Nick smiled somewhat significantly when the Englishman had finished. He glanced at the photograph on the mantel, remarking agreeably: “Well, well, Waldmere, you were hard hit indeed by the pretty American girl. In view of the incentive to many of our international marriages, your conduct is really quite refreshing. I rather like you for it. That is a photograph of Lady Waldmere, I infer.” “Yes, taken in London,” bowed Waldmere, evidently deeply pleased with the detective’s comments. “A very beautiful girl, indeed.” “She jolly well is, Mr. Carter, and worthy of----” “Of all your devotion, Waldmere, no doubt,” Nick familiarly interrupted. “But we must not drift away from the matter. We must get onto our job and stick to it, or valuable time may be lost.” “I agree with you.” “None of the circumstances you have stated seem to present, on the surface at least, any reasonable explanation of what has occurred, nor any consistent motive for felonious designs upon her,” Nick added. “Unless she soon returns, nevertheless, there can be no doubt that she is a victim of knavery of some kind, that does not appear on the surface. Let me ask you a few questions. I then may hit upon some theory to fit the case.” “That’s a ripping good idea, old top,” Lord Waldmere nodded. “Come on with them.” “To begin with, then, has your wife many acquaintances here in town?” “Hardly any, sir, ’pon my word. She is a Kentucky girl, and has spent but little time in this bally city. We have met none during either of our visits. We live very privately.” “It is quite improbable, then, that the occupant of the taxicab was a friend, or even an acquaintance,” Nick pointed out. “Deception having been employed, therefore, we must assume that she was forcibly carried away. That also appears in the fact that you think the driver thrust her into the cab.” “I’m deuced well sure of that, Mr. Carter,” Waldmere again declared. “The bally bounder placed his hand squarely on her shoulder, sir, and gave her a push. I can almost swear to that. If she----” “Let me do most of the talking, Waldmere,” Nick interrupted. “I wish to get at the salient points as quickly as possible. Answer me with merely an affirmative, or negative, when you can.” “Very well, sir.” “Has your father, or any of your family, ever threatened the girl because of your marriage?” Nick then inquired. “In other words, Waldmere, do you believe any of them capable of a conspiracy against her?” “No, sir,” protested the Englishman quickly. “They are above anything of that kind. Besides, Mr. Carter, they have jolly well cast us both out. No one knows where to find us.” “You think, then, that they may be safely eliminated from any connection with this affair?” “Yes, absolutely.” “We must seek nearer home, then, for a motive,” said Nick. “Had Miss Royal any former admirer who might----”