“I did not become acquainted with him until long afterward. I have known him only about six years, and as you can see he was a man much older than myself, and the friendship that existed between us was much like that of father and son. I could not hold any ill will against him for his treatment of his wife, no matter how bad it was, for I knew him only as one thoroughly repentant and desirous of repairing the damage he had done.” “He was alone in the world?” “Entirely so for all that I know to the contrary.” “Who would benefit by his death? In other words, who would become the owner of this property on his decease?” “I don’t know, unless his wife and child.” “He had, then, made a will in their favor?” “I am not sure of that, although I think such is the case.” At that moment there came a ring at the doorbell. Both men paused to listen. They heard the butler go to the door, and they stepped to the head of the stairs. The door opened and the butler’s voice was heard inquiring: “What do you wish?” The reply came in a woman’s voice: “I want to see Mr. Field.” In an astonished tone the butler echoed: “Mr. Field?” “Yes.” “That is impossible.” “Not so, if he is at home, for I am here by his own appointment. He will surely see me. Go and tell him that his daughter is here!” CHAPTER XVIII. A PUZZLE TO SOLVE. The reply given by the girl was as complete a surprise as anything the detective had listened to. Only a minute before he had been told that it was not known whether this daughter was in existence, and now she was here claiming relationship. While Nick did not say anything aloud, he did so mentally. And what he said was: “The presence of this girl is another of the threads of this mystery!” Meanwhile he was not losing a word of what passed between the butler and the girl. The former gasped: “His daughter, you said?” “Yes.” “He had no daughter!” “In that you are mistaken.” “I am sure he had not.” “I fancy he knew best, and I have a letter here from him to prove the relationship.” “Will you let me see it?” “No. Why should I? Please inform Mr. Field of my arrival; he is the one to determine whether I am or am not his daughter.” “Don’t you know that----” “Know what?” “That Mr. Field is dead?” “Dead!” They could hear the rustle of a dress, as though the girl had shrunk back at the announcement. “Yes, dead.” “It cannot be.” “It is true, nevertheless.” “When did he die?” “Last night.” The girl was silent a moment, and then she was heard to exclaim: “Oh! my poor father--lost as soon as found!” Mentally, the detective said: “She is playing her part most beautifully!” The girl was in the act of leaving when the detective descended the stairs, saying: “Please wait a minute, I would like a few words with this lady.” Barnes would have gone down with him but Nick Carter waved him back.