“Holy smoke, the chief!” he said, to himself. But he did not wait to say more, but hurried after Lannigan, who had gone out. Mrs. Ladew, waiting a reasonable time, also undertook to leave the apartment, when she was met by the elderly gentleman. He addressed her politely and said: “Mrs. Ladew, if I am not mistaken.” Mrs. Ladew looked up at him in some surprise, vainly trying to recollect whether she knew the gentleman, but admitted that was her name. “Permit me,” said Nick, “to have a few moments’ conversation with you.” “Really sir,” replied the lady, “you have the advantage of me, since I cannot recollect ever having seen you before.” “You have not,” replied Nick. “Then, sir, I cannot talk with you. You have mistaken the woman.” “Pardon me,” said Nick. “I must talk with you. My name is Nick Carter.” Mrs. Ladew fairly staggered back, and, indeed, would have fallen had not a chair been within easy reach which she could grasp. “For your own sake,” said Nick, hurriedly, “make no scene here, but submit to my request. It will be far better for you in the end.” Mrs. Ladew looked helplessly about, as if not knowing what to do, but Nick read her thoughts. “It is useless to attempt to call assistance,” said Nick. “Such an act would only bring you into trouble. Come with me to the other side of the room.” Mrs. Ladew, as if not knowing what else to do, followed him to the place indicated. Nick placed a chair for her and she sat down, frightened. “Mrs. Ladew,” said Nick, as he drew a chair, placing himself in front of her, “I am disguised, and no one will know that you are talking to Nick Carter, the detective. I want to say to you that you are a very foolish woman and in a very serious and dangerous position. Do you know the man with whom you just talked in this room?” Mrs. Ladew nodded her head, but did not speak. “You are a woman who has a good position in the world, a devoted husband, all that wealth can give you, and you are endangering everything by your association with this man. I doubt if you really know who and what he is. I have no wish nor intention of exposing you to your husband, or to the world.” By this time Mrs. Ladew had had time to think, and she made an effort to master the situation. With no little haughtiness, she said: “Your words are very singular, sir, as addressed to me. Exposure? I am a woman of position, sir.” Nick stopped her sternly. He said: “Mrs. Ladew, I know your whole life for the past three days. You went to New York to attend the wedding of Mr. Ellison to Miss Sanborn, but you took occasion to travel about with Jimmy Lannigan, gambler, thief, burglar.” Mrs. Ladew leaped to her feet, horror-stricken. “Thief! Burglar!” she exclaimed. “You tell what is not true.”