“I am a stranger here, and appreciate, of course, the difficulties of my undertaking,” Chadwick continued, with a suavity that Nick did not quite fancy. “I am his uncle, however, and accepted the mission at the earnest solicitation of his father, my elder brother, who now is on his deathbed, if not already dead.” “I understand,” bowed the detective. “What is your nephew’s name and when did you last hear from him?” “Nearly three years ago.” “Where was he at that time?” “He then was in London,” said Chadwick, spreading his large hands on his knees. “He defied his father and was disinherited and cast out by his entire family, myself included. He became infatuated with a chorus girl in an American opera company, and married her in spite of his father’s bitter opposition, the Honorable Earl of Eggleston. He fled with her from England, and----” “One moment,” Nick interposed. “The young man is Lord Archie Waldmere, I think, a son of the Earl of Eggleston by his second wife, now deceased.” Sir Edward Chadwick stared with manifest amazement. “Goodness!” he exclaimed. “Is it possible, Mr. Carter, that you know him?” “I am quite well acquainted with him.” “And you know where he may be found?” “Well, not at just this moment,” Nick said, a bit dryly. “He has been living in New York, however, for the past two years.” “Well, well, that is most surprising. This is great and glorious news,” cried Chadwick, vigorously rubbing his hands. “Captain Grady was right. He said that I would get next to the right man, Mr. Carter, if I called upon you. Really, I am overjoyed.” Nick somehow felt that the speaker’s joy was not so deep as he asserted. His voice had a twang that grated on the detective’s ears. His narrow eyes gleamed and glittered in a way, moreover, that Nick did not fancy. With no show of these distrustful feelings, however, he said agreeably: “It certainly appears that you have come to the right man, Mr. Chadwick. So the Earl of Eggleston is on his deathbed, is he?” “Alas, yes!” “Is that why he is seeking his son?” “Exactly,” bowed Sir Edward. “His only other son, who would have been the heir to his title and his estate, died seven months ago. The earl has no direct male successor except Lord Waldmere. He desires a reconciliation, therefore, and is anxious to forgive the recreant son and reinstate him as heir to his title and property. That is as it should be, Mr. Carter, and I have done all in my power to bring it about.” “No doubt,” said Nick, gazing steadily at his visitor. “This will be good news for Waldmere, providing he can be found.” “Found?” echoed the Englishman inquiringly. “What do you mean by found? I thought you knew where he was living.” “So I do,” said Nick. “Where he now is living, or whether he is living, at present, are open questions.” “What do you mean?” questioned Chadwick, with a gasp. “I don’t understand you.” “I will make it plain with a very few words,” Nick replied.