Nick led the way to the rectory door and rang the bell. He was admitted by Mrs. Soule, to whom he introduced Patsy and himself, and whom he found to be an elderly, gracious woman of sixty, burdened with anxiety concerning the missing rector and eager to do all in her power to aid the detectives. But she could add nothing to what she already had told Harriet Farley, as imparted to Nick, nor give the latter the slightest clew to the mystery. She could describe the rector’s veiled visitor only as a woman of about Kate Crandall’s height and figure, and had not observed whether she was well or rather poorly clad. She stated that the woman had merely asked whether Mr. Maybrick was at home and would see a lady for a short time, and that the rector had received her in his library. “Are you sure that she spoke of herself as a lady?” Nick inquired. “She did not say woman, did she?” “No, sir,” Mrs. Soule insisted. “I am positive that lady is the word she used.” It was significant only in that Nick aimed to definitely learn, if possible, which of the two women suspected of having been spying outside bad had an interview with Maybrick, if either of the two. A search in the rector’s desk, moreover, brought to light nothing explaining his absence, other than, the revolver case mentioned by Miss Farley. A crayon portrait on an easel, however, showed Maybrick to be a splendidly built, striking type of man, with a strong, smoothly shaved face, a classic cast of features, and obviously a man of sterling character and extraordinary mental vigor. Nick lingered only to direct Mrs. Soule to do nothing about the matter, but to answer inquiries by stating that Mr. Maybrick was away for a few days, and the two detectives then departed. There was a look of increasing determination on Nick’s strong, clean-cut face, however, when they walked away and rounded a corner of St. Lawrence’s Church. “I’m going to find that woman, Patsy, or lose a leg in the attempt,” he said bluntly. “I’m with you, chief,” Patsy quickly declared. “We’ll begin with getting Kate Crandall’s measure,” Nick added. “Miss Farley told me that she has an office in the business section. I will pay her a visit and see how she lines up.” “Am I to go with you?” “You are to remain outside,” said Nick. “I may decide not to expose my hand, which would be to our disadvantage if she really is responsible for Maybrick’s absence.” “That’s right, too.” “It may be necessary to shadow her, moreover, so you had better stick round outside and await my instructions. There will be something doing, I think, after I have interviewed this woman.” CHAPTER IV. NICK CARTER’S RUSE. Two o’clock found Nick Carter at the door of an office on the second floor of the local bank building. He was reading the tenant’s sign on a polished brass plate: “Kate Crandall. Public Stenographer.” Nick listened briefly, hearing nothing from within, and he then opened the door and entered.