“It does not puzzle me, Senator Barclay,” Nick interposed. “No?” The statesman gazed at Nick with a look of amazement. “Not at all,” Nick added. “There was only one burglar, senator, and I happen to know why he had a soiled sheet.” “Good heavens! is it possible?” Senator Barclay replied, with countenance beginning to brighten. “There are hundreds of brilliant and discerning men in the circle of my acquaintance, Carter, but you certainly have something on all of them. What do you mean? How do you know there was only one burglar, and why he left a soiled sheet in my house? By gracious, I begin to feel that you may yet avert the calamity that threatens me.” “Let’s wait until we are seated in our library, senator,” Nick replied, smiling. “I then will answer your questions and learn what you require of me. It goes without saying, of course, that I will do all in my power to avert any calamity that threatens you.” CHAPTER VI. A THREATENING SITUATION. Nick Carter did not visit the butler’s pantry to examine the broken window, nor did he care to inspect the soiled sheet left there by Andy Margate, who had provided for him with unexpected outside help one of the strangest cases in the career of the celebrated detective. Nick already had formed a correct theory in regard to the burglary. He now wanted to learn only what gave Senator Barclay so much more anxiety and distress than his pecuniary loss. Nick accompanied him into the library, therefore, leaving Patsy to wait in the reception room, and he began with informing the statesman of the circumstances which, beyond any reasonable doubt, explained the crime committed in his residence early that morning. “Good heavens!” Senator Barclay exclaimed, after hearing Nick’s statements. “Are we never to be rid of this man Margate? I never heard of such a case. If he----” “Never mind him, Senator Barclay,” Nick interposed. “I will put him away for keeps sooner or later.” “Well, well, I hope so.” “Tell me without delay, for time may be valuable, how you are threatened with something more serious than the loss of your money and jewels.” “It is infinitely more serious, Carter, for it not only involves a matter of international importance, but also the reputation, welfare, and social standing of a very prominent and very beautiful woman,” said Senator Barclay, in tones tremulous again with profound feeling. “How so?” Nick inquired. “Was something else stolen?” “Yes. In the pocket of the coat stolen by Margate was a document confided to me temporarily by the woman in question.” “Ah, I see.” “With it in the pocket, moreover, was a letter written to me by the woman when she sent me the document for inspection,” Senator Barclay continued. “I received it only early last evening. I was to have returned it this morning. It was most important that I should have done so. The gravity of the situation, Carter, can hardly be imagined.” “Because of the nature of the document?” Nick questioned.