He was kept waiting only the fraction of a minute.
“Is Mr. Barnes here?” he inquired of the servant who opened the door.
“Yes, sir. Are you the man he is expecting?”
“I am.”
“Then you are to walk into the parlor. Mr. Barnes is waiting for you there.”
Nick stepped into the room mentioned.
As he did so a man came forward from the rear of the room, saying gravely:
“I am more glad to see you than I can express. A fearful murder has been committed here.”
“Who is the victim?”
“Mr. Field.”