“I will tell the chief all that is necessary, Miss Bailey,” Nick interposed, smiling and shaking hands with her. “I am very glad to be able to befriend you.” “Goodness!” said the chief, with his austerity suddenly vanished. “What do you know about this matter, Nick?” “I know all about it, chief,” Nick replied, taking a chair. “Garvan was here when this young lady was brought in. He has told me why she was arrested and what you suspect. But you’re in wrong, chief, and I’ve come here to say a word for the girl.” “A word from you, Carter, is usually enough,” replied the chief, while Helen Bailey, hearing the name of the famous detective, gazed at him with amazement and inexpressible relief. “I can explain in a nutshell,” said Nick. “I was in the telephone office, chief, and saw all that occurred.” “What did you make of it, Carter?” asked the chief. Nick then told him all he had seen and what he had done. “This girl did not cut you off, chief, but quite the contrary,” he added. “She knew, nevertheless, precisely what your communication signified. I saw her withdraw the plug once, then willfully reinsert it. I saw how terribly she felt, how terribly she was tempted--and I now know, too, with what heroism she resisted the temptation and stuck to her duty, though it involved the sacrifice of her own brother.” The chief gazed for a moment at the detective, who had spoken quite feelingly. “The girl has told me that, Nick, but I could not credit it,” he said, more gravely. “It is true, chief. You can bank on it.” “I’m mighty glad you have showed up, then.” “I knew you would be.” The chief turned to Helen Bailey and laid his hand on hers. “Pardon me, my girl,” he said gently. “We have hard duties to perform at times, and duty leaves us no alternative. You are a good girl and a brave girl, and I’m sorry to have given you so much pain and trouble. I now believe all you have told me, and I’m very proud of you.” Helen was sobbing again, but with mingled gratitude and relief. She turned and grasped Nick’s hand, saying brokenly: “Oh, Mr. Carter, how can I thank you--how can I thank you?” “By not trying to do so,” Nick replied kindly. “These little services are the bright spots in our lives. Go and wait for me in the outer office. I wish to talk with the chief a few moments and I then will join you.” Helen dried her tear-filled eyes and obeyed him. Nick had remained only to question the chief concerning Bart Bailey, and to find out what had been learned about him in the house he had been seen to enter. “Nothing was known about him there, Nick,” the chief replied. “It is a lodging house and is run by an honest, elderly woman. Bailey was there about ten days ago, remaining only two nights, and requesting the privilege of leaving a suit case until he could call for it.” “That is why he went there this morning?” “Yes. He remained only ten minutes.” “He is a stranger to the landlady, I infer.”