So perfectly natural was her artful assumption, that it rather deceived
Nick for a short time.
In response to his dry remarks, the artful jade now nodded and began to
laugh.
"Surprised? Well, rather!" she exclaimed, in animated tones. "I was
expecting our mutual friend, dear Mr. Venner, and supposed it was he who
rang. But I'm just as pleased to see you."
"Yes?"
"Surely! Come in, Detective Carter. You are very, very welcome. I shall
be so glad to renew our brief acquaintance. In fact, Detective Carter, I
am quite charmed to see you."
"You'll not feel so chipper and charmed when you learn my business,"
said Nick to himself, as he entered and followed her to the library.
"Take a chair, Detective Carter, and try to feel perfectly at home,"
laughed Cervera, with bantering vivacity. "You have been here before,
you know."
"Yes, indeed, I know," said Nick, dryly. "The night I had a taste of a
choke pear, at the hands of your faithful guardians."
"Ah! but you shall be better treated this time," smiled Cervera,
dropping into a chair opposite the detective, and fixing her sensuous,
dark eyes on Nick's calm, unreadable face.
"I hope so, senora," he replied. "By the way, what has become of those
two stalwart guardians of your treasures? Do you still retain them in
your employ?"
It was second nature to Nick to feel his way in this crafty fashion, yet
he did not really expect any resistance in arresting Cervera, who now
laughed and shook her head, replying:
"No, I have let them go.
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