On that evening two things had occurred to the attorney.

Nickem had returned, and had asked for and received an additional week's leave of absence.

He had declined to explain accurately what he was doing but gave the attorney to understand that he thought that he was on the way to the bottom of the whole thing.

Then, after Nickem had left him, Mr.
Masters had a letter of instructions from Lord Rufford's steward.
When he received it, and found that his paid services had been absolutely employed on behalf of his Lordship, he almost regretted the encouragement he had given to Nickem.

In the first place he might want Nickem.