"Certainly, Brett; I was coming to that. Senator Carew used his influence to get me in the Diplomatic Service, and during the past twelve years he has shown me many kindnesses, such as seeing that I was detailed to desirable posts, and helped me to secure promotion." "He wouldn't have done that, Mr. Hunter, if you hadn't made good," broke in Brett quickly. "I saw him last at Delmonico's in New York on my way to Japan a little over a year ago," continued Douglas. "He asked me to lunch with him, and evinced great interest in the mystery of the Jewel Custom Fraud which he, in some way, knew I had had a hand in exposing." "Sure he did. I told the department about your assistance when I was in Paris. If it hadn't been for you, I'd never have landed those swindlers. They led me a pretty dance over the Atlantic." "We worked together then," said Douglas thoughtfully, "and, on the strength of our past success, I'm going to ask you to take me on as a sort of advisory partner in this Carew case." "Suppose you first tell me the reason for making such a request." "In the first place I owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Carew. For the sake of his friendship with my father years ago, he has taken a great interest in me. Secondly, I am in Washington at his request." Brett looked his interest, and Douglas went on rapidly: "Some time ago I received a note from him asking me to apply for leave of absence from Tokio and to come direct to Washington, saying that he wished to see me on important business." "Did he state the nature of that business?" inquired Brett eagerly. "No. I at once followed his suggestion and applied to the State Department for leave. It was granted, and I hastened home as fast as steamer and train could bring me." "Did you see Senator Carew?" "Unfortunately, no. I only reached Washington late last night. I expected to see the Senator this morning, instead of which I read of his mysterious death in the morning papers." Brett mused for a few minutes, then roused himself. "I am only too glad to have your assistance, Mr. Hunter." "Good!" ejaculated Douglas, well pleased. "Suppose you tell me all the facts in the case so far discovered." Brett leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. "On the face of things it looks as if the negro driver, Hamilton, was guilty." "Tell me what leads you to think that?" inquired Douglas quickly. "He is the worst type of negro, a vicious brute with a taste for liquor. I have inquired about him and examined him thoroughly and am really puzzled, Hunter, to find out why Senator Carew ever employed him." "Is he an old family servant?" "No. He has only been in Carew's employ about a year I am told. He knows how to handle horses, and took excellent care of the Senator's valuable stable." "That probably explains why he was kept on," said Douglas. "I've been told that Carew was hipped about his horses."