“I am sorry, Oaks,â€� said Nick, speaking quickly. “I know that you do not like interruptions when you are occupied with your correspondence; but in this case the end justifies the means. Carleton Lynne is—out there.â€� He jerked a thumb toward the outer office.
The frown left the lawyer’s face, and an expression of perplexed interest took its place.
“What?â€� he said. “Carleton Lynne—the heir?â€�
The detective nodded, and added:
“That is how he announced himself. He came up in the elevator with me; he entered your office door just in front of me, and—well, I wanted to see you before he did.â€�
“Quite right, Carter—quite right. I’m glad you came right in. Miss McQueen, you may go into the library for a few moments, please.â€� This to the stenographer, who left her chair at once and passed through a half-opened doorway opposite the one by which the detective had entered the room; nor did she close it after her, as it happened, although neither of the men regarded that fact as one of importance at the moment.
“Well?� said the lawyer, as soon as he was alone with the detective.
“I have already told you all there is to say about the arrival of Carleton Lynne,� replied Nick Carter. “You know, now, as much about that interesting fact as I do.�
“Then what?�
“I have come here directly from the courthouse and from the finish of the Babbington case. I thought I would get here before the news was being cried aloud on the streets.�