Nick did not reply for a few moments. He sat gazing thoughtfully at a figure in the heavy carpet. Superficially viewed, the circumstances stated seemed to admit of only one reasonable theory--that Mr. Cyrus Darling had, indeed, deliberately ended his own life. “The funeral and burial were last Thursday,” Mrs. Darling added, during the brief silence on Nick’s part. “Doctor Lyons did not think the case called for any investigations beyond those he personally made, nor did I at that time. He----” “One moment,” said Nick, looking up. “What have you since learned, Mrs. Darling, that occasions your misgivings? Why do you now suspect foul play? That, I think, is the term you used.” “I have two reasons for apprehending something of the kind,” she replied. “One relates to my husband’s estate. I have learned from his lawyer, who has been assisting me, and in whom I have absolute confidence, that Mr. Darling left no will, that he has recently withdrawn considerable money from the bank, and that his safety-deposit drawer contains only a few securities, worth less than three thousand dollars. From dividends which I know that he has been in the habit of receiving, as well as from our living expenses for several years, I know that he was worth at least a hundred thousand dollars.” “Is your lawyer investigating the matter?” “I have requested him to do so.” “What is his name?” Nick inquired, taking out his notebook. “Henry Clayton. He has an office in town.” “I am acquainted with him, also,” said Nick, noting the name. “You mentioned a second reason for your misgivings. What is that?” “One of my servants.” “You mean?” “I referred in my letter, Mr. Carter, to a very devoted friend of yours, who advised me to appeal to you.” “Yes, I remember,” said Nick, wondering. “A devoted friend of mine--one of your servants?” “I refer to my table girl, who also serves me as a maid. You have, I am very sure, no more grateful and devoted an admirer. I will call her.” Nick bowed and waited, still more deeply puzzled as to the girl’s identity. Mrs. Darling touched a bell on the library table. Nick glanced again from one of the windows--and discovered another perplexing fact. His touring car was standing where he had left it, but his chauffeur was missing. Danny Maloney had disappeared. The quick, light steps of the approaching maid sounded in the hall. Turning in that direction just as she appeared at the open door, Nick beheld---- Nancy Nordeck. CHAPTER II. THE GIRL WHO WAS DOWN. Suspicions were mingled with Nick Carter’s surprise at seeing Nancy Nordeck. They were perfectly natural, too, under the circumstances, and in view of the disclosures to which he had just listened. The presence of a girl with a criminal record in the home of a man whose death was shrouded in mystery, much more of a mystery than Mrs. Darling even imagined, though already keenly appreciated by the detective, might indeed be significant.