Garland’s face lighted as if a ray of sunshine had fallen on it. He clasped Nick’s hand, felt its cordial and sympathetic pressure, and his voice choked despite himself. “I’m awfully glad to know you, Mr. Carter, and ten thousand times more so in knowing that you are to look into this matter,” he said feelingly; then, with a quick glance at the chief: “Why have I not been told of this, Chief Welden? You know what horrible anguish and anxiety I am undergoing.” “Very true, Garland,” said Welden, smiling significantly. “But we did not know positively that Carter would be in a position to comply with the president’s request. What good to have extended you false hopes? Sit down, now, and have a talk with Mr. Carter. He wants to ask you a few questions.” Garland hastened to comply, while Nick said, in a more businesslike fashion: “Welden has told me all of the superficial circumstances, Mr. Garland, and I’ll do what I can for you. Let’s waste no time in getting right at the matter, for time is always valuable. Steady yourself and answer my questions as quickly and concisely as possible.” “I will do so, Mr. Carter,” said Garland eagerly. “To begin with, then, who else occupies your office in the war department? Are there any clerks, or others, in the employ of the government?” “No, indeed,” said Garland. “I have a private room and an outer office resembling these. I employ only a girl stenographer, who has a desk in the outer office.” “Does she know on what work you have been engaged?” “No, sir. That is known only to Captain Backas and the heads of the department.” “All of whom are, of course, perfectly reliable,” said Nick. “I now am aiming only to pick up a clew, Garland, to the identity of the person who could have had the information necessary to have framed up this job. Did your stenographer know you were going to Annapolis last Friday?” “Yes, sir. I told her I was going the day before.” “Did you tell her for what?” “No.” “Let’s make a jump, then,” said Nick. “Whom did you see in Annapolis, who might by any means have learned of your mission?” “Only Captain Backas,” said Garland emphatically. “I went directly to his office, where I remained until I left for my train to Washington.” “Who else was in the office during your conference with Captain Backas?” “Nobody. We were alone.” “Did any one enter while you were talking with him?” “No, sir. I am sure of that.” “And you are sure you placed the missing plans in the portfolio before leaving, and that it was not substituted for another before you left?” “Yes, sir; absolutely sure.” “How did you go to the station?” “In a taxicab.” “Alone?” “Yes, sir.” “Very good,” said Nick. “Where did you ride in the train?” “In the smoking car,” said Garland. “I occupied a seat alone.” “Where was the portfolio?” “I placed it between me and the wall of the car, next to the window, where my arm could rest on it during the ride. I was reading a book in the meantime.”