“Oh, I do not blame him, Mr. Carter,” said Lady Deland, who now had nerved herself to meet the trying situation. “Senator Barclay is a very dear friend, and a man in whom I have absolute confidence. Otherwise I never could have taken such a step, which I truly felt would be the best for all concerned.” “I appreciate that, I assure you.” “But what can be done? How can----” “That is what I now wish to discuss with you, Lady Deland, and to point out what I require of you,” Nick interposed. “I think that we may yet thwart Andy Margate and recover the document in time to save you from exposure.” “But that dreadful man! He must know----” “Never mind what he knows about it,” Nick again interrupted. “If I can land him and recover the document, I will make very sure that neither he nor any of his confederates will afterward reveal anything. I will put them where they can accomplish nothing. Besides, Lady Deland, revelations on their part would fall flat when opposed with denials from persons of your character and that of Senator Barclay.” “But what can be done, Mr. Carter?” she anxiously inquired. Nick then proceeded to tell her of his suspicions, of the only way by which advantage of the document would probably be taken, and that it must be attempted that very day in order to be effective. “I understand,” she bowed, after hearing him. “There is only one way by which it could be done, Lady Deland, and only one method that really appears feasible,” Nick continued. “One is by the use of the telephone, which presents too many difficulties and contingencies for me to think that method will be adopted.” “And the other?” “The other is with a personal interview with you, possibly by Margate himself, though much more probably by one of his confederates,” Nick continued to explain. “Though a daring and desperate man, I doubt that Margate will venture here in person.” “But what am I to do?” “These rascals will have only one object in view, that of forcing you to pay them a large sum of money, or perhaps turn over your jewels to them. Just how they will attempt it remains to be seen, and I wish to be in a position to direct what occurs here. That must be accomplished without incurring the suspicions of the person whom Margate may send.” “But how can you do that, Mr. Carter?” Lady Deland doubtfully inquired. “It will be necessary for me to see the person.” “Very true,” Nick admitted, glancing around the room. “I think, however, that we can arrange it. Where does that door lead?” he added, pointing to one across which a portière was partly drawn. “To Sir Edward’s private study,” said Lady Deland. “Is there another door leading out of the room?” “Yes, sir.” “Where?” “Into the side hall.” “Capital!” said Nick, with manifest satisfaction. “From where you sit, Lady Deland, by glancing into the mirror over the fireplace, I think you can see into the study.” “Yes, sir, I can.”