“And you know, too, what it might signify,” Senator Barclay responded gravely. “There is only one bad mess, Mr. Carter, in which I could be involved with Garland. That is something relating to the theft of those government plans, and the fact that my name was kept out of that unfortunate affair.” “That is what I have in mind,” bowed Nick. “You also know, of course, that the miscreant who stole them from Dillon after he had received them from Irma Valaska, is still at large. I refer to Andy Margate. He is capable of any kind of knavery. If he----” “I know all about Andy Margate and of what he is capable,” Nick interposed. “It may be, of course, that he still is in Washington. He may be attempting to blackmail Garland.” “That is precisely what I fear.” “I inferred so. Have you said as much to Garland?” “I have. He declares that he has not seen Margate, however, and that he knows nothing about him. If he is lying, if my suspicions are correct--well, you know, Carter, what that would mean for me. My reputation would again be in jeopardy. My honor, my seat in the senate, my political career--all would be frightfully threatened.” “I agree with you,” said Nick seriously. “I will look into the matter, Senator Barclay, and sift it to the bottom.” “That is precisely what I want.” “There is, I infer, nothing more definite that you can tell me.” “No, nothing.” “When did you last see Garland?” “Night before last.” “Does he know that you have sent for me?” “He does not. He might resent it.” “Possibly,” Nick allowed. “Is he still living at the Grayling?” “Yes.” “Does he occupy the same office in the war department?” “He does.” “Very good. I will leave immediately, then, and try to see him during the day,” said Nick, rising to go. “I will either call here again this evening, or telephone to you and let you know what I have learned. I think, as you do, that the matter may be serious.” “You will go right at it?” Barclay anxiously questioned. “Like a bull at a gate,” Nick assured him. “You will hear from me this evening.” Nick did not, nevertheless, immediately start in search of Harold Garland. He returned to the Willard, where he was registered under an assumed name, and went up to his apartments. He was thinking of the shocking murder brought to his notice that morning, of the dead priest, of the unknown woman, or girl, who by that time perhaps had suffered a like terrible fate. Hoping to give Detective Fallon further assistance, and suspecting that the torn letter he had found might have a bearing upon the double crime, Nick set to work matching the edges of the numerous fragments of the letter, placing them together, and pasting them on a sheet of blank paper.