness in this matter, moreover, when you could have had what you ask by leaving me in ignorance, constrains me to take the risk. It would be a benefit to rid this community of the knaves with which it long has been infested, and I’ll take the chance and do my part. I will wear the rope of pearls, Mr. Carter.”
“Good for you, mamma!” said Edna, with some enthusiasm. “I’ll wager that Mr. Carter will make good.”
Nick smiled and thanked her; then added more seriously:
“But you must conduct yourselves, both of you, precisely as if ignorant of the circumstances. Do not mention them to any person or the fact that I have called here. Much may depend upon your doing exactly what I direct.”
“You may rely upon us to do so,” Mrs. Thurlow assured him.
“Very good,” said the detective. “Tell me, now, who is to be your escort.”
“My nephew, John Dorson.”
“Jack will look after both of us, Mr. Carter, owing to Mr. Paulding’s dreadful predicament,” Edna added.
“My instructions include him also,” Nick said, though not then dreaming the actual need of it. “Do not confide anything to Mr. Dorson. He might be so vigilant and attentive to you, Mrs. Thurlow, that the crooks would not attempt the theft. That would, of course, preclude my catching them.”
“We will be governed accordingly,” Mrs. Thurlow again assured him.