“Could the portfolio have been removed by a person in the seat behind you without your knowing it?” Nick inquired. “No, sir, absolutely,” said Garland. “When I placed it there, Mr. Carter, I made sure there was no space between the end of the seat and the wall, through which the portfolio could slip. Naturally, sir, knowing the vast importance of its contents, I was exceedingly careful and constantly alert. It would have been utterly impossible for any person to have removed my portfolio and substituted another on the train.” “We will go a step farther, then,” said Nick. “When you arrived in Washington and came from the Union Station, what did you do?” “I hastened to find my friends who promised to meet me, Miss Barclay and Miss Warren,” said Garland. “I found them nearly opposite the main exit. I got into the automobile with them and they----” “One moment,” Nick interposed. “Was it a limousine or an ordinary touring car?” “A touring car.” “Top up?” “No, sir.” “Who was in the car?” “Only the two ladies and Hopkins, the chauffeur,” said Garland. “To be more correct, however, Miss Barclay had alighted and was standing beside the car when I approached. She knew I would like to ride in the seat with Miss Warren, of whom I am especially fond, and she took the seat next to the chauffeur after our greeting.” “Just before you started for home, I infer?” “Certainly.” “What were you carrying except the portfolio?” “Only the book I had been reading.” “What did you do with them after entering the touring car?” “I placed them beside me on the seat,” said Garland. Then, with a quick frown, he impulsively added: “See here, Mr. Carter, don’t suppose for a moment that either of my companions at that time know anything about this matter. They are incapable of such treachery as that. Put it out of your head, sir, if you have any such suspicion. I know positively that Verona Warren and Miss Barclay are above----” “Pardon me,” Nick interrupted a bit dryly. “What you know about them, Mr. Garland, is not material. I am not seeking to cast suspicion upon any one, least of all, your two lady friends. I want only to trace your movements as precisely as possible from the moment you left Annapolis. Pray don’t infer that I have formed any definite suspicion.” A tinge of color came to Garland’s pale face. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Carter,” he said quickly. “I meant no offense. Nor do I question your motives. None could realize more keenly how much depends upon what you can do for me. Please continue your questions. I will answer them to the best of my ability.” “Very good,” Nick replied. “As a matter of fact, then, you have not the slightest idea when, where, or by whom one portfolio was substituted for the other?” “No, Mr. Carter, not the slightest,” Garland quickly answered. “I am absolutely in the dark. I nearly fainted when I opened the portfolio and discovered my loss.” “Were you then alone in your apartments?” “I was.”