“Very good.”
“But what are your plans? What steps have you in view?”
“I have been talking by telephone to-day with a Philadelphia physician and chemist, an intimate personal friend, whom I know to be an expert in the use of all kinds of drugs, and thoroughly informed as to the peculiar qualities and effects of scopolamine. If there is any man who can determine positively whether it figures in this case, that man is Doctor Grost. I have described Madame Clayton’s condition to him and he is inclined to my opinion. He has consented to come to New York and see her, and he will be here to-morrow morning. I will call here with him, Clayton, at precisely ten o’clock.”
“By Jove, I am glad to know this,” Clayton earnestly declared. “It gives me a ray of hope, at least.”
“You must be careful not to betray it, nevertheless,” Nick again cautioned him. “Conduct yourself precisely as if we had not discussed this matter, and as if my visit with Doctor Grost was not anticipated.”
“I will do so, Carter, take my word for it,” Clayton again assured him. “I will be constantly on my guard.”
“Very good,” Nick replied, rising to go. “That is all I can say to you this evening. Expect me at ten o’clock to-morrow morning in company with the Philadelphia physician. We can bank positively on one fact, Clayton, that he will speedily determine whether or not I am right.”
Clayton arose, looking vastly relieved, and accompanied the detective to the door.
CHAPTER IV.
THE RESULT OF A RUSE.
It was eight o’clock when Nick Carter left the Clayton residence. He departed without so much as a backward glance, as if he had no further interest in the house and its surroundings. He walked briskly out to his tour[Pg 18]ing car, in which Danny Maloney had been waiting, and was driven rapidly away.