His way was barred and pursuit precluded by the nurse, still lingering in the dimly lighted hall.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE CLOSING NET.
Nick Carter was called early to the Clayton residence the following morning. He was summoned by a frantic telephone call from Chester Clayton, informing him what had occurred the previous night, or what he supposed had occurred, and Nick lost no time in responding, in company with Danny Maloney.
It was about seven o’clock when his touring car sped up the driveway and stopped under the porte-cochère.
“Wait here, Danny,” said Nick, springing out.
Peterson admitted him, looking more serious and solemn than ever.
“This way, Mr. Carter, sir,” he said, while Margate also[Pg 35] approached through the hall to greet him. “Mr. Clayton is waiting for you in the library.”
Nick followed him and shook hands with Margate, then posing as boldly as ever in the assumed character of the private secretary.
“This is terrible business, Carter, terrible,” he said, with subdued earnestness, while they paused for a few seconds in the hall. “We are literally overwhelmed, all of us.”
“Clayton told me only that his mother is missing and that the nurse has fled,” Nick replied. “Is nothing more known, Garside, of the circumstances?”