CHAPTER IV.THE REAL THING.
After Nick had talked over the case with Chick and Ida, he had sent Chick to the house in Seventeenth Street to take stock of it and to make inquiries.
“Chick,” he had said, “I don’t think you will learn much, for I fancy the house has been abandoned by these people. However, you may learn something in looking it up.”
He then went to his house, to find a caller awaiting him. Nick looked at the card, but did not recognize the name. It was Richard F. Mountain.
He sent for the caller to come to his own room.
Mr. Mountain was one who showed in his movements that he was a man of business, and accustomed to affairs.
“Are we alone, Mr. Carter?” he added, on entering. “What I have to say is strictly confidential.”
“We cannot be overheard here,” replied Nick.
“The
