The doctor started.
"How do you know that?" he asked.
Nick arose from his seat, took another card from his pocket, and, handing it to his bewildered companion, said:
"I am Nick Carter."
"You!" exclaimed the doctor, who dropped into an arm-chair and looked at his visitor with astonishment. "Why, Mr. Carter, you are just the man I wanted to see. I was about to telegraph for you. I am in serious trouble."
"I dare say it is about the Rogers murder case," said Nick.
The doctor was again astounded.
When he recovered his equanimity, he said:
"And the surgical instrument maker[Pg 41] scheme—what was the meaning of that, Mr. Carter?"
"I cannot explain to you, sir, why I adopt certain methods which I find necessary to employ in the business of my profession. It will, however, answer your question sufficiently to inform you that my adoption of the role of surgical instrument maker was connected with this same case concerning which you telegraphed for me. And now, sir, will you be good enough to state your business?"