“That woman promised to call early,” Wright rejoined. “Do you think her suspicions were aroused?” “That I cannot tell.” “It is curious.” “Very.” Carter strode over to the window and looked out into the street. He was in a brown study. What should he do? Just then some one knocked on the door, and the detective opened it. A messenger boy stood before him. “I’ve got a note for Mr. Peter Wright,” the boy said. Mr. Wright took the note, and opened it. He glanced at it, and then turning to the boy, asked: “From whom did you receive this?” “A man,” the boy replied. “Where was he when he gave it to you?” “In the barroom of the Humberland House.” “What kind of a looking man was he?” “He was tall, had a smooth face and black hair.” “What did he say when he gave you the note?” “He said simply to fetch it down to you.” “Was that all?” “That was all.” “Did he pay you?” “Yes, sir.” “You may go.” “Wait, sonny.” It was Carter who spoke. He had remained quiet during the time Peter Wright was questioning the lad. “Let me see that note?” he asked, and Wright handed the message to him. He read it, and a smile crossed his face. Then he looked at the boy, and asked: “Did you ever see the man before?” “No, sir,” the boy answered. “You may go.” When the messenger was out of the room, Carter turned to Mr. Wright, and said: “This note shows that the woman suspected a trap.” “No doubt,” Mr. Wright rejoined. “Read the note to me. I just glanced at it.” “‘_Mr. Peter Wright._ “‘DEAR SIR: I cannot call on you to-day. I thought you were a gentleman, but I have discovered that I cannot trust you. After I left you yesterday I learned that you held a conference with Nicholas Carter, the detective, and he commenced to make inquiries about me. That man had better beware of how he meddles with my affairs. I know that you have that package in your possession, and if you turn it over to that detective, you will live to regret it. Yours very respectfully, “‘ISABELLA PORTER.’” “Humph!” Mr. Wright ejaculated, when the detective finished reading. “_That_ for her threat!” and the old man snapped his fingers together, while defiance shone in his eyes. “One thing is certain,” Carter remarked. “What is that?” “We’re watched.” “By whom?” “Probably by the man who gave the note to the messenger boy.” “What are you going to do?” “I am going to call on the cashier of the safe deposit company.” Half an hour later the detective was in the office of the safe deposit company. He and the cashier visited the vault, and, after some hesitation, the latter opened Lawrence’s box. It was empty. When this discovery was made, Carter uttered an exclamation of chagrin. “Who could have removed the contents?” the cashier ejaculated. “Lawrence told me positively that he had valuable papers in this box.”