He hurriedly paid his bill and left the restaurant.
It was now five o’clock.
"I have just time to notify Chick," he said.
In two minutes he was at the telegraph office, in the Parker House, writing the following dispatch to his faithful assistant:
"Meet boat left Providence nine o’clock this morning. Observe handsome Cuban lady named Alvarez. Keep her within distance until you hear from me.
"Nick."
He then returned to his hotel and wrote a letter to Chick, directing him to shadow his woman, find out all about her, and, if possible, discover what her business was.
Half an hour later he rang the bell at the Rogers mansion.
The door was opened by young Rogers in person, who led the way to the parlor.
"Is Dr. Lord here?" asked Nick, before the young man could say a word.