“You can do so, I observe by merely turning your eyes in the direction of the mirror.” “I can, Mr. Carter.” “If you were to do so merely casually, a person seated here would have no idea that you were in communication with a person in the study,” said Nick. “By turning my chair in this direction, I can see the mirror, but not the study door, nor any reflection of it.” “Oh, I now see what you mean,” Lady Deland exclaimed. “You wish to signal me from the study, by means of the mirror, while I am talking with the person you suspect will come here.” “Exactly,” Nick replied. “I will stand so that you can see a reflection of me, and I will signify with a nod, or with a negative shake of my head, what course you must shape.” “I understand you perfectly.” “It will be necessary for you to yield to whatever design may be attempted.” “Have you any idea of what it will consist?” “I think you will be required to go somewhere, both to get and deliver a price for the document, and also in order to receive the letter.” “I will go,” said Lady Deland quickly. “I shall not fear. I would dare anything, Mr. Carter, to recover it.” “Something more will be necessary,” Nick replied. “I wish to go with you with one of my assistants, who will presently arrive here.” “But will that be allowed?” “We must fool whoever comes here into allowing it,” smiled Nick. “Will that be possible?” “I think so, in view of the fact that much is at stake, and that there is no time for other arrangements. You must insist upon going in your touring car, and taking your chauffeur and your maid.” “Well?” “You can state that they know nothing about the business engaging you, and that the crooks will incur no danger from your having these uninformed companions. They will have guarded against danger, all right, as a matter of fact. I know such rascals root and branch.” “But I don’t understand,” Lady Deland said doubtfully. “What can my maid and chauffeur accomplish?” “Leave that to me,” Nick replied, smiling again. “I shall be your chauffeur, Lady Deland, and your maid will be Patsy Garvan, my assistant, who can make up very cleverly as a girl in the twenties.” “Oh, I now see at what you are driving,” cried Lady Deland, with countenance lighting. “You must provide him with the necessary garments, however,” Nick added. “We have all else that will be required.” “I will do so, Mr. Carter.” “I also wish to take your butler’s place for a time, that I may determine whether any visitor warrants suspicion, and also take steps consistent with our design.” “You may do so,” Lady Deland said readily. “I will give you all the assistance in my power.”