“No, sir; only what I have told you.” “You must not do so, then, nor mention what I have told you,” Nick directed, more impressively. “Say nothing whatever about the matter to any one.” “But, Mr. Carter, your instructions come too late.” “Too late?” “Yes, sir. I already have told one man.” “Whom have you told?” “Mr. Gaston Goulard.” “How did you happen to inform him?” asked Nick, both surprised and suspicious. “He called here this morning. He frequently stops with his automobile when on his way to business to take Miss Bailey to the telephone exchange. She had gone before he arrived, however, and I then told him about Mr. Lamont, thinking he might know the man, or suggest some explanation for his absence.” “Is Mr. Goulard friendly with Miss Bailey?” Nick inquired, with brows knitting slightly. “Yes, sir, but only in a paternal way, I think. He is much older than she, and I imagine that he is interested in her only because of young Mr. Mantell, the son of his business partner. Mr. Mantell is deeply in love with Helen.” “What did you tell Mr. Goulard about the assault?” Nick inquired. “Only what I have stated to you.” “That her assailant was pursued by the stranger?” “Yes, sir.” “Did you tell him that the stranger did not return?” “I did, sir.” “What did Mr. Goulard say about that?” “He appeared quite disturbed.” “What did he say?” Nick repeated. “Well, I don’t think I remember,” Mrs. Hardy faltered. “He said nothing that made any impression on me. He asked whether Helen recognized the man, or gave me a description of him. When I had told him all I knew about the matter, he rushed out to his automobile and rode rapidly away with his chauffeur.” “More rapidly than usual?” “Yes, sir; much more. To tell the truth, Mr. Carter, I felt almost sure that he suspected the man’s identity.” Nick thought so, too, but he did not say so. He at once suspected, also, that Goulard had hastened to the telephone exchange to question Helen Bailey, and ten minutes later he entered in disguise and confirmed his suspicions. Revealing his identity, of course, he learned from Helen that Goulard had questioned her very closely about the man who had pursued her brother, and that he then had hurriedly departed. “Does he know that you were arrested yesterday morning, Miss Bailey, and for what?” Nick then inquired. “Yes, sir; he does,” said Helen. “Who informed him?” “He read about it in one of the newspapers.” “Did he question you about it?” “Yes, in a general way, Mr. Carter,” Helen readily admitted; then added more earnestly: “But he appeared much interested in what occurred last evening.” “Quite likely,” said Nick, a bit dryly. He decided not to reveal any of his increasing suspicions, however, but returned immediately to his business office, where he found Patsy Garvan awaiting him, and told him what he had learned.