“That is quite interesting.”

“He has even tempted me with the promise to find and restore to me my child, if I would reward him by eloping with him to some European country.”

Nick was becoming intensely interested.

“Of course I could not go to him for advice or aid in the case as you understand it, Mr. Carter.”

“Of course not, Mrs. Lock. What is this—er—gentleman’s name?”

“Oscar Gay.”

It required all of the great detective’s powers of control to conceal from Mrs. Lock the intense satisfaction which the information gave him.

“How did you come to know this Gay?”

“We board at the same place on West Forty-sixth street.”

“What is his business?”