“I wish to ask you only a few questions, Gilbert,” said Nick. “Much may depend upon the information I obtain from you, however, so be very careful when replying. Don’t overlook any little incident that may have occurred, however trivial it may seem to you.” “I understand you, Mr. Carter,” bowed the chauffeur, taking the chair to which the detective waved him. “I will overlook nothing, sir.” “To begin with, then, have you told any person about the intentions of your employer, or why you were going to Boston?” “Not one word, sir,” said Gilbert. “I was for two years in the chorus with Miss Royal, now Lady Waldmere, and I have always felt a very sincere regard for her. I would cut out my tongue, or lose a hand, rather than harm her in any way.” “I believe you,” said Nick. “Tell me, now, just what you did after arriving in Boston. Omit nothing of importance.” “I was there only one day,” Gilbert replied. “I first went to the customhouse, where I saw the collector and gave a voucher for what the imported cases contain, and I got permission to have them sent to New York without delay.” “And then?” “I then went to the pier where the _Flodora_ was docked. I was fortunate in finding that all of the cases had been discharged from the liner, and I at once had them taken to the railway, to be put into a special freight car. A train was being made up when I arrived there, and I arranged for the car with the yardmaster, whom I found in his office in the freight house.” “Did you see the twenty cases put into the car?” “I did, sir. I also saw the car closed and locked.” “Who handled the cases when transferred from the dray to the car?” “The truckman, assisted by a train hand in the car.” “Who else was present?” “Only one other man, sir, who directed the loading of the car. I supposed he was one of the yard hands employed for that kind of work. He appeared to have some authority.” “He appeared so to you?” “Yes, certainly.” “And to the train hand, no doubt?” “So far as I noticed. The train hand did what he was told.” “When and where did you first see this man?” “He came along just as we were beginning to load the car. He at once began to tell the train hand where to put the cases. I supposed he wanted the car loaded in a certain way.” “That was a natural supposition,” Nick allowed, smiling a bit oddly. “The train hand had much the same impression, no doubt.” “He appeared to, Mr. Carter.” “He probably inferred that this officious individual had an interest in the cases, and a right to say where they should be put,” said Nick. “Never mind about that, however. Did you see the man after the car was closed and locked?” “Only when we were leaving the yard.” “Did he leave with you?”