Nick Carter was startled by the intensity of the woman, although he did not permit her to see that he was.
She was smiling again now as she withdrew once more to the door and reached for the knob as if she was to take her departure at last.
“You understand me?� she demanded, rather than asked.
“I understand your words and your motives; not your methods, Mrs. Babbington.�
“Well, I will give you a full and fair warning.�
“You need not unless it is your pleasure to do so.�
“You say that Carleton Lynne, the heir, is here; that the man I supposed to be in Idaho is even now at the office of the lawyer who represents the Lynne estate, establishing his identity. I had supposed that he was still in the West, for long ago I took pains to inform myself concerning him. I intended to tell you that much, and to induce you to bring him here. That he is here already, is pleasant news to me.�
“I don’t see where the warning comes in, madam,� said Nick, interrupting.
She bent toward the detective without moving from her position at the door.
“When I left the courtroom to-day,� she said, in a low, even tone, which nevertheless conveyed a certain menace with every word she uttered, “you and the district attorney were discussing me. I know it, although I did not hear a word that passed between you.�