CHAPTER IIANOTHER PHASE
The next morning Nick Carter had hardly concluded his breakfast when a card was brought to him by the servant.
He smiled as he read it, and, tossing it to his wife across the table, said:
“I expected that call, but hardly so early.”
He went into the parlor, where a middle-aged man rose to greet him.
“Mr. Carter, I presume,” said the visitor.
Nick bowed and requested his visitor to be seated, seating himself in such a position that the light fell on the face of his caller.
“My card has given you my name,” said the gentleman.
“Yes, Mr. Herron,” replied Nick; “I visited your house last night, or, rather, early this morning, but you were not at home.”
“Yes,” replied Mr. Herron, “and under circumstances that are not at all to my liking. I arrived home early this
