“Pardon me,” said the lady; “I take this seat and speak to you for two reasons. One is rather a kindly one, and the other wholly selfish and curious.
“I perceive that you are being annoyed by the man on the other side of you. I saw that by sitting beside you and talking with you I could put an end to his annoyances.”
This the lady said in a low tone that could not be heard by the man at the back of Ida.
When Ida had thanked her for the interference the lady went on, but now in a much louder voice.
“My selfish and curious reason is one not so helpful, but I hope you won’t think it impertinent.
“My husband has recognized you as the celebrated Ida, the aid of the famous Nick Carter, of whose exploits I have frequently read.
“I have long admired you, wondering how a woman could do such brave things as I have known you to do. So I wanted to know and talk with you.”
Though much annoyed at thus having her identity revealed in a public place, Ida could not refrain from meeting the lady pleasantly, for in the lady’s speech and manner there was, after all, much that was complimentary.
Yet it was an uncommon experience for Ida. She knew that Nick, Chick and Patsy were subject to such happenings, and were often compelled to resort to disguises to prevent accidental recognitions.
She did not care to be so conspicuous as recognition made her, but a moment’s thought told her that, after all, no great harm was done, since her mission to Philadelphia could hardly be called a secret one; that is, secrecy was not required in doing her work.