Nick knew that Mr. Sanborn had more than one daughter unmarried, but he had not heard that the wedding of one was about to take place, as his anonymous letter indicated. Chick was sitting nearby, wondering whether Lannigan would ever cross his path again, and inwardly chafing because of his chief’s generosity in not pressing charges against the fellow. He was aroused from his reverie by Nick’s asking: “Chick, you know Harmon Sanborn, of course. Have you heard that one of his daughters is to be married?” “Why, yes,” replied Chick. “There’s been a great deal in the newspapers about it.” “Which daughter is it?” “The eldest.” “Whom is she to marry?” “A young Englishman who has been in this country for some years, and who is said to be related to some of the noble families on the other side.” “Has there been much said about presents?” “Yes; half the millionaires of the country are giving diamonds and emeralds and what not to the bride.” Nick handed the anonymous note that had reached him in that morning’s mail to Chick, asking: “What’s your idea about that, Chick?” Chick read the note carefully, and said: “No name. It’s queer. I hardly know what to say about it. Yet, I think I’d act on it.” “As a matter of prudence?” asked Nick. “When does this wedding take place?” “At noon to-day.” Nick looked at his watch. “It is nine now,” he said. “There is plenty of time to take measures, if such are necessary. I wonder where Sanborn is at this time?” “At his house, probably, on such a day,” replied Chick. “Probably.” Nick went to the telephone, and, calling up Mr. Sanborn at his home address, finally got into communication with him. Asking Mr. Sanborn whether he would remain at his home for a short time, he received the answer that the millionaire would remain at his house until noon, when he would leave it only to go to the church to be present at the marriage ceremony of his daughter. Nick told him that he had a matter of some possible interest to Mr. Sanborn, of which he could not speak over the wire, but that he would call upon him at once. Asking Chick to accompany him, the famous detective immediately set out for the palatial residence of the rich man, which fronted on Central Park. Reaching the house, the two detectives were immediately taken to a room on the first floor, which Mr. Sanborn used as his working room when at home. “I don’t know,” said Nick to the millionaire, “but that I am bringing a mare’s nest to you. This came to me in the morning’s mail. I know no more than that.” He passed the letter he had received to Mr. Sanborn. That gentleman, after reading it carefully, laid it down, saying: “Well, it tells some truths. That I’m a friend of yours, Mr. Carter, is one truth, and the other is, that the presents are many and, in the main, pretty valuable. My little girl has been greatly favored by my friends and associates in business. What is your opinion about it?”