There was something strangely familiar to Nick in the face of the groom. For a moment it occurred to him that it was some other person than Mr. Ellison. With the recognition, recollections of London were presented to the mind of Nick. On the part of Ellison, on meeting Nick Carter, there was an unmistakable start and an expression of surprise on his face. The young man regained possession of himself, however, instantly, and advancing with a pleasant manner to Nick, extended his hand, saying: “The celebrated Mr. Carter, I presume.” Nick bowed, making no reply. “I was a little astonished at seeing you here, until I recollected that Mr. Sanborn told me that he had secured your services this morning.” He laughed a little and went on: “All these things seem to be necessary at modern weddings. Mrs. Ellison tells me that her father forgot all about making the provision until this morning.” This was all so true that Nick laughed with the groom, and answered that Mr. Sanborn had even neglected to take the proper precautions until after he, Nick Carter, had warned him that an attempt would be made to steal the jewels, of which he, Nick Carter, had had intimation. The groom looked keenly into the eyes of Carter as he said these things, but merely remarked: “That is serious.” Then hastily saying: “But I must not linger here and keep the bride waiting,” he ran down the stairs. Nick turned away, his mind busy with recollections of London. The face of the young man, Ellison, was familiar to him. It was one of Nick’s characteristics that he never forgot a face that he had once regarded earnestly. In fact, his memory in this respect was actually an embarrassment to him, for in his travels in many parts of the world he had met faces that had attracted him, or, under circumstances, had impressed them on his mind which were by no means associated with his business. Something of this he expressed in the words he muttered to himself: “This habit of suspicion is all very well, but I am letting it run away with me. Because I have seen this young fellow’s face before is no reason why I should suspect him of anything.” He walked off toward the room over which Ida was on guard. In the meantime, Ellison had descended the stairs, and, at the foot of it was met by a servant, who stopped him, speaking in a low tone of voice. This was observed by Patsy, who, standing near the doorman, asked what servant it was, since he had not seen him before. The reply was that it was Mr. Ellison’s own servant, his valet. Whatever was communicated by this servant to the young man, at least it gave no little concern to him. He knitted his brows, bit his lip and looked down on the floor in thought for a moment. Then he said to the servant: “Take him into some room where I can see him alone. I will excuse myself to the bride for a moment or two.”