Captain Dillon took the opposite chair and extended his hand, which Nick pressed cordially while remarking: “I thought I remembered you, Captain Dillon, and I made haste to put you on your guard when I saw that you recognized me. I am here incognito. I don’t wish to be known. Pray don’t expose me to your friends.” “Certainly not!” Dillon quietly exclaimed, squinting at Nick over the table. “I’m very glad you warned me, or I certainly would have done so.” “I foresaw it, captain,” smiled Nick. “You have not changed much in the several years since we met. You hold your own like an old war horse. I am pleased to meet you again.” “That feeling is reciprocated, Mr. Carter, I assure you,” Captain Dillon said quietly. “How long have you been in Washington?” “Not long,” said Nick. “I am here on important business. I cannot tell when I may leave. That depends.” “Upon the business mentioned, of course,” said Dillon, with an expression between a smirk and a smile. “Exactly,” bowed the detective. “Government business, I suppose.” “Yes.” “Secret business, or----” “Well, in a way,” said Nick, when the other paused with an inquiring squint. “It relates to the theft of some important documents.” “I see,” Captain Dillon nodded, with steadfast scrutiny. “Diplomatic correspondence, perhaps, or----” “No, not exactly,” smiled Nick. “They are, in fact, of a very different character. I am not at liberty to inform you precisely, however, as you may infer.” “Yes, certainly,” Dillon readily allowed. “But did you expect to find them here, or----” “Well, no, not quite that,” Nick again replied agreeably, as if oblivious to the other’s insinuating manner. “That would be too much to have expected. I am inclined to distrust a certain person who now is at supper, here, however, and I’m keeping an eye on him.” “Ah, I see.” “But do not imagine, Captain Dillon, because I am seated so near your table, that he is in your party,” Nick added, in jesting fashion. Captain Dillon laughed softly and shrugged his shoulders. “I should hope not,” he replied, with a deprecatory gesture. “All of my party are above suspicion. You know Senator Barclay by sight, of course, and the dark-haired girl is his daughter. That tall, fine-looking chap is Captain Garland, a government engineer in the war department. I really must rejoin them now. Here is my card. If you remain long in town and find it convenient, call and see me. I would be delighted.” “I will try to do so,” said Nick, a bit dryly. “I am at the Willard. Drop in and inquire for Mr. Arthur Greenleaf.” Captain Dillon laughed and promised to do so, then bowed and rejoined his friends.