“Trust me for that,” Dave nodded, extending his hand. “You can bank on me, Carter, to do precisely what you have directed.” “Much may depend upon it. Good morning.” David Mack turned and hastened from the room. Nick gazed at the aged banker, noting his haggard expression and that there were tears in his eyes. “Don’t lose heart, Mr. Madden,” he said kindly. “I think we will finally outwit these rascals and get the best of them.” “Do you really think so?” Mr. Madden questioned, a bit doubtfully. “I do, indeed.” “But tell me frankly, Nick,” entreated the banker. “Have you any definite clew, any suspicions that really warrant the encouragement you give me? I wish to know the worst.” Nick was averse to deceiving him. He realized only too keenly that he had, as yet, no definite clew to the identity of the crooks, and that he then was banking almost entirely upon the arrangements he had just made with David Mack, and upon what they would bring forth. He shook his head and rejoined, a bit gravely: “Frankly, Mr. Madden, I can only reply in the negative.” “I feared so.” “I feel confident, nevertheless, that I soon shall pick up a thread worth following,” Nick quickly added. “I never can tell when that may happen. It may come when least expected. I will immediately inform you in that case and relieve your anxiety.” “Do so, Nick, by all means.” “I suppose in case you are absent that your stenographer will forward any message I might send.” Nick glanced at the covered typewriter mentioned, but with no idea that his prediction of a moment before was about to be verified. “Some one would surely forward a message,” Mr. Madden replied. “Our stenographer left us a few days ago, however, and her position has not yet been filled.” “H’m, I see! Why did she leave?” “I really do not know. Partly, I imagine, because she frequently had to come to my residence for dictation. I do not come to the office regularly, you know, and I often had occasion to telephone her to come to my house. She may have objected to that, though she never said so.” “A young woman?” questioned Nick. “Well, not very young. She must be nearly thirty.” “How long was she employed here?” “About four months.” “She went to your house quite frequently, you say?” “Yes. Several times each week.” “Was she in the habit of seeing your daughter?” “Yes, indeed. She was quite fond of Amy, and occasionally brought her candy. She----” “Stop a moment,” Nick interrupted, with brows contracting. “Who is this woman? What is her name?” “Clara Randall.” “Do you know anything definite about her?” “Only that she came well recommended and is very capable,” said Mr. Madden. “I was sorry to lose her.” “What style of woman?” Nick persisted. “Describe her.” “She is quite a striking woman, very handsome and with fine figure.” “Light or dark?” “She is a pronounced brunette, with a peculiarly pallid complexion and very expressive eyes. She----”