“Remember, it is for your father. That thought alone will give you both courage and strength.” “But they may treat me as they did poor papa.” “There is no danger.” “But I fear there may be.” “You need have no fear. I shall accompany you.” “But they know you,” said the girl. “Even having you with me, I feel a dread. I can’t describe it, but a nameless fear seems to weigh me down since you told me who those persons were.” “You will shake that off,” said the detective. “I will return in about an hour and a half.” Nick Carter was punctual to his appointment, and he was so cleverly disguised that Mignon, although expecting him, did not recognize him. He was got up as one of those angelic young men who are to be met with on the uptown streets and about hotel corridors and the clubs. His light mustache was twisted up at the ends, and his plaid suit and overcoat would attract attention anywhere, and its owner be set down for an imitator of the English snob. Entering the carriage which was in waiting, they were rapidly driven to the address given by Louise Calhoun. Before they went into the house, Nick told his companion to agree to anything that might be proposed, and she promised to follow his instructions. “Remember,” he whispered, as they went upstairs to the flat occupied by Louise Calhoun, “that what you are doing is for your father, and have courage.” Louise was alone, her friend had not yet arrived--he was at that moment in the back room, puffing away at a cigarette. Nick was introduced as Mr. Deming, and the hostess was most gracious to him. “You are English, I should judge from your accent, Mr. Deming?” she said, and he answered in the affirmative. She had been in England, traveled on the Continent, in fact, nearly all over the globe, and if she had not been born an American she would have liked to be English, and in such style she rattled on for some time. “I think I hear Mr. Greer’s step on the stairs.” Louise opened the door, crying: “Why, here you are now! I ought to scold you for being so late!” She presented her visitors to the newcomers, and Nick saw at a glance that the cunning fox was not suspicious of him. “This is the young lady whose father has been kidnaped; oh, do something for her, Elmer, for my sake!” said Louise. Greer seemed in doubt; he was taken so much by surprise, as it were. He found his tongue, however, and retained control of it long enough to say: “It’s a bad business, a very bad business.” “Indeed, that it is, and no mistake,” put in Mr. Deming. “Oh, but for my sake”--Louise placed her hand lightly upon his shoulder--“you will break your resolution never to do any more detective work for just this once.” Nick Carter would have given five dollars for an opportunity to laugh. He winked at Mignon, and she, taking her cue, said: “I will pay you handsomely for your time, whether you are successful or not. Have you any idea where the rascals have carried my father?” “Yes, madam.”