Peterson started up to follow them, then resumed his seat on the top stair. His way was barred and pursuit precluded by the nurse, still lingering in the dimly lighted hall. CHAPTER VIII. THE CLOSING NET. Nick Carter was called early to the Clayton residence the following morning. He was summoned by a frantic telephone call from Chester Clayton, informing him what had occurred the previous night, or what he supposed had occurred, and Nick lost no time in responding, in company with Danny Maloney. It was about seven o’clock when his touring car sped up the driveway and stopped under the porte-cochère. “Wait here, Danny,” said Nick, springing out. Peterson admitted him, looking more serious and solemn than ever. “This way, Mr. Carter, sir,” he said, while Margate also approached through the hall to greet him. “Mr. Clayton is waiting for you in the library.” Nick followed him and shook hands with Margate, then posing as boldly as ever in the assumed character of the private secretary. “This is terrible business, Carter, terrible,” he said, with subdued earnestness, while they paused for a few seconds in the hall. “We are literally overwhelmed, all of us.” “Clayton told me only that his mother is missing and that the nurse has fled,” Nick replied. “Is nothing more known, Garside, of the circumstances?” “Only what is contained in a note left by the nurse.” “What does that state?” “Merely that she fell asleep about two o’clock and did not awaken until after three,” Margate earnestly reported. “She then found that Madame Clayton was not in her room, also that some of her clothing was missing. Terribly alarmed, yet fearing to arouse the house, she at once began a search for her, hoping to find her and lead her back to her room. She found, instead, that the side door of the house was open, and she then knew that Madame Clayton must have gone out-of-doors.” “The nurse left this information in writing?” Nick put in. “Yes, in a hurriedly penciled letter,” Margate nodded. “She states that she made a hurried search in the grounds, but could not find Madame Clayton, and that she then returned to the house.” “And then?” “She then realized, evidently, that she had been very culpable and feared the censure and punishment she had incurred,” Margate went on. “For she adds that she did not dare to remain here, but was going to leave with what clothing she could carry away. That’s all that her letter states, Carter, but it seems to cover the ground.” “I agree with you, Garside, as far as it goes,” said Nick, as gravely as if he really meant it. “Who discovered their absence?” “Peterson, the butler, when he came down from his room. He saw that the door of Madame Clayton’s chamber was open, which is very unusual, and he looked in and found that both women were missing. He then notified me, Carter, and I aroused Mr. Clayton and his wife. Both are nearly overwhelmed by the calamity.” “No wonder. How long ago was this?”