diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62860-0.txt | 7922 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62860-0.zip | bin | 123531 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62860-h.zip | bin | 250281 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62860-h/62860-h.htm | 9864 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62860-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 81178 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62860-h/images/publisher_icon.jpg | bin | 5739 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62860-h/images/titlepage.jpg | bin | 36395 -> 0 bytes |
10 files changed, 17 insertions, 17786 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d84d462 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #62860 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62860) diff --git a/old/62860-0.txt b/old/62860-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index bd29469..0000000 --- a/old/62860-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7922 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hidden Foes, by Nicholas Carter - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Hidden Foes - A Fatal Miscalculation - -Author: Nicholas Carter - -Release Date: August 6, 2020 [EBook #62860] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HIDDEN FOES *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. - - - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - -Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end. - - * * * * * - -NICK CARTER STORIES - -New Magnet Library - -Price, Fifteen Cents _Not a Dull Book in This List_ - -Nick Carter stands for an interesting detective story. The fact that -the books in this line are so uniformly good is entirely due to the -work of a specialist. The man who wrote these stories produced no -other type of fiction. His mind was concentrated upon the creation of -new plots and situations in which his hero emerged triumphantly from -all sorts of troubles and landed the criminal just where he should -be--behind the bars. - -The author of these stories knew more about writing detective stories -than any other single person. - -Following is a list of the best Nick Carter stories. They have been -selected with extreme care, and we unhesitatingly recommend each of -them as being fully as interesting as any detective story between cloth -covers which sells at ten times the price. - -If you do not know Nick Carter, buy a copy of any of the New Magnet -Library books, and get acquainted. He will surprise and delight you. - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - - 850--Wanted: A Clew By Nicholas Carter - 851--A Tangled Skein By Nicholas Carter - 852--The Bullion Mystery By Nicholas Carter - 853--The Man of Riddles By Nicholas Carter - 854--A Miscarriage of Justice By Nicholas Carter - 855--The Gloved Hand By Nicholas Carter - 856--Spoilers and the Spoils By Nicholas Carter - 857--The Deeper Game By Nicholas Carter - 858--Bolts from Blue Skies By Nicholas Carter - 859--Unseen Foes By Nicholas Carter - 860--Knaves in High Places By Nicholas Carter - 861--The Microbe of Crime By Nicholas Carter - 862--In the Toils of Fear By Nicholas Carter - 863--A Heritage of Trouble By Nicholas Carter - 864--Called to Account By Nicholas Carter - 865--The Just and the Unjust By Nicholas Carter - 866--Instinct at Fault By Nicholas Carter - 867--A Rogue Worth Trapping By Nicholas Carter - 868--A Rope of Slender Threads By Nicholas Carter - 869--The Last Call By Nicholas Carter - 870--The Spoils of Chance By Nicholas Carter - 871--A Struggle With Destiny By Nicholas Carter - 872--The Slave of Crime By Nicholas Carter - 873--The Crook’s Blind By Nicholas Carter - 874--A Rascal of Quality By Nicholas Carter - 875--With Shackles of Fire By Nicholas Carter - 876--The Man Who Changed Faces By Nicholas Carter - 877--The Fixed Alibi By Nicholas Carter - 878--Out With the Tide By Nicholas Carter - 879--The Soul Destroyers By Nicholas Carter - 880--The Wages of Rascality By Nicholas Carter - 881--Birds of Prey By Nicholas Carter - 882--When Destruction Threatens By Nicholas Carter - 883--The Keeper of Black Hounds By Nicholas Carter - 884--The Door of Doubt By Nicholas Carter - 885--The Wolf Within By Nicholas Carter - 886--A Perilous Parole By Nicholas Carter - 887--The Trail of the Finger Prints By Nicholas Carter - 888--Dodging the Law By Nicholas Carter - 889--A Crime in Paradise By Nicholas Carter - 890--On the Ragged Edge By Nicholas Carter - 891--The Red God of Tragedy By Nicholas Carter - 892--The Man Who Paid By Nicholas Carter - 893--The Blind Man’s Daughter By Nicholas Carter - 894--One Object in Life By Nicholas Carter - 895--As a Crook Sows By Nicholas Carter - 896--In Record Time By Nicholas Carter - 897--Held in Suspense By Nicholas Carter - 898--The $100,000 Kiss By Nicholas Carter - 899--Just One Slip By Nicholas Carter - 900--On a Million-dollar Trail By Nicholas Carter - 901--A Weird Treasure By Nicholas Carter - 902--The Middle Link By Nicholas Carter - 903--To the Ends of the Earth By Nicholas Carter - 904--When Honors Pall By Nicholas Carter - 905--The Yellow Brand By Nicholas Carter - 906--A New Serpent in Eden By Nicholas Carter - 907--When Brave Men Tremble By Nicholas Carter - 908--A Test of Courage By Nicholas Carter - 909--Where Peril Beckons By Nicholas Carter - 910--The Gargoni Girdle By Nicholas Carter - 911--Rascals & Co. By Nicholas Carter - 912--Too Late to Talk By Nicholas Carter - 913--Satan’s Apt Pupil By Nicholas Carter - 914--The Girl Prisoner By Nicholas Carter - 915--The Danger of Folly By Nicholas Carter - 916--One Shipwreck Too Many By Nicholas Carter - 917--Scourged by Fear By Nicholas Carter - 918--The Red Plague By Nicholas Carter - 919--Scoundrels Rampant By Nicholas Carter - 920--From Clew to Clew By Nicholas Carter - 921--When Rogues Conspire By Nicholas Carter - 922--Twelve in a Grave By Nicholas Carter - 923--The Great Opium Case By Nicholas Carter - 924--A Conspiracy of Rumors By Nicholas Carter - 925--A Klondike Claim By Nicholas Carter - 926--The Evil Formula By Nicholas Carter - 927--The Man of Many Faces By Nicholas Carter - 928--The Great Enigma By Nicholas Carter - 929--The Burden of Proof By Nicholas Carter - 930--The Stolen Brain By Nicholas Carter - 931--A Titled Counterfeiter By Nicholas Carter - 932--The Magic Necklace By Nicholas Carter - 933--’Round the World for a Quarter By Nicholas Carter - 934--Over the Edge of the World By Nicholas Carter - 935--In the Grip of Fate By Nicholas Carter - 936--The Case of Many Clews By Nicholas Carter - 937--The Sealed Door By Nicholas Carter - 938--Nick Carter and the Green Goods Men By Nicholas Carter - 939--The Man Without a Will By Nicholas Carter - 940--Tracked Across the Atlantic By Nicholas Carter - 941--A Clew From the Unknown By Nicholas Carter - 942--The Crime of a Countess By Nicholas Carter - 943--A Mixed Up Mess By Nicholas Carter - 944--The Great Money Order Swindle By Nicholas Carter - 945--The Adder’s Brood By Nicholas Carter - 946--A Wall Street Haul By Nicholas Carter - 947--For a Pawned Crown By Nicholas Carter - - * * * * * - - - - -HIDDEN FOES - - - OR, A FATAL MISCALCULATION - - BY NICHOLAS CARTER - - Author of the celebrated stories of Nick Carter’s adventures, which - are published exclusively in the NEW MAGNET LIBRARY, conceded - to be among the best detective tales ever written. - - [Illustration] - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION - PUBLISHERS - 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York - - * * * * * - -Copyright, 1917 By Street & Smith Corporation - -Hidden Foes - -(Printed in the United States of America) - -All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign -languages, including the Scandinavian. - - * * * * * - -HIDDEN FOES. - - - - -CHAPTER I. A MYSTERIOUS FATALITY. - - -Nobody had heard the report of a pistol. - -There had been no disturbance; in fact, no audible altercation, no -startling cry for help, or even a groan of sudden, terrible distress. - -The man lay there as motionless, nevertheless, as if felled by a -thunderbolt. His life had been snuffed out like the flame of a candle -by the fury of a whirlwind. Death had come upon him like a bolt from -the blue. By slow degrees his face underwent a change--but it was not -the change that ordinarily follows sudden death, that peaceful calm -that marks the end of earthly toil and trouble. - -Instead, the smoothly shaven skin seemed to shrink and wither slightly -over the dead nerves and lifeless muscles, and a singular slaty hue -that was hardly perceptible settled around his lips and nostrils, -partly dispelling the first deathly pallor. It was as if the blast -from a furnace, or the searing touch of a fiery hand, had withered and -parched it. - -He was a comparatively young man, not over thirty, and he was -fashionably clad in a plaid business suit. He was lying flat on his -back on the floor of the second-story corridor of a building known as -the Waldmere Chambers, in the city of Madison. - -Presently the door of one of the several adjoining rooms was opened -and a stylish young woman emerged. She was clad for the street, and -lingered to lock the door and put the key in her leather hand bag. Then -she turned, and her gaze fell upon the prostrate man, several yards -away and nearer the broad stairway leading down to the lower floor and -the street door. - -“Good heavens! Is he drunk?” she gasped, shrinking involuntarily. - -She feared to approach him, though her hesitation was only momentary. -For she heard the tread of some one on the stairs, obviously that of a -man, and she ventured nearer just as the other appeared at the top of -the stairs, a well-built, florid man of middle age. - -“Oh, Doctor Perry, look here!” she cried excitedly. “What’s the matter -with this man? Is he drunk or ill, or what is the----” - -“Well, well, I don’t wonder you ask.” Doctor Perry approached and gazed -down at him. “I don’t know, Miss Vernon. He appears to be----” - -He stopped short; then crouched and raised the man’s arm, dropping it -quickly. It fell back upon the floor as if made of clay. - -“Heavens!” he exclaimed, rising hurriedly. “The man is dead.” - -“Dead!” Miss Vernon echoed, turning pale. - -“Stone dead. Do you know him?” - -“No. I just came from my rooms to go to lunch and saw him lying here.” - -“Did you hear him fall, or any disturbance, or----” - -“I heard nothing, Doctor Perry, not a sound.” - -“We must call a policeman. I will wait here while you do so. Go down to -the street and find an officer.” - -“Won’t it be better to telephone? I can do so in a moment.” - -“Yes, yes, in that case,” Doctor Perry nodded. “Hasten.” - -Miss Vernon ran back and entered her rooms, on the door of which a -modest brass plate stated that her business was that of a manicure and -ladies’ hairdresser. She ran to a telephone in one of the attractively -furnished rooms, crying quickly to the exchange operator: - -“Give me the police headquarters. Hurry, please! It’s an emergency -case.” - -Seated with Chief Gleason in the latter’s private office when the -telephone call was received in the outer office was the celebrated -American detective, Nicholas Carter, who had arrived in Madison early -that morning with two of his assistants, and who then was discussing -with the chief the business which had occasioned his visit, the nature -of which will presently appear. They were interrupted by a police -sergeant, who knocked and entered, saying quickly: - -“A man has dropped dead, chief, in a corridor of the Waldmere Chambers. -Shall I send the ambulance?” - -“What man? Is he known?” Gleason questioned, swinging around in his -swivel chair. - -“No, sir.” - -“Who informed you?” - -“A woman telephoned that the body had just been found. Doctor Perry, -the dentist, was watching it while she telephoned. His office is in the -Waldmere Chambers. Neither of them knew the dead man.” - -“Yes, send the ambulance,” Chief Gleason directed. “You had better go, -also, and look into the case. If----” - -“One moment,” Nick Carter interrupted. “I think I’ll go with him, -chief, if you don’t mind.” - -“What need of that? It is merely a case of----” - -“We don’t know what kind of a case it is, Gleason, at present,” Carter -cut in again. “A sudden death always warrants more or less suspicion. -It is barely possible that this has some connection with the series of -mysterious crimes that we have been discussing, and which has finally -led you to call on me for assistance. Be that as it may----” - -“Hang it, Carter, I’ll go with you myself, then,” Gleason interrupted, -rising and taking his cap. “You may be right, of course, and the -chance is worth taking. You remain here, sergeant, but send along the -ambulance. We’ll take a taxi.” - -Chief Gleason started for the street while speaking, closely followed -by the famous detective, and they were so fortunate as to find a -taxicab just passing the headquarters building. - -Thus it happened that Nicholas Carter arrived upon the scene of the -sudden fatality scarcely ten minutes after it was discovered. He -was not without an intuitive feeling, moreover, that he was to be -confronted with a mystery of more than ordinary depth and obscurity, a -case that would tax not only his rare detective genius, but also his -skill, craft, and cunning in every department of his professional work. - -“I think, Gleason, that you had better not mention my name while we -are looking into this matter,” he remarked, as they were alighting from -the taxicab. - -“Very well,” Gleason readily assented. “But what do you expect to gain -by suppressing it?” - -“Just what is hard to say at this stage of the game,” Carter replied. -“If all you have told me is true, however, and Madison is afflicted -with a crook whose crafty work has completely baffled your entire -police department, it may be of some advantage to me, at least, if he -does not immediately learn that I have been employed to run him down. -That would serve only to put him on his guard.” - -“I see the point,” Gleason nodded. “I agree with you, too.” - -“The fact has not been disclosed, I understand.” - -“Only to a few members of the force, Carter; all of whom were ordered -to say nothing about it. They may be trusted.” - -“Very good! If there should be occasion to introduce me to others, -then, present me as Mr. Blaisdell,” Carter directed. “That is the name -under which I am registered at the Wilton House.” - -“Blaisdell--I’ll bear it in mind.” - -“Come on, then,” the detective added. “We are none too soon. A crowd is -beginning to gather.” - -Their remarks had been made while they were entering the building. -A group of men had collected at the top of the stairs. They were -restrained by a policeman who had been called in from the street, and a -passageway was hurriedly made for Chief Gleason and his companion. That -the latter was the famous New York detective, not even the policeman -then suspected. - -The scene in the second-floor corridor was about what Nick Carter -anticipated. Half a score of men and women had come from the adjoining -rooms and offices and were gazing with mingled awe and consternation -at the lifeless man on the floor. He was lying where he had fallen. A -physician had been hurriedly summoned and was bending over him, engaged -in making a superficial examination. - -Chief Gleason started slightly when he beheld the upturned face of the -dead man. - -“Good heavens!” he muttered. “It’s Gaston Todd.” - -Carter heard his muttered exclamation. Restraining him, at the same -time furtively watching the physician, he said quietly: - -“One moment, chief. Who is Gaston Todd? What about him?” - -“He was born and brought up here,” Gleason replied. “He had been in the -stock brokerage business for ten years, cashier for Daly & Page. He was -a clubman and a figure in society.” - -“Married?” - -“No. He had a suite in the Wilton House. By Jove, it’s barely possible -that----” - -“What is barely possible?” - -“That you are right.” - -“Right in what respect? Tell me.” - -Carter had noticed the chief’s hesitation, his dark frown, as if he had -started to say something which discretion quickly led him to withhold. -He demurred only for a moment, however, then explained with lowered -voice: - -“Right, perhaps in thinking there is knavery back of this. There had -been a feeling of bitter rivalry between Todd and a young local -lawyer, Frank Paulding, who is an exceedingly impetuous and hot-headed -chap. They had an ugly altercation in the Country Club last night, I -have heard, and it is said that they nearly came to blows. That may -have ended it, of course, though this sudden death of Todd, following -it so quickly----” - -“Is somewhat significant,” Nick Carter put in quietly. “I agree with -you. In what have the two men been rivals?” - -“For the hand of Edna Thurlow, by far the most beautiful and -accomplished girl in Madison. She inherited half a million when her -father died. Her mother, Mrs. Mortimer Thurlow, is also very wealthy -and fashionable. She’s the acknowledged leader of the local smart set. -The two men may have met here this morning. Possibly the fight of last -night was resumed, resulting in----” - -“Let it go at that,” the detective interrupted. “The physician has -ended his examination.” - - - - -CHAPTER II. NICK CARTER’S OPINION. - - -Chief Gleason immediately turned and approached the rising physician, -asking a bit brusquely: - -“Well, Doctor Doyle, what do you make of it? The man is dead?” - -“Yes, indeed, there is no question about that, Mr. Gleason.” - -“What was the cause?” - -“It appears to be a case of heart disease.” - -“Are you sure of it?” - -“One cannot be absolutely sure, Mr. Gleason, without performing an -autopsy,” Doctor Doyle said blandly, while he wiped his fingers with -his handkerchief. “I feel reasonably sure. There is no wound that I can -discover, nor does there appear to be any indication of foul play. Yes, -I feel reasonably sure of it,” he repeated. - -“You don’t think, then, that there is any occasion to notify the -coroner?” Gleason said inquiringly. - -“There seems to be none. I have no doubt that the man died from natural -causes. There is no superficial evidence to the contrary, or any----” - -Doctor Doyle broke off abruptly, his gaze having fallen upon the -detective, who had passed back of the couple and approached the body. - -Carter then was bending over it, and with his finger had raised one of -Todd’s eyelids. He studied the ball and pupil for several seconds, then -took a powerful lens from his pocket and inspected the dead man’s face -and lips. He looked up after a moment and said: - -“I don’t agree with you, doctor. This man appears to have been a very -strong and rugged fellow.” - -“That is true, sir, as far as it goes,” Doctor Doyle admitted, frowning -slightly when his professional opinion was thus questioned by a -stranger. - -“It seems hardly probable that such a man died of heart disease,” the -detective said pointedly. “Nor do his eyes denote that apoplexy was the -cause.” - -“You will have to go deeper, sir, nevertheless, to find positive -evidence of the cause,” Doctor Doyle said, rather coldly. “Superficial -evidence is not absolutely convincing.” - -“Have you noticed this slight discoloration of the skin near the mouth -and nostrils?” - -“Yes, of course.” - -“How do you account for that?” - -“Such slight changes immediately after death are not uncommon,” said -the physician. “There may be a slight settlement of blood in the -tissues in that locality.” - -“You would not attribute it to a blow?” - -“Surely not. There could be no mistaking the evidence of a violent -blow.” - -“But the skin appears to be slightly withered,” said Carter. “Minute -wrinkles are discernible with my lens, particularly in the thin skin of -the lips.” - -“That may be easily explained.” - -“How so?” - -“Death may have been preceded by a sudden terrible pain, causing a -contraction of the lips, and what may be termed a pinched condition -of the nerves and muscles in that locality. They may not have relaxed -yet, which causes the drawn appearance of the skin which, you say, -is discernible with your lens. No, I do not wish to examine it more -closely. I don’t think it signifies anything.” - -“I do,” said the detective, rising abruptly. “I think----” - -“One moment, gentlemen.” The interruption came from Doctor Perry, the -dentist, who still was among the people then gathered in the corridor. -“Here is Professor Graff, the chemist. His opinion ought to be valuable -in a case of this kind.” - -Nicholas Carter turned to gaze at the man who then was approaching. - -Professor Graff had come from a room at the rear end of the corridor, -and he appeared surprised that something unusual had occurred, -evidently having heard none of the disturbance. He was a man of medium -build, somewhat bowed, and appeared to be about sixty years old. His -hair and beard were gray, his complexion sallow, his expression serious -and reserved. He wore gold-bowed spectacles and looked as if he might -be of German or Swedish extraction. He was clad for the street, wearing -a soft felt hat and a coat with a cape, a style augmenting his foreign -appearance. - -“Dear me, what has happened?” he said gravely, while others made way -for him to approach. “A gentleman injured--not dead, is he?” - -“Yes.” Doctor Perry drew him nearer. “He was found lying here a few -minutes ago.” - -“I heard nothing. I have just come up from my laboratory. Why, why, -this is Mr. Gaston Todd,” Professor Graff added amazedly, manifestly -shocked by the discovery. “I cannot be mistaken. I have seen him -frequently in the Wilton House.” - -“There is no question as to his identity,” replied the dentist, who -appeared to be the only person acquainted with the chemist. “There is a -difference of opinion between Doctor Doyle and this gentleman, however, -as to the possible cause of his death. They----” - -“Let me explain,” the detective interposed, addressing the chemist. “It -will take me only a few minutes.” - -“Why, yes, certainly,” Professor Graff bowed, regarding the detective a -bit curiously. - -Carter turned again to the body, briefly pointing out the conditions he -already had mentioned, and then added earnestly: - -“Use my lens. You can see more distinctly.” - -Professor Graff smiled faintly and shook his head. - -“Really, sir, there is no occasion,” he replied. “My opinion in such a -matter is worthless. I know nothing about such things. I am a chemist, -not a physician. I can subject the physical organs to analysis and -detect poisons, or other foreign substances, perhaps; but I would not -wish to pass upon the conditions you have mentioned. It seems only -reasonable to me, however, that Doctor Doyle’s opinion ought to be -entirely reliable.” - -“I think he will find it so,” said the latter, as Professor Graff moved -away and descended the stairs. - -Nick Carter did not longer argue the point. Instead, turning to Chief -Gleason, he whispered quietly: - -“You had better be governed by my opinion, nevertheless, and take the -necessary steps to insure an autopsy.” - -“You really think, then, that----” - -“Never mind what I really think. I’ll see you later and inform you. You -will make no mistake, however, in doing what I direct. Take it from me, -Gleason, this man was--murdered.” - -“Murdered? Why do you----” - -“Hush!” Nick quietly cautioned. “There will be nothing in immediately -disclosing my suspicion. It will be better to conceal it temporarily. -Has this man a family?” - -“No; no family.” - -“Or relatives who will be likely to interfere?” - -“I think not. I am quite sure of it, in fact.” - -“Very good. Notify the coroner, then, and have him take the necessary -steps to perform an autopsy later,” the detective directed. -“Understand?” - -“Perfectly,” Chief Gleason nodded. “I will see to it.” - -“And I will see you later, also the coroner, and explain my position,” -Carter added. “Just now I have something else in view and must get a -move on. Mum’s the word, mind you, until after the autopsy.” - -He did not wait for an answer. He turned away and quickly departed, -leaving his observers wondering who he was and what he had said, his -instructions having been imparted in subdued and hurried whispers. - -Returning to the street, Carter consulted a directory in a drug store, -and five minutes later he entered the Gratton Building and approached -the office of the lawyer whom the chief had mentioned. He listened at -the door for a moment, hearing nothing, and then opened it and entered. - -A tall, clean-cut man of thirty swung around in his swivel chair -from a rolltop desk. He was of light complexion, with a smoothly -shaved, attractive face, and frank blue eyes. He was alone and looked -a bit curiously at his visitor, who, glancing sharply around the -well-equipped office, appeared somewhat surprised, and said: - -“Pardon me. Are you Mr. Paulding?” - -“Yes, I am, sir.” - -“I thought I saw Mr. Gaston Todd come in here a moment ago. Was I -mistaken?” - -“Humph!” Paulding straightened up with an expressive grunt. “Yes, sir, -very much mistaken. Todd never comes here, nor would it be wise for -him to do so. I would fire him out, head, neck, and heels, before he -could open his mouth. You may repeat that to him, if you like and are a -friend of his. I would say the same to Todd himself.” - -Nick laughed, thrusting his hands into his pockets, and surveyed with -quizzical eye the somewhat impulsive speaker. - -“Oh, I’m no friend of Todd,” he replied. “I know him only by sight. -There is a little matter, however, about which I would like to question -him.” - -“All right, in that case, and I’ll do all I can to help you,” Paulding -said more agreeably. “I saw him in the Waldmere Chambers about fifteen -minutes ago. He still is there, perhaps, if you care to seek him.” - -“In the rooms of one of the tenants, or----” - -“No. He was in the second-floor corridor,” Paulding interrupted. “He -appeared to be waiting for some one. I passed him when I came out.” - -“Did you speak to him?” - -“Not by a long chalk. I speak to Todd only under protest and when it -cannot be avoided. That’s all I can tell you. You may find him there, -perhaps.” - -Nick Carter had accomplished his object. He was a keen physiognomist -and could read faces and characters much less frank and outspoken -than those of this lawyer. He now was absolutely sure, in fact, that -Paulding knew nothing about Todd’s death, nor had even heard of it. He -smiled and replied: - -“Much obliged. Sorry to have troubled you.” - -“No trouble at all, sir.” - -“May I ask, Mr. Paulding, what took you to the Waldmere Chambers?” - -“I went there to confer with a client who----” Paulding broke off -abruptly, gazing more sharply at the detective, then frowningly added: -“But why do you ask why I went there? What is it to you? It strikes me -that you are deucedly inquisitive.” - -“I agree with you,” said Nick, coolly placing a chair near that of -the lawyer and sitting down. “There is serious occasion for it, Mr. -Paulding, as I now will explain: I happen to know that Mr. Gaston Todd -has not left that second-floor corridor in the Waldmere Chambers. He -was found dead there immediately after you left the building.” - -“Dead--found dead!” Paulding stared amazedly. “What are you saying? Do -you really mean it--that Gaston Todd is--dead!” - -If Nick had had even a lingering shadow of suspicion, it would have -been instantly dispelled by the expression of the lawyer’s face. It was -one that no man could have feigned, however accomplished an actor. He -bowed and replied: - -“Yes, Mr. Paulding, that is precisely what I mean. Gaston Todd is dead.” - -“Dear me, I can hardly believe it. It seems utterly incredible. Found -dead, you say----” - -“Exactly. Where you last saw him. He was----” - -“Stop a moment! What do you imply by that?” - -Paulding’s face had changed like a flash. His brows fell and his eyes -took on a threatening gleam and glitter. He lurched forward in his -chair, adding quickly: - -“Why did you say he was found immediately after I left the building, -and where I last saw him? What are you insinuating? What are you trying -to put over on me? Why, if you knew he was dead, did you come here to -pretend you were seeking him? Who the devil are you, that you impose -upon me in this way, implying that I----” - -“Here is my card,” the detective blandly interposed, tendering it. “You -may, perhaps, know me by name.” - - - - -CHAPTER III. A FRIEND WORTH HAVING. - - -Nick Carter smiled amusedly when Frank Paulding, having fairly snatched -the card and read it, straightened up in his chair and stared at him -with almost ludicrous astonishment. - -“Nicholas Carter!” he exclaimed; “the New York detective! Good -gracious!” - -“Is it so very amazing?” the detective asked dryly. - -“Yes, by Jove, it is,” said Paulding, pulling himself together. “I -do, indeed, know you by name, and who does not? Let the circumstances -be what they may, too, I am very glad to become acquainted with you. -I am not blind, nevertheless, to the fact that your visit is rather -significant; decidedly so, in reality, in view of your duplicity and -covert insinuations that----” - -“That you know something about Todd’s sudden death,” Nick put in, -checking him. “Don’t let that annoy you. I did so, Mr. Paulding, only -to assure myself to the contrary. I have succeeded, too, completely.” - -“But what was the occasion?” Paulding questioned. “I don’t see, Mr. -Carter, why you thought I knew anything about it.” - -“I did not really think so,” Nick said dryly. “I foresaw, however, what -others possibly will think, sooner or later, and I wanted to look at -you and take your measure before circumstances might make it difficult -for me to do so with absolute certainty. He is a wise man and keen, you -know, who anticipates coming events.” - -“By Jove, I fail to get you, Mr. Carter,” Paulding said more seriously. -“Take my measure, eh? What others will possibly think? Say, you -don’t--you don’t mean that--that Gaston Todd was killed, do you? Not -that he was--murdered?” - -Nick glanced at the door, to be sure that he had closed it. He then -replied more impressively: - -“I am a stranger to you, Mr. Paulding, but you will make no mistake in -meeting me halfway and taking my advice. I frequently am a good friend -to have in time of trouble.” - -“I know of none I would rather have,” Paulding said quickly. - -“That goes, does it?” - -“You bet it goes.” - -“What now passes between us, then, must be strictly confidential,” said -the detective. “You must, moreover, be governed by my instructions. You -will presently see, I think, that that will be the only wise course for -you to shape. If you are not inclined to meet me in this way----” - -“But I am,” Paulding cut in earnestly. “I’m not blind. I now see there -is something wrong, Mr. Carter, and that you are here in my behalf. I -would be more than a fool, sir, if I did not take advantage of your -offer. I promise in advance to do what you direct.” - -“Very good,” Nick said approvingly. “You will not regret it.” - -“But how am I in wrong?” Paulding asked anxiously. “Has a crime been -committed? Was Todd murdered?” - -“I think so,” said the detective. - -“Good heavens! Is it possible that I am suspected of----” - -“One moment, Paulding, and I will tell you about it.” - -He then stated the circumstances briefly, in so far as he had figured -in the case, and then added pointedly: - -“You now can see why I wanted to talk with you, Paulding, and get your -measure.” - -“Yes, yes, I see,” Paulding nodded. “But how did you know that I passed -Todd in the corridor just before he died, or was killed? I saw no one -else. I am sure, too, that no one saw me. How did you know I had just -left there?” - -“For two reasons,” Nick replied. “One, because you told me so.” - -“I told you so?” Paulding stared perplexedly. - -“In effect,” smiled the detective. “You said you had passed Todd about -fifteen minutes ago, and I knew that was just about when his body was -discovered.” - -“Ah, I see. You are a keen reasoner, Mr. Carter. You said there were -two reasons, however.” - -“The other can be briefly stated: Todd did not look to me like a man -who had dropped dead of any organic trouble. He looked like a strong -and healthful fellow. I very soon suspected murder; and, after having -been told of your fight with Todd in the Country Club last night, I -reasoned that you had just met him, perhaps, and been seen by some -person who, for some reason and knowing all of the circumstances, -had taken advantage of them to craftily kill Todd and fix the crime -upon you, assuming that you had not done it. That’s why I lost no time -in sizing you up from personal observation. I wanted to do so before -you heard of Todd’s death, in case you were innocent, of which I was -quickly convinced. Have I made it plain to you?” - -“Perfectly plain, Mr. Carter,” Paulding said earnestly. “I am more than -grateful. I don’t know how I can repay you for your interest in me, a -stranger----” - -“Don’t speak of that,” the detective interrupted. “I am interested in -serving justice, mind you, and am taking what seems to be the best -way. I am not absolutely sure that Todd was murdered. An autopsy will -determine that. If he was, at such a time and in such a public place, -without any disturbance or any superficial wound, it was accomplished -by most extraordinary means and by a knave of exceeding boldness and -ability, who may be equally as skillful in hiding his identity and -covering his tracks. That’s why I have tackled the case in the bud, so -to speak, in anticipation of what may follow.” - -“I understand,” said Paulding. “It now is perfectly plain.” - -“We’ll get right down to business, then, for I wish you to answer a few -questions,” Carter replied. - -“As many as you wish, Mr. Carter, and to the best of my ability.” - -“Very good. Todd appeared to be waiting for some one, you have said.” - -“Yes. That was my impression.” - -“Do you know for whom, or how long he had been there?” - -“No, neither.” - -“Do you know of any person whom he visits, who has rooms or an office -in that building?” - -“I do not. He was not the type of man I fancied, Mr. Carter, and we -never have been good friends.” - -“I was told that he was a popular clubman.” - -“He was, I admit, and there are many who liked him.” - -“What was the trouble between you last evening?” the detective -inquired. “I was told----” - -“I can tell you in a nutshell,” Paulding interrupted. “He spoke of a -young lady in terms that no gentleman should have used. I called him -down, Mr. Carter. One word led to another, and we nearly came to blows. -That’s all there was to it, however, for others interposed and Todd -immediately left the clubhouse. I did not see him again until we met -this morning in the Waldmere Chambers.” - -“Do you know anything against him, so far as his character and habits -are concerned?” - -“Well, no,” said Paulding, after a moment. “He was somewhat dissipated -at times and in with the fast set. He gambled more or less on the -quiet, and I know he was friendly with other women while paying -attention to----” - -“To Miss Thurlow,” put in Carter, when the lawyer hesitated. “Her name -was mentioned to me, also, and the fact that a bitter rivalry existed -between you and Todd.” - -“Well, there is some truth in that,” Paulding admitted, flushing. -“Regardless of my affection and whether she really cares for me, Mr. -Carter, I never considered Todd a fit man for Edna Thurlow. I would -not have permitted him to visit a sister of mine, if I had one. Edna -is young, however; only nineteen, and it’s not difficult for a man of -Todd’s type to deceive an inexperienced girl. I do not mean by that, -Mr. Carter, that he would not have cared to marry her. He was out to -get her, if possible, and----” - -“So are you, Paulding, aren’t you?” Nick interrupted. “Tell me frankly.” - -“Yes, indeed, I am, Mr. Carter, if she’ll have me.” - -“Do you think she will?” - -“I hope so, think so, in fact, though I have not yet ventured to -ask her. Bear in mind, Mr. Carter, that she is wealthy, prominent -socially, and a very beautiful and accomplished girl, while I am only -a struggling lawyer, bucking up against a hard game, and with only -patronage and income enough to keep me going. But I’ll make good, all -right, and then----” - -“I think you will, Paulding,” the detective again interposed. “Let -it go at that, now, for my time is limited. I wish to give you a few -instructions, which you must follow to the letter.” - -“I will do so,” Paulding assured him. “You may rely upon that.” - -“Much may depend upon it,” Carter said impressively. “As I have said, -nevertheless, I am not absolutely sure that Todd was murdered. Nor, -if he was, am I sure that you will be seriously involved, or even -suspected. I think you may be, however, for the reason stated, and you -must in that case do precisely what I direct.” - -“I certainly will, Mr. Carter,” Mr. Paulding again said earnestly. - -“To begin with, then, say nothing about this interview, or the fact -that we have met and that I am interested in the case,” Nick directed. -“Do not confide in any one, not excepting Miss Thurlow, even, in case -you are arrested and charged with the crime.” - -“Good heavens! Do you anticipate that?” Paulding asked anxiously. - -“It is possible, if not probable,” the detective replied. “You must, -in that case, do precisely as if we had not met. Say not a word about -me until I countermand these instructions. My presence in Madison is -not generally known, and, while looking into this matter, as well as -other business that brought me here, I may derive an advantage from -concealing the fact.” - -“I understand, and will act accordingly.” - -“You may assert your innocence, employ another lawyer, get bail if you -can, and all that--but not a word about me.” - -“That goes,” Paulding nodded. “I’ll be as dumb as an oyster.” - -“Very good,” said Carter, extending his hand and rising to go. “I -will make it a point to see you as soon as possible, in case you are -arrested, but do not under any circumstances send for me. On the other -hand, do not fear that I will desert you. I shall know all that is -going on and will be hard at work for you.” - -“That’s good enough for me,” declared Paulding, warmly pressing the -detective’s hand. “You can bank on me, Mr. Carter, let come what -may--as I’m going to bank on you.” - -“Good enough, then,” the detective added. “We’ll wait and see how the -cat jumps.” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. THE MAN OF LAST RESORT. - - -Nicholas Carter did not return to the Waldmere Chambers after his -interview with Frank Paulding. It was not entirely due to his intuitive -perception, or to any evidence definitely involving another, that had -caused him to feel that Paulding had played no part in the killing of -Gaston Todd, and that he might be possibly the victim of a carefully -planned conspiracy. - -It was due in part to what Chief Gleason had told him earlier that -morning, when they were discussing the business that had brought him -secretly to Madison with his two most reliable assistants. - -Nick saw nothing to be gained by returning to the Waldmere Chambers, -and he hastened to the Wilton House, instead, going at once to the -suite assigned him, where Chick and Patsy then were waiting for him. - -“Well, there must be something doing, indeed,” Chick exclaimed, gazing -at him when he entered. “Has it taken Gleason the entire morning to -tell you why we are needed in Madison?” - -“No, not quite,” Carter replied, taking a chair. “There is more doing -than what Gleason confided to me, Chick, and I think there may be some -connection between them. Unless I am very much mistaken, there was a -deucedly singular murder committed about an hour ago.” - -“The devil you say!” Chick returned. “Have you been looking into it?” - -“Superficially.” - -“Tell us, chief,” said Patsy, with immediate interest. “Why singular?” - -“I will do so presently,” Nick replied. “I first will tell you why -Chief Gleason sent for me. It’s a rather remarkable story.” - -“A mysterious crime, chief?” - -“Quite a number of them, Patsy.” - -“Gee whiz! We are booked for some hard work, then, if the local police -cannot handle them.” - -“Crimes of what kind, chief?” Chick inquired. - -“The first was committed several months ago,” said Carter, disposing -of the match with which he had been lighting a cigar. “It was the -robbery of a prominent local banker, named Wagner, whose statements are -entirely reliable.” - -“What were the circumstances?” - -“Briefly stated, he was going home from his club about nine o’clock one -evening, after having dined there with a friend. He is a well-built, -powerful man of forty, about the last whom a holdup man would venture -to tackle. He wore some valuable jewelry, however, and he had nearly a -thousand dollars in his pocket, which he wanted to use before banking -hours the following morning.” - -“The crook may have known about it.” - -“Possibly, though Wagner doesn’t think so.” - -“Where was the crime committed?” - -“In the grounds of his own house, a fine residence in Garside Avenue. -He was sauntering up a gravel walk leading to his front door, when a -man came down from the veranda and approached to meet him. Wagner did -not recognize him, but he naturally inferred that the stranger had -called to see him, and, not finding him at home, that he was about -departing.” - -“Certainly,” Chick nodded. “That was perfectly natural.” - -“What followed was quite the contrary,” Carter remarked dryly. “The -stranger stopped directly in front of him and asked whether he was -Mr. Wagner. He had an unlighted cigar in his mouth, or so Wagner has -stated. The latter replied in the affirmative, of course, and asked -what was wanted.” - -“And then, chief?” queried Patsy. - -“Then came the one singular feature of the case,” said the detective. -“Wagner felt a sensation as if a breath of air had hit his face. -He doesn’t know where it came from, nor can he explain it, for the -stranger still had the cigar between his lips and his mouth was closed. -Be that as it may, Wagner instantly felt very numb and confused, and in -another moment he lost consciousness.” - -“Fainted away?” - -“Not quite that, Patsy.” - -“Great guns! What was he up against, chief?” - -“That’s the question,” said Nick. “He was seen on the gravel walk a -little later by a passing policeman, who hastened to aid him. Wagner -still was unconscious, dead to the world, as he afterward expressed it -when revived by a physician. He had been robbed of his money and all of -his jewelry, and the thief had disappeared, leaving absolutely no clew -to his identity.” - -“He has not been traced, nor any of the jewelry?” - -“Neither.” - -“Is any one suspected?” - -“No.” Nick shook his head. “There have been numerous other robberies of -a like character, and under similar circumstances, but in no case has -any of the stolen property been recovered, nor a clew to the criminal -been found. The police have been at work for months on more than a -score of such cases.” - -“By Jove! that’s very peculiar,” Chick said thoughtfully. “Is the -description of the crook the same in all cases?” - -“Far from it,” Carter replied. “They vary materially.” - -“There must be a gang at work, then.” - -“It appears so.” - -“Did the victim in each case experience the same sensations as those -described by Wagner?” - -“Very similar, though the circumstances were not always the same. -All agree, however, that they suddenly became unconscious from an -unknown cause, while talking with a person who had accosted them on -one pretense or another. One stock broker was robbed in that way -while alone in his business office. The police are all at sea, and -the community is on nettles as to who will be the next victim of the -mysterious and elusive plunderers. That’s why Gleason sent secretly for -me to aid him.” - -“How do you size it up, chief?” Patsy inquired. “What do you make of -it?” - -“Well, take the case of Wagner,” Carter replied. “He is very much -mystified by the breath of air he felt on his face. His assailant’s -lips were closed around a cigar, and Wagner is sure he could not have -exhaled the breath he suddenly felt.” - -“Surely not, chief, in that case,” said Patsy. - -“Don’t be so sure of it,” Carter returned. “When a man confronts -another and has a full-length cigar between his teeth, the outer end of -it may be very near the other’s face.” - -“That’s true, chief, but what of it?” - -“Suppose it was not a cigar, but made to closely resemble one?” - -“Gee whiz! I get you,” cried Patsy. “You mean a tube through which -one’s breath might be blown.” - -“I mean a tube, Patsy, which contained something that may have been -forced outward by the man’s breath, and so directed that Wagner must -have inhaled it,” Carter explained. - -“I see.” - -“Just what it was, being powerful enough to immediately overcome him, -and how the tube was constructed so that the user would not be affected -by its contents when ejecting it, are open questions.” - -“Do you really think that is how it was done?” Chick inquired, a bit -incredulous. - -“I certainly do,” nodded the detective. - -“Had Gleason thought of that device, or any of the police?” - -“No, nor did I inform him,” said Carter, smiling significantly. -“Since we are about to investigate these mysterious cases, which I -have decided to do, we may derive an advantage by not disclosing our -suspicions.” - -“Certainly,” Chick agreed. “That’s good judgment. It may be, chief, -that the crook has discovered an odorless and very powerful narcotic -gas; also various methods by which he can craftily and quickly -administer it.” - -“Something of that nature, Chick, which also indicates that he is a man -of education, with a knowledge of drugs and mechanics,” Carter pointed -out. “All this is what leads me to think there may be some connection -between these numerous strange robberies and the mysterious killing -of Gaston Todd this noon, if an autopsy shows positively that he was -murdered.” - -“That’s the case you mentioned?” - -“Yes. I now will tell you about it.” - -The detective proceeded to do so, covering all of the essential points, -both during his observations in the Waldmere Chambers and his call upon -Frank Paulding. - -“By Jove! this case does have a striking likeness to the others,” Chick -declared, after listening attentively. “It may be a murder case, as you -suspect.” - -“The similarity first led me to suspect it.” - -“Naturally.” - -“There are three other cases, too, about which Gleason told me, that -are fully as peculiar,” Carter added, knocking the ashes from his cigar. - -“What are they, chief?” questioned Patsy. - -“They involve three girls, or, more properly, young women, for all are -about twenty,” said the detective. “All were found unconscious in the -grounds of the local hospital.” - -“At the same time?” - -“No. There was an interval of several days between them.” - -“Found when?” - -“About midnight.” - -“Had they been robbed?” - -“No. There was no robbery in either case, nor has it been learned -that an outrage of any kind was attempted,” Nick explained. “Each of -the girls was first taken to the police headquarters, I understand, -and afterward sent to the hospital, where one of the physicians soon -succeeded in reviving her. She then was allowed to depart, after -stating that she could not account for her strange condition, nor -remember anything that had befallen her.” - -“By gracious, that is peculiar, chief, for fair,” declared Patsy, -gazing perplexedly. - -“More strange, perhaps, and somewhat significant, is the fact that not -one of these girls could afterward be found by the police, when they -tumbled to a possibility that the three cases might have some relation -to the many mysterious robberies.” - -“Their names are not known?” - -“So Gleason states. It appears that they were not learned by the -hospital authorities.” - -“The whole business does seem strange, indeed,” Chick said more -gravely. “It looks as if we were up against a very curious and -complicated mess.” - -“And crooks of extraordinary craft and cunning,” put in Patsy earnestly. - -“I agree with both of you,” said Nick, glancing at his watch. “Come, we -are due for a late lunch. I will make further inquiries this afternoon, -and then--well, I will have decided by evening how we can begin our -work. The autopsy to-morrow may show us the way.” - - - - -CHAPTER V. ANOTHER STRANGE CASE. - - -The steeple bell of a church within a stone’s throw of Hamilton -Square struck twelve. The successive strokes fell with monotonous -reverberations on the midnight air, breaking with solemn resonance the -quietude of that reputable residential section of Madison. - -For Hamilton Square, though not far from the business district, was in -an attractive part of the city, to which the extensive tract of land -had been donated years before, in part for a public square and the -remainder for the site, park, and gardens of the now locally famous -Osgood Hospital, established by the donor, and still largely supported -by the income from his bequests. - -The last stroke of the bell scarce had died away to a customary -stillness, when a burly policeman, one James Donovan, appeared on one -side of the square flanking the hospital grounds, moving along near the -iron fence and pausing now and then to gaze across the broad avenue at -the opposite dwellings, the most of which were shrouded in darkness. - -Presently, approaching a gate in the fence, he muttered to himself: - -“I may as well have another look. It’s a hundred to one there has been -nothing doing, though, or I would have heard it. This evidently isn’t -one of the nights for their devilish doings. Hang it, I’m not sure of -it!” - -He had stopped short, taking out his electric lamp and flashing the -beam of light on the ornamental gate. A padlock had been removed and -was lying on the gravel walk within. Nearly at his feet, discovered -after a brief search, was a piece of black thread. - -“By thunder, I was wrong,” Donovan muttered, gazing around and scowling -perplexedly. “Have my ears gone back on me? Has this scurvy trick been -turned again? Some one has been through this gate since I tied the -thread on it. I’ll darned soon find out.” - -Quietly lifting the latch, Donovan opened the gate and entered with -quickened steps. He did not follow the gravel walk, which led toward an -end door in a wing of the hospital some fifty yards away. Instead, he -strode straight across the broad lawn, through the deeper gloom under -the trees, until he came to one, the drooping branches of which formed a -sort of arbor in a secluded part of the extensive estate. - -There was an iron seat under it, and the policeman flashed his light in -that direction. It fell upon a motionless figure in a huddled position -on one end of the seat--the figure of a young woman. - -“Another, by thunder, as sure as I’m a foot high,” Donovan gasped -audibly. “In spite of my vigilance, too, and in the same place and -condition as the others. Sure, this beats me.” - -Donovan drew nearer and bent over the motionless girl. She was about -nineteen, with a slender, neatly clad figure, a dark skirt and Eton -jacket. Her head was bowed forward, and her hat was somewhat awry. She -was of dark complexion, but the ghastly pallor of her cheeks caused -the policeman to catch his breath. He bowed over her, listening, and -presently could hear the faint breathing of the unconscious girl. - -“By Jove, I feared for a moment she was gone,” he said to himself, -straightening up. “I’ll try to raise the sergeant. He said he’d show up -about midnight.” - -Donovan walked away toward the gate again and blew his whistle, a -shrill, sinister sound on the night air. Thrice he had to sound it, and -then he heard a distant reply. Several moments later hurried footsteps -fell on the pavement, and an officer in plain clothes appeared at the -gate. - -“That you, Jim?” he called quietly. - -“Yes, sir.” Donovan’s hand went to his helmet. “I thought I might get -you, Sergeant Brady, as you said you’d drop around about this time.” - -“Something doing?” - -“Yes, sir, the same old job.” - -“The devil you say! Have you seen no one, nor heard anything?” - -“Not a soul, sir, nor a sound,” Donovan declared, approaching the gate. -“Faith, I think my eyes and ears have gone to the bad. I was round here -twenty minutes ago. The padlock then was on the gate, and this thread, -tied so that the gate could not be opened without breaking it, was -just as I had fixed it. It’s a cinch, now, that this is the gate the -rascals have been using. The chief thought, you know, that the padlock -might have been taken off only for a blind. The breaking of the thread -settles it.” - -“That’s a clever scheme, Jim,” Brady said approvingly. “Yes, yes, -undoubtedly that’s the gate. Another woman, you say?” - -“Yes, sir, and on the same iron seat.” - -“I’ll have a look at her.” - -“This way, sergeant.” - -“The fourth in a fortnight.” Brady spoke with a growl while he and -his companion strode across the lawn. “I don’t understand it. I’ll be -hanged, Jim, if I can make head or tail to a mystery of this kind. I -don’t see why it’s done, or who could quit a winner.” - -“Faith, it’s as black as dock mud,” Donovan vouchsafed grimly. “Here -she is, sergeant, dead to the world.” - -Brady stopped and gazed down at the inanimate girl--the fourth who -had been found on this same seat, at the same time, and in the same -condition, within two weeks. - -“Humph!” Brady grunted, rubbing his furrowed brow perplexedly. “Mystery -is no name for it.” - -“Shall I send in an ambulance call?” - -“No. It’s another case for the hospital. There’s nothing in taking her -to headquarters and then bringing her back here, as was done in the -other three cases.” - -“Sure, sergeant, that’s right.” - -“Go to that wing door and raise one of the attendants. Tell him what’s -up, Jim, and have him bring out a litter. I’ll wait here until you -return.” - -Donovan hurried away and vanished around a corner of the wing. He -returned in about five minutes, accompanied by one of the hospital -attendants, bearing a folded litter, which he hastened to open and on -which he and the policeman placed the girl. - -While they were doing so, Brady discovered a small leather hand bag on -the ground near the seat. He picked it up and tossed it on the litter. - -“Go ahead,” he commanded, a bit gruffly. “Get a move on. I’ll go with -you.” - -His companions picked up their burden and obeyed. They trooped across -the grounds and around the end of the wing, bringing up at a door over -which a red lantern was burning. It was opened by an orderly within, -and Donovan said familiarly: - -“Here’s another for you, Bill, of the same sort. Faith, they seem to -drop out of the sky.” - -“They more likely are sent up from the infernal regions, judging from -the character of the job,” returned the orderly. “What’s the matter -with you guns, anyway, that tricks of this kind can be repeated under -your very eyes? Bring her this way.” - -He conducted them through a dimly lighted corridor and into an -adjoining room, in which there were several unoccupied cots, on one of -which Donovan and the attendant placed the girl. - -The orderly turned to a wall telephone and summoned a night nurse, who -entered before he had fairly hung up the receiver. - -“What physician is here, Agnes?” he asked curtly. - -“Doctor Green has been here since eight o’clock,” said the nurse. “I -just saw a light in Doctor Devoll’s private room. I think he came in -about ten minutes ago.” - -“Notify him,” said the orderly. “He can restore her, most likely, since -he was so successful in the other three cases. Notify him at once.” - -The woman turned to the telephone to speak to Doctor Devoll, while the -orderly set about making a few necessary preparations to receive him, -apparently disregarding the presence of the two policemen. - -Sergeant Brady, who had been gazing with a suspicious frown at the girl -on the cot, turned to the attendant who had assisted in bringing her in. - -“Doctor Devoll is the head physician, isn’t he?” he asked quietly. - -“Yes, sir,” said the attendant. “He runs the place.” - -“The big finger, eh?” - -“That’s what.” - -“I have heard he’s very skillful.” - -“None better, sir.” - -“I wonder----” Brady dropped his voice to a whisper: “I wonder whether -there’s a telephone I can use on the quiet. I want to talk with Chief -Gleason, at headquarters.” - -“Sure,” the attendant nodded. “There’s one in the operating room. No -one is there now. I’ll show you.” - -“Half a minute,” Brady muttered. Then, turning to Donovan, he -whispered: “Have an eye on the girl, Jim, and keep your ears open when -she revives. Get me?” - -“Sure!” - -“I’ll return in time to leave with you.” - -Donovan nodded, and Brady immediately departed with the attendant. Only -five minutes had passed when Doctor Devoll entered the room, bringing -a leather medicine case and quickly approaching the cot on which lay -the inanimate girl, whose jacket and the front of her silk shirt waist -had been opened by the nurse. - -Doctor Devoll presented quite a striking picture, when he paused and -gazed down at her in the bright light of an electric bulb. He was close -upon sixty and of medium height, but very slender. His thinness was -accentuated by a tight-fitting black frock coat, the skirts of which -hung to his knees. His head was almost entirely bald. All that remained -to show that he was a son of Esau was a fringe of close-cut, gray hair -around the base of his skull, and a single silver-white tuft above his -high forehead. - -He was smoothly shaven, his features wasted and wan, his thin lips of a -dull, grayish tint, instead of a wholesome red, as if the blood in his -veins had lost its crimson hue. His nose was long, his eyes a cold blue -and wonderfully penetrating. As he stood there with his slender hands -behind him, his fingers interlocked, there was something really quite -sinister in his aspect. He looked not unlike a bird of prey brooding -over his victim. - -This was immediately dispelled, however, when he looked up at the nurse -and said, with a remarkably soft and ingratiating voice: - -“She appears to be in the same condition, Agnes, as the others. She was -found on the same seat, did I understand you to say?” - -“Yes, doctor.” The nurse bowed to him across the narrow cot. “This -policeman discovered her. He had her brought in, sir, instead of taking -her to the station house, as before.” - -Doctor Devoll turned and eyed Donovan narrowly for a moment; then -suavely inquired: - -“Is your beat in this locality?” - -“It is, sir,” said Donovan respectfully. “I’m the night patrolman, sir.” - -“Are you the officer who previously found the other girls who were -brought here under similar circumstances?” - -“I am, sir.” - -“Did you see any one to-night, or hear anything, that might shed a ray -of light on this mystery?” - -“I did not, sir,” said Donovan. “I’m all in the dark. I’m blessed if I -can fathom how and when the girl went there. I had my eyes open all the -evening because of the other cases, but how----” - -“Yes, yes, no doubt.” Doctor Devoll checked him with a deprecatory -gesture. “I must apply for more night men in this district, if these -extraordinary episodes are to continue. The cause must be found and the -culprits discovered. That is, of course, if it’s a case for the police.” - -“She may be a drug fiend, sir, or perhaps----” - -“It is useless to speculate,” Doctor Devoll interrupted. “I could learn -nothing from the others. I will try this one.” - -He opened his medicine case while speaking, taking from it a small -sponge and a slender vial filled with an amber-colored fluid, a few -drops of which he poured on the sponge. Then he held it with his long, -lean fingers near the nostrils of the unconscious girl. - -The effect appeared almost magical. A tinge of color instantly -dispelled her ghastly paleness. She caught her breath with a gasp and -a convulsive heave, as if some potent stimulant had suddenly filled her -lungs, and Doctor Devoll quickly drew away the sponge and replaced it -in his case, hastily closing it. - -He scarcely had done so when, with a low moan, the girl opened her eyes -and stared around, then at her observers, with the mute wonderment -of one awakening amid strange surroundings and in view of unfamiliar -faces. They seemed to alarm and further stimulate her, for she started -up, gasping amazedly: - -“Where--where am I? Who are you? What has happened?” - -“Don’t be alarmed, my girl.” Doctor Devoll’s thin face took on an -assuring smile. “You are in no danger. You are in the casualty ward of -the Osgood Hospital.” - - - - -CHAPTER VI. DOCTOR DEVOLL. - - -Patrolman Donovan drew a little nearer to the cot, that nothing said or -done should escape him. The orderly had departed, and the announcement -by the physician seemed to surprise and further mystify the reviving -girl. - -“A hospital--in a hospital?” she repeated perplexedly. - -“Yes, you were brought here by this policeman, who found you on a seat -in the hospital grounds,” Doctor Devoll informed her. “You appeared to -have fainted or to have been drugged.” - -“I cannot believe that I fainted,” said the girl. “I don’t understand -it. It seems to me as if I had just awakened from a deep sleep.” She -gazed around, still dazed and deeply puzzled; then asked abruptly: -“What time is it?” - -“It is after midnight, nearly one o’clock.” - -“One o’clock! Oh, I must go home! I must go home!” - -She started up from the cot, and stood beside it. She appeared to have -regained her strength. Her color had returned, her eyes were normal, -though expressive of mingled uncertainty and dread. - -“Do you feel quite well again?” Doctor Devoll asked, with sharper -scrutiny. “Are you able to go home?” - -“Yes, yes, perfectly able. I must go home; I must go at once.” - -“Before leaving you must give me a few particulars about yourself,” -interposed the physician. “Where were you when you were overcome? Tell -me what you last remember.” - -“I am not sure,” she replied, with a manifest effort to comply. “I -went to the Alhambra, a moving-picture theater. I had come out and was -walking along Main Street when I----” - -She stopped short, glancing apprehensively at the policeman. A deep -flush suddenly mantled her cheeks. She hesitated, obviously embarrassed -and somewhat frightened, and Doctor Devoll asked somewhat sharply: - -“Why did you stop? What were you about to say?” - -“I don’t know--nothing more, sir, I think,” she faltered. “I have told -you all I know--all I can remember.” - -Donovan suspected that she was lying, but he did not venture to -interfere, and Doctor Devoll said quite sternly: - -“Don’t try to conceal anything, my girl. What happened to you in Main -Street? Can’t you remember?” - -“Only that I was there, sir; nothing more,” she insisted. “I was alone -and on my way home when suddenly everything became a blank. I don’t -know what followed, what I did, or where I went. I remember nothing -more until I awoke in this place and saw you bending over me. I am -telling the truth, sir, and----” - -“Oh, I don’t question your honesty, my girl,” Doctor Devoll interposed -less austerely. “What is your name?” - -“Mabel Smith, sir,” she admitted, after a moment. - -“Where do you live?” - -“I board at No. 81 Flint Street with Mrs. Morton, a widow. I must go -home. She will be very anxious about me and may--did I have anything -when I was brought in here? I mean my purse.” She digressed abruptly; -then stopped again, with a somewhat guilty expression in her troubled -eyes. - -There was a small table near the foot of the cot, on which the nurse -had placed the girl’s hat and a small, knit purse. The physician -glanced at them, replying: - -“Here is your purse, Miss Smith. Was there anything else?” - -“I--I think I had a small leather bag,” she replied. - -“That appears to be missing.” - -“I’m not sure,” she quickly added. “I don’t know positively that I had -it with me. If I did, sir, I suppose I must have dropped it.” - -Of the three men who had brought her in from the seat on which Donovan -had found her, Sergeant Brady was the only one who had seen the small -leather bag, which he had picked up from the ground and placed on the -litter. But Sergeant Brady then was absent with the attendant, and -no further search was made for the missing bag, for the girl said -indifferently: - -“It don’t matter, sir. I may not have had it. May I go home? I really -must. You have no right to detain me here.” - -Donovan did not hear what then passed between Doctor Devoll and -his mysteriously afflicted patient. The ward door had been opened, -and Sergeant Brady beckoned to the policeman and drew him into the -corridor, closing the door. - -“Well, what has she said for herself, Jim?” he inquired, gazing grimly -at the policeman. - -“Faith, it’s the same old story, sergeant,” Donovan replied -significantly. “She can’t tell what happened to her. She don’t know -enough to last her overnight.” - -“Humph!” Brady grunted. “I suspected as much.” - -“She seems to be on the level, though.” - -“Level be hanged!” Brady spoke with a derisive snarl. “None of them was -on the level, Jim, or we would have been able to trace them and find -some solution of the mystery. Not one of them could be found after she -left the hospital.” - -“That’s true, sergeant. Sure, it does seem a bit strange.” - -“I got Chief Gleason on the phone by calling up his house. He had gone -home from headquarters. I reported the case to him, as he directed, -and--say nothing about this, mind you.” - -“Not a word, sergeant.” - -“It’s not known by many that the big dick is in town, and he don’t want -it known at present,” Brady impressively explained. “Nicholas Carter is -at the Wilton House under the name of Blaisdell.” - -“Faith, is that so?” Donovan’s face lighted. “Sure, he can dig out the -truth, sergeant, if any man can.” - -“Gleason said he would telephone to him at once and send him here to -size up the case,” Brady added. “He ought to show up within twenty -minutes. You return to your beat. I’ll stay here and detain the girl -until Carter comes.” - -“All right, sergeant.” - -“You can leave by that door through which we came in. Go ahead. We’ll -not want more of you to-night.” - -Donovan touched his helmet and hurried away. - -Sergeant Brady gazed after him for a moment; then turned and entered -the wardroom, when an ominous frown instantly settled on his face. - -Miss Mabel Smith had departed. - -There remained only the nurse, Agnes, then engaged in putting the -narrow cot in order. Brady strode toward her, asking roughly: - -“Where’s that girl? Not gone, has she?” - -“Yes, sir. She went with Doctor Devoll, sir, through the corridor -leading to the front office,” said the nurse, pointing to a door at the -opposite end of the wardroom. - -“When? How long ago?” Brady demanded. - -“Not more than two or three minutes. You might overtake them, sir, if -you hurry. I’ll show you the way.” - -“Do so. I want the girl detained here.” - -The nurse hurriedly led the way, Brady striding after her. They passed -through a long corridor leading to the main part of the building and -entered a brightly lighted office fronting on Hamilton Square. - -Doctor Devoll was alone there, closing a roll-top desk. - -“Has that girl gone, doctor?” Brady demanded the moment he entered. - -The physician’s brows fell slightly, and his cold blue eyes took on a -sharper glint. He appeared to resent the officer’s brusqueness. He no -further betrayed it, however, and said, with characteristic blandness: - -“She has, sergeant. Why do you ask?” - -“Because I wanted to detain her.” - -“Detain her? For what?” The physician gazed more intently. - -“For what!” Brady echoed him derisively. “It strikes me, Doctor Devoll, -that this business has gone far enough. This is the fourth girl brought -here in the same condition, under the same mysterious circumstances, -and allowed to depart before a thorough investigation was made. Not -hide nor hair of them could afterward be found. She should have been -kept here until we could----” - -“Pardon me, sergeant,” Doctor Devoll checked him with a gesture, “you -overlook one fact.” - -“One fact?” - -“This is a hospital, not a police station. I am a physician, not a -detective. My duty is to care for a patient, if necessary, but not to -hold one in custody after one has recovered. I have no right to do -that. The young lady insisted upon going home, and I had no proper -course but to let her go.” - -“All right, doctor, if you look at it in that way,” said Brady, still -frowning darkly. - -“There is no other way for me to look at it,” Doctor Devoll said -suavely. “As a matter of fact, however, you can easily find and -question the girl. I learned her name and address, which I neglected -doing in the previous cases.” - -“Ah, that’s better!” Brady declared. “Who is she?” - -“Her name is Mabel Smith. She boards at No. 81 Flint Street.” - -“Good enough! The matter now can rest until to-morrow,” said Brady. -“May I use your telephone? I wish to say a word to Mr. Blaisdell, at -the Wilton House.” - - - - -CHAPTER VII. GROUNDS FOR SUSPICION. - - -Sergeant Brady got in communication with Nicholas Carter that night -just in time to prevent him from visiting the hospital, following the -telephone talk he had with Chief Gleason, after the latter had been -notified of this fourth mysterious case. - -Carter had not quite finished his breakfast the following morning, -however, at which he was seated with Chick and Patsy in a private -dining room of the Wilton House, when their waiter brought in a sealed -missive, which the detective opened and read. It consisted of only two -lines: - - “I want to see you. I am waiting in the hotel parlor. - “BRADY.” - -The detective thrust the note into his pocket and waved the waiter from -the room. - -“It’s from Sergeant Brady,” he then said to his companions. “He is up -in the parlor. There must be something doing, or he would not have -called so early. I’ll drink my coffee and take him up to our suite. You -can join us there.” - -“It probably relates to that girl,” said Chick. - -“Very likely. He may want my advice or assistance.” - -“You haven’t forgotten the autopsy this morning, chief, in that Todd -case, have you?” Patsy reminded him inquiringly. “You said you wanted -to be there.” - -“No, I’ve not forgotten it, Patsy,” said his chief, rising. “I’ll be -there all right, after learning what Brady has on his mind.” - -“We’ll be with you again in five minutes,” Chick remarked, as the -detective was leaving. - -Carter found Brady at the parlor door, and he at once conducted him to -his suite on the floor above, where he produced a box of cigars and -invited him to be seated. - -“I slipped in through the side door and sent my note by your waiter, -after learning that you were at breakfast,” Brady informed him while -lighting his cigar. “If it were known that a police sergeant was -calling upon you, your identity might be suspected.” - -“Possibly,” Carter admitted. “You did the right thing, Brady, at all -events. What’s on your mind?” - -“Gleason sent me. It’s about that girl. I could not telephone any of -the particulars to you last night, for Doctor Devoll was in the office -and heard all I was saying. He might have suspected that I was talking -with a detective. - -“So I merely told you that the girl had gone and that it would be -useless for you to follow the suggestion made you. I referred, of -course, to Chief Gleason’s communication.” - -“I understood you.” - -“This morning, however, I have made other discoveries,” Brady added. -“They shed still a worse light on the case.” - -“Did the circumstances last night differ materially from those of the -three other cases about which Gleason informed me?” the detective -inquired. - -“No, they were almost identical.” - -“You need not state them, then. What more have you discovered?” - -Brady told him what Donovan had seen and heard, nevertheless, and he -then added, replying: - -“Doctor Devoll asked the girl for her name and address in this case. -She said it was Mabel Smith and that she boarded at No. 81 Flint -Street. I have been there this morning. The house is occupied by a man -with whom I am well acquainted, and who is entirely reliable. He knows -no girl named Mabel Smith. She gave Doctor Devoll a fictitious name.” - -“I see,” Carter nodded. “That is somewhat significant.” - -“I also learned from Donovan, who was present when the girl revived, -that she claimed to have had a small leather bag. I happen to know that -she had, for I picked it up from the ground near the seat on which she -was found. I placed it on the litter on which she was taken into the -hospital, and I know it was there when she was taken into the ward.” - -“Couldn’t it be found?” - -“No. Since learning that she gave a false name, and, thinking the bag -might contain something that would reveal her identity, I have been to -the hospital in search of it.” - -“Whom did you see or question?” - -“The night nurse and the orderly. Both appear to be trustworthy. They -deny having seen the bag. The attendant could not have taken it, for he -went with me to the operating room and did not return. It’s absurd, of -course, to suppose Doctor Devoll took it, and there remains only the -girl herself.” - -“Did she have any opportunity to get possession of it without being -seen?” Carter inquired. - -“I asked about that, and was told that she was not seen to find it,” -said Brady. “It is barely possible that she did, nevertheless, and that -it contained something which she did not wish Doctor Devoll to see.” - -“Very possibly,” the detective allowed. - -“Otherwise, she would have admitted having found it.” - -“That’s reasonable, sergeant.” - -“That’s how I size it up,” Brady added. “It seems to me the only -plausible explanation. What I can’t fathom, however, is why these girls -are repeatedly found unconscious in the hospital grounds, and why this -last one lied in order to hide her identity. Why were they all so -anxious to get away and avoid publicity?” - -Nicholas Carter did not express his views. He did not care to -indulge in vain speculations. As a matter of fact, moreover, he was -nearly as puzzled as the police sergeant by the quite extraordinary -circumstances. He looked up from a figure in the Wilton carpet, at -which he had been thoughtfully gazing, and asked: - -“Have any charges been made at headquarters or a complaint of any kind -that might even indirectly relate to any of these cases?” - -“No, nothing of the kind,” said Brady confidently. “I’m dead sure of -that.” - -“Have the police tried in each case to trace and identify the girl?” - -“Yes, indeed, for all they were worth.” - -“But with no success at all?” - -“None whatever. If we could hit upon any motive for such a job, or -see anything to have been gained by it, we might get on the track -of the crooks. For the fact that all the girls told the same story, -and plainly enough had been drugged or rendered insensible by some -mysterious means, shows that there must have been trickery of some -kind.” - -“I agree with you, Brady, in that respect.” - -“Strange to say, nevertheless, the victims appeared anxious only to -leave the hospital as quickly as possible and to bury themselves in -obscurity.” - -“Have the newspapers reported the previous cases?” - -“Yes, indeed, in display type.” - -“They must have been read by these girls, then, and there must be -some serious reason for their reticence,” said Nick. “Very evidently, -Brady, there is something under the surface, something quite out of the -ordinary. Gleason wants me to look into this last case?” - -“That’s just what he wants, Carter.” - -“Who is the chief director or head physician of the Osgood Hospital?” - -“Doctor Devoll.” - -“He who looked after the girl last night, eh?” - -“Yes. He ranks high among the local physicians. He’s all right, too, I -guess.” - -“No doubt,” the detective agreed. “Well, Brady. I’ll look into the -case. I am to see Chief Gleason during this morning, and I then will -have a talk with him about it. I infer that you have nothing more to -tell me.” - -“No, nothing,” said Brady, rising to go. “You have got all that I can -hand you.” - -Carter sat smoking and frowning at the carpet for several moments -after the sergeant had departed. The several cases were so unusual, so -exceedingly inexplicable, that they interested him. Had there been only -one such case, only one girl found in the hospital grounds, he would -have considered it hardly worthy of his serious attention; but four in -such close proximity to each other, and so much alike, plainly proved -that they were victims of some person or persons. - -His reflections were ended by the entrance of Chick and Patsy only -two or three minutes after Brady departed, and he briefly told them -what the sergeant stated, both already being informed of the other -circumstances. - -“Gee whiz!” said Patsy, after hearing him attentively. “It sure is a -curious puzzle, chief. What do you make of it, and how are you going to -tackle it?” - -“I don’t make much of it, Patsy, at present,” his chief frankly -admitted. “There must be a very potent cause for the reticence of all -four girls and for their obvious wish to remain in the background.” - -“Sure thing. That goes without saying.” - -“It’s barely possible that they are in league with crooks who were -responsible for what befell them, and that they do not dare to come -forward and tell the truth.” - -“Mebbe so, chief,” Patsy nodded. - -“On the other hand, the whole business may be the work of some -exceedingly keen and clever rascal who, alone and with some ulterior -object in view, has been experimenting with these girls and paving the -way to a much more knavish project,” the detective added. “If that -is correct, it’s a hundred to one that he is the unknown crook who -committed the mysterious robberies mentioned by Gleason, and whom he is -so anxious to round up.” - -“By Jove, there may be something in that!” Chick said quickly. “It -appears to be the most probable explanation.” - -“I think so, too.” - -“But what are your plans, chief?” asked Patsy earnestly. “How are we to -pick up a trail worth following?” - -“By finding that girl who said her name was Mabel Smith,” the chief -replied pointedly. “That must be done, to begin with, and then we’ll go -a step further.” - -“But how can we trace her?” - -“That’s up to you, Chick.” - -“Up to me, eh?” - -“It’s the task you must tackle this morning,” said Carter. “We have a -great deal to accomplish to-day, and each must do his part. I wish to -follow up the Todd case, with Patsy to aid me. You had better go to -the hospital, Chick, and get after that girl. I have no great faith in -Brady’s discernment and acumen. You could discover more in a minute, -Chick, than he would learn in a month of Sundays.” - -“Oh, I’ll take it on, chief,” Chick said agreeably. “I may perhaps pick -up a thread. I’ll report when we meet for lunch.” - -“In the meantime, Patsy, in anticipation of what I expect an autopsy to -reveal, I want you to visit the office of Daly & Page, stock brokers, -and see what you quietly can learn about Gaston Todd,” the detective -directed. “You are not known in Madison, and your motive will not be -suspected. You may cover that, if you like, by pretending to be a -newspaper reporter.” - -“Enough said,” replied Patsy. “I’ve got you, chief.” - -“Not entirely,” Nick rejoined. “Find out at just what time Todd left -the office yesterday, and whether it was his customary time of going -out in the middle of the day. If not, make it a point to learn, if -possible, why he went out at an unusual time. He may have received a -letter, or a telephone call, or a communication by messenger.” - -“I understand,” said Patsy. “Leave it to me.” - -“In other words,” said Carter, “I want to learn why Todd went to the -Waldmere Chambers about noon, and why he was waiting in the corridor, -where Frank Paulding saw him.” - -“I’ll find out, chief, if possible.” - -“It may be necessary to take other steps later in order to hit the -right trail,” Carter said in conclusion. “I will decide about that -after learning what the autopsy reveals. I’ll see the coroner and -medical examiner this morning.” - -“We may as well be off, then, and get in our work,” said Chick. - -“The sooner the better,” the detective declared, glancing at his watch. -“It is now nine o’clock. We’ll meet here again at one.” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. THE YELLOW COUPON. - - -It was half past nine when Chick sauntered across Hamilton Square and -sized up the buildings and grounds of the Osgood Hospital. He had -learned from his chief the general lay of the land, so to speak, and -continued around the extensive park and grounds, seeking the rear -gate through which Mabel Smith, so called, had either entered or been -carried into the place. - -He was not long in finding the gate, and he then discovered a gardener -at work near by with a lawn mower. Entering with an air of cursory -interest only, he approached him and inquired: - -“Is there any objection to my looking around a bit?” - -“No, sir, I reckon not,” said the laborer. - -“I’ll not disturb anything.” - -“Go ahead, sir. Go as far as you like.” - -Chick sauntered up the gravel walk, and presently discovered the iron -seat on which the girl had been found. He walked over to it across the -lawn and sat down, in seeming enjoyment of the shade tree overhanging -it, but in reality to make a careful inspection of the surrounding -ground. - -He could discover in the greensward at first only the marks left by -the feet of the two policemen, whose heavy and lingering tread had -obliterated any other imprints that might have been there when they -arrived upon the spot. As he was about to go, however, he caught sight -of a small piece of a yellow card half hidden in the grass back of the -seat. He leaned over and picked it up. - -It was part of a theater ticket, the coupon for a seat, and it was -dated for the previous evening. - -“The Alhambra,” Chick read. “By Jove, that’s the theater from which the -girl said she had come. She evidently did not lie from start to finish. -H’m! This may help.” - -He had detected a faint aroma from the coupon, and he held it nearer to -his nostrils. - -“Violet perfumery, but of an inferior quality,” he said to himself. -“That indicates that she’s a girl of only moderate means, who cannot -afford an expensive extract. She carried the ticket in a bag with her -handkerchief, which was scented. This may start me on the right scent, -too, and I’ll proceed to follow it up.” - -Placing the coupon in his notebook, he sauntered back across the lawn -and passed out through the gate. He then saw that there was a narrow -court beyond a row of dwellings on the opposite side of the street, -which evidently was an outlet into the streets beyond. - -Crossing over, he walked in that direction, and as he was passing -the third house from the court he saw a polished brass plate on the -vestibule door: - -“Gordon Barclay. Artist.” - -Chick stopped short and gazed up at the door. - -“By Jove, this must be Don Barclay,” he muttered. “It’s not likely that -there are two artists by that name. I’ve not seen him for years. I’ll -take a chance that I’m right and will meet an old friend.” - -He mounted the steps and rang the bell. A butler admitted him and -vanished with his card on a silver tray. Presently, with hurried steps -that evinced a very genuine eagerness, a well-built, handsome man in a -velvet jacket rushed into the room, with eyes and cheeks aglow and his -hands extended in cordial greeting. - -“Holy smoke, Chick Carter! The one and only Chick himself!” he shouted. -“Gracious, but I’m glad to see you! How the dickens came you here? -You’re not after me, are you?” - -Chick laughed, and returned the speaker’s cordial greeting. - -“No, indeed, Don, nothing like that,” he replied. “I’m in Madison on -other business. I was passing this house only by chance, and I saw your -door plate.” - -“Thank Heaven, you didn’t overlook it!” - -“And it occurred to me that we have not met for three years----” - -“Four, you rascal!” Barclay cut in boisterously. “It was on a boxing -night at the Hudson Athletic Club. I remember it perfectly.” - -“That’s right, Don.” - -“Sure, Chick, it’s right. By Jove, you’re a sight for sore eyes! -Come to the dining room and we’ll fire a ball. Then I’ll take you -up to my studio and show you where I’m winning fame and fortune by -slinging paint. That’s on the top floor. We’ll have a smoke and a good -old-fashioned chat. By gracious, I’m glad to see you!” - -There was no doubting it. It stuck out all over the genial, vivacious -artist, and for nearly an hour Chick complied with his wishes and -responded to his running fire of questions. Then, during a lull in -their conversation, he turned it upon the matter more seriously -engaging him. - -“Now, Don, a word about my mission in Madison,” said he, dropping the -end of his cigar on a tray. “I know you may be trusted to say nothing -about it.” - -“Not a word, Chick,” Barclay assured him. “Come on with it.” - -“You read the newspapers, I suppose.” - -“Only the headlines,” laughed the artist. “The details give me a -confounded headache.” - -“You may not know about it, then,” said Chick. “I’m here to help clear -up quite a sensational mystery in this immediate locality.” - -“Thunder! You don’t say so. Why, I thought the old fogies who dwell -in this locality were too slow and sedate to get into anything more -sensational than the death column.” - -“I will confide the case to you.” - -He did so briefly, merely stating the main features of the previous -night, and a look of mingled surprise and amusement then appeared in -the artist’s eyes. - -“Well, by gracious, that’s jolly funny!” he declared, drawing up in his -chair. - -“Funny! What do you mean?” Chick inquired. - -“Why, it’s like this,” Barclay proceeded to explain. “I use this top -floor for my studio, where I get the best light. I was at work here -quite late last night. It must have been nearly midnight. Here, come -this way. Come to the window.” - -Chick arose and accompanied him to a broad window overlooking most of -the square, including the hospital building and grounds. Only a small -part of the grounds was hidden from view by the building itself. - -“Last night, just after I finished my work, I looked out here for a -breath of fresh air,” Barclay resumed. “It was quite dark down below, -but I caught sight of a motor cab, one of the noiseless type that is -run by electricity, for it moved without a sound. I followed it with my -eyes, having nothing better to do, and I saw it stop at a gate leading -into the hospital grounds.” - -“That rear gate beyond the west wing?” - -“Yes, the same.” Barclay turned and nodded. “Do you suppose it figured -in the case you mentioned?” - -“I would not be surprised,” Chick said a bit grimly. “Continue. What -more did you see?” - -“Nothing very definite,” Barclay said. “I was not watching the cab -suspiciously or with a very lively interest, though it struck me as -being rather singular that it stopped at that gate, instead of in front -of the hospital, or at a house on this side of the street, if the -occupants were going there.” - -“Did you see any one enter the cab or leave it?” - -“I did not. Notice that the trees obstruct the view somewhat, and the -lamps are all on this side. I am sure, however, that no one crossed the -street,” Barclay quickly added. “I would have seen him in that case. -Obviously, therefore, if any one left the cab, he must have gone into -the hospital grounds.” - -“That is what I suspect,” said Chick. “Which way did the cab go when -departing?” - -“Straight on and around the square. I know it did not return for ten -minutes at least, if at all, for I stood here smoking as long as that.” - -“You saw no one, then, nor heard anything?” - -“No, neither.” - -“From which direction did the cab come?” - -“Through the court at the end of this block,” said Barclay, pointing. -“It leads out into Belmont Street.” - -“You think it was an electric cab?” - -“I’m almost sure of that.” - -“How long did it remain at the gate?” - -“Not more than a couple of minutes,” said Barclay. “Do you really think -it figures in your affair?” - -“As a matter of fact, Don, I think there is hardly any doubt of it,” -Chick said seriously. “In a way, however, it serves only to increase -the mystery.” - -“I don’t quite see your point.” - -“My point is this,” Chick explained. “Why did the person, or persons, -responsible for this curious affair go to the trouble to bring the -victim, if she was a victim, and place her on a seat in the hospital -grounds? She could have been left in many places with much less danger -of detection. In the court itself or a dark doorway. It surely is a -singular mystery.” - -Barclay puckered his brows thoughtfully, but he could suggest no theory -for the circumstances. Moreover, he could not give the detective any -additional information. - -Declining an invitation to remain to dinner, Chick remained only to -warn the artist to say nothing about the affair, and he then bade -him farewell and departed. He did not retrace his steps. Instead, he -sauntered through the court mentioned, which was only wide enough for -a single vehicle, and he presently found himself in Belmont Street, a -quiet residential avenue, with a traffic-filled thoroughfare to be -seen in the distance. - -“By Jove, it looks very much as if I am hitting the right trail,” Chick -said to himself, now shaping a course toward the business section. -“If the girl left the Alhambra when the show ended, it then must have -been about eleven o’clock, and if she lost consciousness while walking -homeward through Main Street, it’s a safe gamble that she did not go -far in her abnormal condition. She may have been picked up by the cab, -therefore, and brought this way and through the court just as Barclay -was gazing from his window. It would have taken only a couple of -minutes to place the girl on the seat and move on, as he stated, which -would show plainly that one or more men had a hand in the job. But -what was the object? That’s the question. By Jove, I’ll head for the -Alhambra and see what I can learn.” - -He arrived at the moving-picture house ten minutes later. He found the -manager, Mr. Hewitt, in the ticket office with one of his sellers. -Addressing him through the lattice window, at the same time tendering -the yellow coupon, he inquired: - -“Do you know, or have you any way of learning, who occupied this seat -in your theater last evening?” - -Hewitt gazed at him a bit sharply through his glasses; then shook his -head and tossed the coupon aside, saying indifferently: - -“I don’t think so.” - -“You don’t think so?” - -“That’s what I said.” - -“Are you the manager?” - -“Yes.” - -Chick did not fancy being treated in that way. He pressed a little -nearer to the window, and said, with sinister intonation: - -“You take a tip from me, Mr. Manager, and have another think. Make it a -more serious one this time.” - -“What do you mean by that?” frowned Hewitt. - -“Just what I say,” Chick replied, turning the lap of his vest and -displaying his detective’s badge. - -Hewitt started perceptibly, and flushed deeply. - -“Oh, that’s different; very different,” he said in tones of hasty -apology. “I did not suppose it was a matter of any importance.” - -“I don’t waste my time or encroach upon that of others with unimportant -matters,” Chick replied coldly. “Have a look at the coupon now, and -give me the information I want, if possible. Can you tell who occupied -the seat?” - -“Well, really, sir, I hardly think so,” Hewitt now said regretfully. -“In a theater of this size----” - -“Stop a moment, sir,” interrupted his assistant, who was also -inspecting the coupon. “This was torn from a ticket sold by telephone -and held until called for. Here is a mark of my indelible pencil on the -back of it.” - -“Do you write the patron’s name on the back of a ticket when it is to -be held till called for?” asked Chick. - -“Yes, certainly. But only the tail of the last letter happened to fall -on the coupon,” said the assistant. “It contains no part of the name. -See for yourself.” - -“Very true,” Chick admitted. “But what has become of that part of the -ticket taken at the door?” - -“The stubs?” - -“If that’s what you call them. Have they been destroyed? No two coupons -are torn off exactly alike. We might find the ticket that this coupon -perfectly matches, as well as these pencil lines, that would give us -the name of the purchaser.” - -“By Jove, sir, that’s as true as gospel!” Hewitt declared. “No, the -stubs have not been destroyed. I threw them into my wastebasket last -evening after making up the house. They still are there.” - -“Let’s have a look at them.” - -“Certainly, sir, and I’ll assist you,” Hewitt readily assented. “Open -the door, Jim, for the gentleman to enter. Walk into my private office, -Mr.----” - -“Chickering,” said Chick dryly. - -“We’ll very soon examine them, Mr. Chickering,” Hewitt added, pulling -a wastebasket from under his desk. “Take a seat. We need to examine -only the yellow stubs and those having a name on them, and that may be -quickly done.” - -It was not in Chick’s nature to nurse resentment, and he now met the -much more gracious manager halfway. Less than fifty of the stubs had -been inspected and compared with the coupon when the desired one was -found. There could be no mistaking it, and on the back of it was -written the name: “Nellie Fielding.” - -Hewitt called in his assistant and questioned him, showing him the -ticket. - -“That’s your writing, Jim,” said he. “Do you remember selling the woman -the ticket, or----” - -“Remember--sure thing,” interrupted the other. “She comes here every -week. I know her well by sight and where she works.” - -“Very good,” said Chick, suppressing his elation. “Where is she -employed?” - -“She’s a waitress in Boyden’s restaurant, in Middle Street. You’ll find -her there at any hour of the day.” - -“Thank you,” Chick bowed, with a glance from one to the other. “I’m -obliged to both of you.” - -He lingered only to warn them not to communicate with the girl; then he -shook hands with both and hurried from the theater. - -“Now, by Jove, there’ll be something doing,” he said to himself, much -as if he had thus far been idle. “I’ll mighty soon find out why the -milk is in the coconut.” - - - - -CHAPTER IX. SUSPICIONS VERIFIED. - - -Nicholas Carter and his assistants were never slow in beginning -to weave a net in which to catch a culprit when the evidence and -circumstances in a case convinced them that a crime had been committed. - -Patsy Garvan, while Chick was engaged as described, was nearly as -successful as the latter in picking up the first strands with which the -net might be formed. Hastening to the brokerage office of Daly & Page, -he introduced himself to the latter, the former then having gone to the -local stock exchange, and requested a few facts concerning the history -and character of Mr. Gaston Todd, whose very sudden death had greatly -shocked his many friends in Madison. - -“He was a fine fellow,” Page glibly informed him. “Genial, honest, and -capable, devoted to our interests, and always at his desk in business -hours. That’s pretty good, isn’t it? That’s all we require of a man.” - -“That would seem to fill the bill, sir,” Patsy observed a bit dryly. - -“It does,” said the broker. “And what such a man does out of business -hours, of what his habits and deportment consist, are of little -importance to us. Todd served us faithfully for ten years. We shall -miss him. We shall, indeed!” - -“He died very suddenly,” said Patsy. “Had you any idea that he was -afflicted with any ailment?” - -“No, not the slightest. His death came like a bolt from the blue.” - -“Was he regular in his habits?” - -“Very.” - -“I understand that he left here about twelve o’clock. Did he usually go -out at that time?” - -“Well, no, he did not.” Page gazed more sharply at his questioner. “He -usually lunched at one o’clock.” - -“He may have had some mission to attend to for the firm, or----” - -“No, nothing of that kind. He was our cashier, and his duty kept him -here. You raise a point, young man, that has not occurred to me. By the -way, Archie,” Page called to a clerk who had served in Todd’s place -when the latter was absent, “come here a moment. Do you know why Todd -went out an hour earlier than usual yesterday?” - -“Well, I’m not sure, sir,” replied the clerk. “I think it was because -of a telephone message.” - -“Do you know from whom?” - -“No, sir. I know only that he was called to the telephone just before -noon. When he returned he asked me to take his place in the cage, -saying that he was going out for a few minutes. That’s all I know about -it.” - -That was all of any importance that Patsy was able to learn, but it -was sufficient to send him posthaste to the office of the telephone -exchange. There he stated his mission to the manager, who conducted -him into a room where three girl operators were seated at a large -switchboard. - -“Look at your record sheets for yesterday,” said the manager, -addressing them. “Which of you made a connection for Daly & Page, 442 -West, just before twelve o’clock?” - -One of the girls replied in a few minutes, after inspecting a large -sheet of paper taken from a drawer: - -“I did, sir, and I now remember it distinctly,” she said. “It was the -last I made before going to lunch.” - -“Is there any way of learning who made the call?” Patsy inquired. - -“Only by ringing up Daly & Page and asking them,” said the manager. - -“They do not know,” said Patsy. “The call was not for the firm.” - -“It was for a man named Todd,” put in the operator. - -“How did you learn that?” - -“I heard a few words that were said before I removed my receiver,” -explained the girl. “The man who rang up the number said he wanted to -talk with Mr. Todd, and half a minute later I heard him ask: ‘Is that -you, Todd?’” - -“Are you sure it was a man’s voice?” - -“Yes, positively.” - -“Did you hear him say anything more?” - -“I heard Todd reply in the affirmative. The other then said, as near -as I can remember, that he was Todd’s running mate who was talking, -and that Todd must go at once to the Waldmere Chambers and wait in the -second-floor corridor until the speaker could join him.” - -“That was all?” - -“Yes, sir. I heard the last while I was removing the receiver. It is -only by chance that I remember it. His calling himself Todd’s running -mate, however, sounded so singular to me that I listened for a moment -longer. That is all I can tell you.” - -Patsy thanked her, also the manager, and departed. - -It then was about the time when Nick Carter entered the Madison -mortuary, to which all that remained of Gaston Todd had been taken, -and where the autopsy was to be performed. It was finished, in fact, -or all that then could be done, when Nick entered, and he found only -Coroner Kane and Doctor Marvin, the district medical examiner, in the -superintendent’s office. He scarce had arrived there, however, when -Chief Gleason followed him in from the street. - -Nick already had introduced himself to the others, with whom an -appointment for him had been made by the chief, and, after a few -conventional preliminaries, he brought up the business engaging them. - -“Well, what’s the verdict, Doctor Marvin?” he inquired. “You say you -have made a thorough examination of the body.” - -“Not quite,” corrected the physician, glancing at a leather bag on -the floor. “There are parts of the body of which I wish to make a -microscopic examination and subject to chemical analysis. I do say, -however, that you should have been a physician, Mr. Carter, despite the -fact that you would be badly missed in your present vocation.” - -“You mean, I infer, that you wonder why I so quickly suspected that -Todd did not die from natural causes,” said the detective. - -“Exactly. On what do you base your suspicion?” - -“On several facts, doctor, which are hardly worthy of mention,” -Nick said indifferently. “The surrounding circumstances, Todd’s -outward indications of good health, a lingering expression denoting -mingled fright and horror, evinced also by an unusual dilation of his -pupils--these, together with a singular abnormal appearance of the skin -near the lips and nostrils. But the result of your own examination is -much more material,” he abruptly digressed. “What is your opinion?” - -“The same as your own,” said Doctor Marvin more gravely. - -“You found----” - -“That there was absolutely no organic disease. His vital organs were -apparently in a perfectly healthy condition. I can discover no natural -cause for Todd’s sudden death.” - -“Did you notice the singular condition I have mentioned?” Nick inquired. - -“I did,” said the physician. “I detect it, or a somewhat similar -condition, in the tissues of the lungs. They have a curious, withered -or cauterized appearance.” - -“Have you any opinion as to the cause?” - -“I would say it was caused by inhaling some very powerful corrosive -gas, possibly of a deadly nature, though from what it was derived or -how administered I cannot imagine, even if I am right. I am going to -submit them to tests, however, also the blood, that may enable me to -form a more definite opinion and solve the problem.” - -“Do you think there is any problem, doctor, or any doubt, to put it -more properly, that Gaston Todd died an unnatural death?” - -“No, not the slightest, Mr. Carter.” - -“Do you think it the result of a crime?” - -“Well, I think the circumstances warrant very serious suspicions,” -Doctor Marvin said gravely. - -“So do I,” Nick declared. “As a matter of fact, gentlemen, I feel -reasonably sure that Gaston Todd was, with some strange and atrocious -means, most foully murdered.” - -“We agree with you,” Coroner Kane now asserted. “There are other -circumstances which warrant that suspicion.” - -“You mean?” - -“They involve a young man known to have had feelings of bitter enmity -for Todd, with whom he had an angry altercation night before last and -who was seen leaving the Waldmere Chambers only a minute or two before -Todd was found dead on the corridor floor.” - -“Do you refer to Frank Paulding?” the detective inquired. - -“Yes. How did you learn about him, Mr. Carter?” inquired the coroner, -with a look of surprise. - -“Chief Gleason spoke of him to me and mentioned their unfriendly -relations,” Nick explained, but he said nothing about his interview -with Paulding. “He was seen leaving the Waldmere Chambers, you say?” - -“Yes. We have found two witnesses and the time is definitely fixed. -Though they were not seen to meet, we are reasonably sure that they -did, and that Paulding hurried out of the building and up the street -immediately afterward.” - -“All that does appear suspicious,” Nick agreed, not without an object. -“Have you questioned Paulding?” he added, turning to Chief Gleason. - -“No, not yet,” replied the latter. “I have followed your advice and -waited until after the autopsy. I have had Paulding under espionage -since last evening.” - -“A wise precaution, chief.” - -“What do you now advise?” Gleason added. “It strikes me----” - -“If the circumstances are incriminating, as you say,” Nick interrupted, -“I think it will be wise to arrest Paulding and hold him until after -Doctor Marvin’s further investigations. If we can prove positively that -Todd was murdered, we may build up a strong case against the lawyer and -possibly force a confession from him.” - -“I already have decided on that step, Mr. Carter,” said the coroner. -“See to it, Gleason. Have Paulding arrested as soon as possible, chief, -and held on suspicion.” - - - - -CHAPTER X. THE DEEPER MYSTERY. - - -Nick Carter returned to the Wilton House at one o’clock. He found Chick -and Patsy waiting for him, both of whom quickly told him what they -had learned that morning, and then heard his own brief report of the -inquest. - -“By Jove, you were right!” Chick then said seriously. “It now is a -cinch that Todd was murdered.” - -“I felt reasonably sure of it from the first,” the detective replied. - -“But who killed him?” put in Patsy. “That’s the question. You say you -are sure, chief, that Paulding did not do it.” - -“Yes, absolutely.” - -“What’s your game, then? Why did you frame up a deal with him, telling -him he might not be suspected and afterward advise having him arrested?” - -“Superficially, Patsy, that does appear quite inconsistent,” said Nick, -smiling. “In reality, however, I called on Paulding only to get his -measure and convince myself of his innocence. I want him arrested, -nevertheless, in order that Todd’s assassin, as to whose identity and -motive we are entirely in the dark, may think the police are sure they -have the right man. That will relieve him of fears that otherwise -would put him on his guard. We then can get in our work with much less -difficulty.” - -“There is something in that, chief, all right,” Patsy quickly allowed. - -“It’s up to us to find the right man, however, and now a word about -your report,” Nick added. “From what little the telephone girl heard, -it is very evident that Todd was called to the Waldmere Chambers and -directed to wait in the corridor either by the man who killed him or by -a man in league with or acting under the instructions of the assassin. -In other words, Todd was lured there only to be murdered.” - -“Plainly enough,” Chick agreed. “We can safely bank on that.” - -“We know, too, that Paulding then was in the building to confer with a -client,” Carter continued. “Being convinced of his innocence, I know it -was not he who telephoned to Todd.” - -“Surely not.” - -“The fact that he was there, however, is very significant.” - -“Of what, chief?” questioned Patsy. - -“He may have been seen by some person anxious to kill Todd and who, -knowing their unfriendly relations, and that Paulding would presently -leave, took advantage of the situation to lure Todd there, taking a -chance that he could kill him unobserved by others immediately after -Paulding departed, believing that the latter then would be suspected.” - -“That’s plausible,” Chick nodded. - -“And that’s why Todd was directed to wait in the corridor,” Carter -pointed out. “The assassin wanted him to be there when Paulding left -the building. The fact that he was not seen by Paulding, however, -and that he could confidently plan such a crime, as well as commit -it, without being seen or heard, shows that he must have had several -advantages. He may be a tenant in the building. It would not be easy or -discreet for an outsider to have undertaken it.” - -“That’s true, by Jove, and quite suggestive.” - -“Furthermore, he evidently knew that Todd would obey his instructions -or his commands, which indicates that he may have had a hold on him of -some kind. Otherwise, Todd might not have left his desk in business -hours to keep the appointment.” - -“True again, chief.” - -“He referred to himself as Todd’s running mate, moreover, if the -telephone girl heard correctly,” said Nick. “Plainly, then, they -have been intimately related in some way, either in business or as -friends, and Todd naturally would not have apprehended anything like -assassination.” - -“Surely not, chief,” said Patsy. - -“We next must learn, therefore, with whom Todd was specially friendly, -and whom he has been visiting in the Waldmere Chambers.” - -“That’s the stuff, chief, for fair.” - -“You set about it this afternoon, Patsy,” Carter directed. “Now, Chick, -concerning Nellie Fielding. You have not seen her?” - -“Not yet,” said Chick. “It was nearly one o’clock when I left the -Alhambra, and I decided to report to you and have a bite to eat -before seeking the girl. I warned Hewitt and his ticket seller not to -communicate with her.” - -“See her after lunch, then, and be governed by what she says and how -she appears,” Carter directed. “It may be wise to shadow her, in case -she is playing a deeper game than appears on the surface. If alarmed by -your inquiries, she may attempt to warn others.” - -“Possibly. I’ll keep an eye on her, chief, at all events.” - -“There may be a connection between the several cases, Todd’s murder and -the mystery involving these four girls,” Carter added. “I shall see -Doctor Devoll this afternoon. I want to know just what he thinks about -them, and the strange condition in which they were found.” - -It was three o’clock when Chick approached Boyden’s restaurant in -Middle Street. A man of middle age was standing in the doorway, whose -interest in the appearance of one of the adjoining windows denoted that -he was the proprietor. He walked out, and was to leave in a moment, -when Chick, without having approached near enough to be seen from -within, paused and asked: - -“Are you Mr. Boyden?” - -“I am,” said the latter. “Were you looking for me?” - -“I want to inquire about a girl in your employ. It is in connection -with some legal investigations, but in which the girl figures only -indirectly,” Chick blandly explained. “Her name is Nellie Fielding.” - -“What do you wish to learn about her?” Boyden questioned. - -“How long has she been working for you?” - -“About a year.” - -“Is she married?” - -“No, indeed. She is only nineteen, and is the only support of a -crippled sister.” - -“That speaks well for her,” Chick remarked tentatively. - -“Not more so than she deserves,” Boyden quickly assured him. “Nellie -is a very good girl, none better, sir, as far as that goes. She has no -means beyond what she earns, but she is strictly honest and reliable.” - -“Her character and habits are good?” - -“Yes, indeed, or she would not be in my employ.” - -“I want to talk with her for a few moments.” - -“Go ahead. You’ll find her at the office counter. She acts as my -cashier when I am out. I have an appointment, or I would go in and -introduce you.” - -“Thank you, but that is not necessary,” said Chick. “I want only a few -words with her.” - -Boyden bowed and departed without replying, and Chick turned toward the -restaurant door. The information he had received was all to the girl’s -credit. It denoted that evil and deception were entirely foreign to her -nature. Chick knew that she had lied to Doctor Devoll, nevertheless, -and he was determined to learn for what reason. - -There were only a few scattered patrons in the restaurant at that -hour, and he found Nellie Fielding at leisure, standing behind a small -counter on which were a cash register and a cigar case. He approached -and bought some cigars from her, at once favorably impressed with her -neat appearance and modest bearing. - -“You are Miss Fielding, I believe,” he remarked while paying her. - -“Yes, sir,” she replied, smiling at him over the cash register. “That -is my name.” - -“There is a little matter about which I wish to question you,” said -Chick. “I refer to what occurred last evening when you--there, don’t be -alarmed!” he quickly digressed. “There is nothing for you to fear, Miss -Fielding, if you have done nothing wrong, and I feel quite sure that -you have not.” - -She had turned very pale, with a frightened expression leaping up in -her eyes. She shrank from him, trembling perceptibly, until his hasty -assurance somewhat relieved her. - -“No, no, I have done nothing wrong, sir,” she protested, with quite -pathetic fervor. “How did you know--how did you learn about it? I did -only what I--oh, sir, I could see nothing else to do! I--I wanted to -avoid publicity.” - -“Compose yourself,” Chick said quietly. “I can see quite plainly that -you were more sinned against than sinner. You have nothing to fear from -me, Miss Fielding, if you tell me the truth, and I think there will be -no need for any publicity.” - -“Are you a policeman?” she asked tremulously. - -“I am a detective,” Chick admitted. “You must not mention it to others, -however, or the fact that I have questioned you. There have been other -cases very like your own, Miss Fielding, and I am quietly investigating -them. You must tell me the truth, therefore, and I think I can safely -assure you that it will be only to your advantage. Will you do so?” - -“Yes, yes,” she replied, much relieved by Chick’s kindly voice and -manner. “As a matter of fact, sir, I really have nothing to conceal. I -am anxious only to avoid publicity.” - -“That is why you gave Doctor Devoll a fictitious name?” Chick asked, -smiling. - -“Yes, yes,” Nellie admitted, coloring deeply. “But I had one other -reason also.” - -“What was that?” - -“I will tell you just what occurred. You then will understand and -perhaps will appreciate my feelings.” - -“I think so.” Chick bowed. “Tell me frankly. I would be glad to -befriend you in any way.” - -“It was like this, sir.” The girl leaned nearer to him over the show -case and spoke with lowered voice. “I had been alone to the Alhambra, -and the show was an unusually long one. It was after eleven o’clock -when it ended. I came out with the crowd and turned up Main Street to -go home. I had walked only a short distance, not more than a block, -and the sidewalk still was quite crowded, when I felt something touch -my hand. I turned quickly and glanced at the nearest person, but none -seemed to have any interest in me or to be the one who had left it.” - -“Left what?” Chick inquired curiously. - -“The leather bag.” Miss Fielding gazed at him more intently, as if -really glad to have found some one in whom she could confide and depend -upon for advice. “The leather bag--it had been placed in my hand by -some person. That is to say, sir, I now think that it was, though I -then was not quite sure of it.” - -“Why so? Explain,” said Chick attentively. - -“Well, sir, there were many people passing in each direction at the -time, and it all occurred so quickly and was so very singular that I -was quite confused. But there was the leather bag in my right hand, -and I thought at first that I might accidentally have torn it from the -belt or the long neck chain of some passing woman. I could see no woman -near me, however, and I now feel sure that the bag was quickly and -stealthily placed in my hand.” - -“That was, indeed, a strange experience,” said Chick. “What did you do -about it? What followed?” - -“I looked for some one from whom I could have accidentally taken it or -who might have given it to me,” Nellie continued. “As I already have -said, however, no one appeared to have any interest in me, and there -was no woman near me.” - -“Was it a woman’s hand bag or a purse?” - -“It was more like a small purse, one that could be easily held in one -hand,” Nellie explained. “I felt the shape and heard the clink of coins -in it, moreover, which made me think it was a purse. And then I--oh, -sir, I’m only a poor girl, dependent upon what I earn to support myself -and a crippled sister--I thought I had come into possession of some -money. I did wrong. I was impelled to keep it. I yielded to temptation. -I----” - -“All that was perfectly natural, Miss Fielding, under the -circumstances,” Chick kindly interposed when tears suddenly appeared in -her blue eyes. “You cannot be consistently blamed. Tell me what you did -and what followed?” - -“When I saw that I was not observed, or so it then appeared, I -concealed the bag under my coat and hurried on for a short distance, -until I could safely look into it and learn what it contained. I did so -under a lamp on a corner, when well away from the crowd that had left -the theater.” - -“What did you find in the bag?” Chick inquired. - -“It contained a small handkerchief, some gold coins, and a diamond -ring. Oh, how it glittered!” she exclaimed, with quiet enthusiasm. “I -gasped with amazement when I saw it. I bent my head nearer to peer into -the bag, and then--oh, what a strange feeling came over me!” - -“Explain,” said Chick. “Describe it.” - -“I don’t know that I can,” Miss Fielding replied. “I never felt so -before. I seemed to be losing myself, so to speak, and everything -suddenly grew dim.” - -“Did you feel ill or----” - -“No, sir, not at all. The sensation was only momentary, as when one -suddenly faints. Then all became dark. I don’t know what I did or what -followed. I knew nothing more, sir, until I revived on a cot in the -hospital and saw the physician and the nurse bending over me. That is -all I know about it, sir, all I can tell you.” - -Chick had been watching her intently, and he was sure that she had -told the truth. It was a strange story, nevertheless, a remarkable -experience, and he began to rack his brain for an explanation. - -“I believe all you have said, Miss Fielding,” he assured her. “Have you -any idea what overcame you?” - -“No, sir,” said she earnestly. “Not the slightest idea. It is terribly -mysterious.” - -“Did it occur immediately after you opened the bag?” - -“Yes, sir, almost immediately; surely within two or three seconds.” - -“When you bent nearer to look into the bag?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Had you removed the handkerchief?” - -“No, sir. The gold coins and ring were on top of it.” - -“Had you detected any odor from it, that of perfumery or----” - -“No, sir, nothing,” Nellie interposed. “I would have done so, perhaps, -if there had been any, for I held it quite near my face.” - -“That is the very point,” said Chick, smiling. “I now suspect that the -handkerchief was impregnated with some odorless, but very powerful -drug, which instantly affected you. Naturally, in your surprise, you -would have inhaled it freely, and I think that is how you were so -quickly overcome.” - -“That may explain it,” Miss Fielding admitted. “But it all was very, -very strange.” - -“Can you recall anything that immediately followed?” - -“No, sir, absolutely nothing.” - -“But you can tell me just where it occurred?” - -“Oh, yes,” Nellie nodded quickly. “It was on the corner of Main and -Maple Streets. There is an all-night lunch cart nearly opposite. I -remember seeing it, and that is why I am sure of the precise location.” - -“Very good,” said Chick, smiling again. “Now tell me, Miss Fielding, -why you asked for the leather bag before leaving the hospital. You -claimed to have missed it.” - -“I did, sir,” she readily admitted. “I suddenly remembered it and -thought I would take it and try to find the owner. I did not think of -its having been the cause of my trouble.” - -“But why did you not explain the circumstances to Doctor Devoll and -insist upon searching for the bag? You afterward said you were not sure -you had it.” - -“Well, sir, it suddenly occurred to me that I might be suspected of -stealing it,” Nellie explained, blushing again. “That thought alarmed -me, and I was anxious only to leave the hospital and go home as quickly -as possible. That is why, too, I gave the physician a false name and -address. I wanted to wash my hands of the whole affair and avoid any -publicity.” - -“Very good. I don’t much blame you,” Chick laughed, with a nod of -approval. “I guess you have told me a straight story, Miss Fielding.” - -“I have told you the truth, sir,” she said earnestly. “I hope nothing -more will----” - -“Oh, there is nothing for you to fear,” Chick hastened to assure her. -“Say nothing about it to others or about me, and you probably will hear -no more of it. If you do learn anything more, however, write for me to -call and see you. A line to John Blaisdell, Wilton House, will reach -me.” - -Miss Fielding promised to comply, and wrote the name on a sheet of -paper. - -Chick said a few more words to reassure her, and he then departed -and hastened to the corner of Main and Maple Streets, where the girl -had so mysteriously lost consciousness. He saw at a glance that the -surroundings, aside from the lunch cart a few rods away, would have -been favorable at midnight for the knavish trick that he now was sure -had been turned. - -Crossing over, he found the proprietor of the lunch cart alone, and he -called him to the door, a shrewd, keen-eyed Irish chap in the twenties. - -“I’m looking into a job that was pulled off about twelve o’clock -night before last,” Chick informed him. “Did you happen to see a girl -standing alone on the opposite corner about that time?” - -“Faith, sir, I did,” nodded the other quickly. “I was here at my door, -sir, hoping to hook onto some customers from the theater. The girl -stopped under the lamp and was looking at something.” - -“That’s the one,” said Chick. “Do you know how long she remained there?” - -“Not more than a couple of minutes. Then a man joined her and a motor -cab showed up. They got into it and rode away.” - -“With the cabman?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Can you describe either man?” asked Chick. - -“Faith, I don’t think so,” was the reply. “I didn’t notice them -closely, not thinking of anything wrong. Besides, the cabman didn’t -leave his seat. The other was about medium size, I’d say, and wore a -dark suit. I would not swear to it, but I think he had a dark beard, -too.” - -“Quite likely,” Chick said dryly. “Do you know from which direction he -came?” - -“Up the street, sir. I reckoned that he was following the girl, and -that she was waiting for him. That’s how it struck me.” - -“Did the cab come from the same direction?” - -“It did. I supposed the man had called it.” - -“Did the girl go with him willingly?” - -“She sure did, sir, for all I could see. The man took her arm and -helped her in, and then they rode away. That’s all there was to it.” - -Chick saw that this man could tell him nothing more definite, and he -left him, to believe, as he had said, that there was nothing more to it. - -“All the same, by Jove, the mystery seems only the deeper,” he said -to himself while walking away. “Why was Nellie Fielding, as well as -three girls before her, temporarily abducted and left unconscious in -the hospital grounds? Neither was subjected to any further harm, any -personal outrage, and robbery surely was not the motive. What was it, -then? What could be gained? Why were such chances repeatedly taken? -There must have been something to gain, but I’ll be hanged if I can -fathom what. Deeper mystery is right. There must be a big game or a -most knavish one, somewhere under the surface.” - - - - -CHAPTER XI. THE ANGLE OF REFLECTION. - - -Doctor David Devoll, whose will and word were law in the Osgood -Hospital, gazed intently at the card brought in by his personal -attendant. He was seated at a broad, flat desk in the middle of his -private room, a sanctuary into which few would have dared to intrude -after having once offended in that way. - -For of all the rules and regulations of this institution, there -was none more inflexible, none more rigorously enforced, than that -forbidding intrusion upon the privacy of Doctor David Devoll. - -And when, perchance, it was violated, which was very, very seldom, -the unfortunate offender had cause to long remember that suavity and -smoothness in a man may sometimes serve only to hide, like the sleek -coat of a leopard, very sharp claws and merciless teeth. - -Doctor Devoll rubbed the top of his bald head with his slender hands, -gazing at the card and muttering the name inscribed on it. - -“Blaisdell--John Blaisdell--I do not place him. Written with a pen, eh? -Do you know the man, Shannon?” - -“Not from a side of leather.” - -“Not even by sight?” - -“Never laid eyes on him. He’s a new one to my lamps.” - -Shannon’s terse replies seemed to issue with husky quietude from -the uppermost depths of his throat. They were neither refined nor -respectful. They smacked of closer relations than those of master -and servant, as also appeared in his confidential attitude and air -of assurance. For he was bowed over the desk, with both hands spread -upon it, a broad, compact, muscular man of fifty, with the bullet -head of a pugilist and the strength of a bull. He was clad in livery, -nevertheless--a bottle-green jacket and trousers, trimmed with black -braid. - -“He stated, you say, that he has private business with me.” Doctor -Devoll gazed up from the card with a sinister gleam in his cold blue -eyes. - -“That’s what he said.” - -“But not to what it relates?” - -“Not he!” Shannon grinned. “He ducked my question, as if it were a -right swing. When I have private business with a man, says he, I don’t -confide it to his servant. That was how he countered.” - -Doctor Devoll’s thin lips took on a smile that did not improve -his facial expression, usually very agreeable and benign. He said -deliberately: - -“You may show him in, Shannon. Wait. Don’t let his business be too -private, not too private, Shannon,” he added significantly, pointing to -a curtained door. “Slip around there after admitting him and wait until -he goes. You may be needed.” - -“I’ll do better than that. If needed, Dave, I’ll be--here!” - -“Very good. Show him in.” - -Shannon straightened up, smoothed his bottle-green jacket with his -palms, and stalked with stilty stiffness through the opposite door, -closing it after him. - -Doctor Devoll reverted to the card. - -“Written with a pen,” he repeated, his eyes squinted and gleaming. -“But not on one of our office blanks. Most men have a printed card -or engraved. Written with a pen. One might rightly infer from that, -perhaps, that his name is not--Blaisdell.” - -Obviously, Doctor Devoll was more than ordinarily discerning. - -Shannon had, in the meantime, returned to the man waiting in the -hospital office. He then had all the earmarks of a well-trained butler, -thoroughly conscious of his dignified functions. - -“Pardon the delay, sir,” he said sedately. “Doctor Devoll was talking -by telephone with a patient. He will see you. This way, sir.” - -Nick followed him through the main corridor, then into a narrow -diverging passageway, then down three steps and through a second narrow -entry, at the end of which was the door of the physician’s private -room. Shannon knocked and then opened it. - -“Mr. Blaisdell, sir,” he announced. - -The detective entered and Doctor Devoll arose to meet him, bowing and -placing a chair. - -“Take a seat, Mr. Blaisdell,” he said blandly. “I’m sorry to have kept -you waiting. I was busy with the telephone.” - -“Don’t mention it,” Nick replied. “I shall not take much of your -valuable time.” - -He sat down while speaking, and his trained eyes quickly took in -most of the details of the spacious, handsomely furnished room. Two -windows overlooked the rear grounds. Each was entirely covered with -an interior, painted wire screen, which precluded observation from -outside, but through which one within could see plainly. There were -roller shades and shutters, also, that would insure privacy after the -lamps were lighted. - -The detective saw at once that he was in a rear room in the main -building. He could see the broad sweep of the rear lawn, the back -street in the near distance, a gravel path leading out to it through -the park, evidently from a near rear door. He no sooner was seated, -moreover, than he saw something else--which would have been seen and -appreciated by only one detective in a million. - -The broad, flat desk was between him and one of the windows, the light -from which struck the top of the desk at an angle, causing a slight -glare on its smooth leather surface. Two spots that broke this glare, -however, apart from some books and papers nearer the chair from which -the physician had arisen, instantly caught the detective’s eye. - -There was no mistaking the shape of them, nor what had caused them. -They were the broad outlines of a man’s hands, outspread while he -leaned over the desk, and the moisture from which still lingered on the -smooth leather. - -“By Jove, I’ve hit a pair of liars!” thought Nick instantly, though -his strong, clean-cut face did not change by so much as a shadow. -“That fellow in livery was leaning over the desk, with both hands -spread on it, directly opposite the chair from which this doctor arose. -The dampness from them has not yet dried from the leather, nor would -it have been imparted to it unless the hands were there for several -moments. That’s an unusual and remarkably confidential attitude for -a servant. The telephone is in one corner and ten feet from the -desk. I’ll wager, by Jove! that the doctor was not using it, and that -something else occasioned the delay, possibly a conference concerning -me and my mission. Both lied about the telephone, as sure as I’m a foot -high, but for what reason?” - -Obviously, of course, these shrewd deductions were mere impressions -that flashed very swiftly through the detective’s mind, rather than -a process of deliberate reasoning. Naturally, too, they instantly -gave rise to new and somewhat startling suspicions, which, with -characteristic self-control, Carter was careful to conceal. - -Doctor Devoll had pattered around his desk, in the meantime, and was -taking the chair from which he had arisen. - -“I am not busy just now, Mr. Blaisdell,” he said. “I can give you what -time you want. What’s the trouble? You don’t look like a man afflicted -with any physical ailment.” - -Nick laughed lightly and shook his head, sizing up with augmented -interest this bald, thin-featured, smooth-spoken physician who, so -singularly and unexpectedly, had now incurred his distrust. - -“No, nothing of the kind,” he replied. “If all men were as strong and -healthy as I am, Doctor Devoll, those of your profession would find it -hard sledding.” - -“That is fortunate for you, at least,” smiled the physician. - -“My business with you relates to another matter,” the detective added. - -“Private business--or so my man informed me.” - -“Yes.” - -“Concerning what?” Doctor Devoll’s narrow eyes took on a searching -squint. - -“I want to ask you about the girl who was found unconscious in the -hospital grounds late last night,” Nick explained. “More precisely, I -want your opinion of her condition and the cause of it, as well as of -the three previous cases very closely resembling it. It strikes me----” - -“One moment, sir,” Doctor Devoll interrupted. “Why are you specially -interested in the case?” - -“Is that material?” Nick inquired, smiling. - -“Quite so. I am not in the habit of discussing my cases with strangers. -I want to know to whom I express an opinion, and for what reason and by -what right it is asked.” - -“Otherwise, Doctor Devoll, you do not express it?” queried the -detective, noting a subtle ring in the other’s voice. “Is that what I -am to infer?” - -“Exactly.” Doctor Devoll nodded. “Reticence would denote a covert -motive on your part in seeking my opinion. I would not stand for that -for a moment. I must be met halfway or I will not discuss a case with -any visitor.” - -“That seems to be a consistent position, I’m sure,” Carter admitted. -“I will tell you, therefore, why I am interested in this case. It was -brought to my notice by Chief Gleason, of the police department, at -whose request I am investigating it.” - -“You are a detective, then.” - -“Well, merely to that extent,” Nick allowed evasively. - -“I see.” Doctor Devoll stroked his black frock coat and drew up in his -chair. “Let me ask you one more question, Mr. Blaisdell.” - -“Certainly.” - -“Why is an investigation thought to be necessary?” - -“Don’t you consider it wise?” - -“For the police to butt in?” Doctor Devoll said a bit sharply. “I can’t -say that I do.” - -“No?” - -“Why should they interfere? What was there in either case that demands -police investigation?” Doctor Devoll curtly questioned. “A girl was -overcome, was addicted to a drug, or a dope of some kind, and wandered -into the hospital grounds. She was found and brought in here. I revived -her and she immediately insisted upon going home. That’s all there -was to any one of the cases. Why, I repeat, do they require police -investigation?” - -“I cannot conceive, Doctor Devoll, that you have any personal objection -to an investigation,” Nick remarked dryly, smiling again. - -A tinge of red leaped up in the physician’s cheeks. A sharper gleam -shot from his squinted eyes. He detected a covert insinuation in his -visitor’s tone. He felt that he had said too much, perhaps, for he -quickly retorted: - -“Not the slightest objection, Mr. Blaisdell, not the slightest -objection. I merely fail to see why an investigation is necessary. -There are hundreds of dope fiends in every large city, but in none of -them have the police a very great interest. Why their activity, then, -in these cases? What do they suspect?” - -“Don’t you think that four such cases warrant suspicion?” the detective -blandly inquired. - -“Not more than the hundreds I have mentioned.” - -“But all were found in the hospital grounds,” Carter pointed out -suggestively. - -“What of that?” Doctor Devoll demanded. “A coincidence. Nothing else. -One may have been influenced by having read of the others. There is no -accounting for the doings of a drug fiend.” - -“There is some truth in that,” Nick admitted. - -“Let it go at that, then,” said Doctor Devoll, with a wave of his -slender hands. “I wanted only to learn your opinion, your grounds for -suspicion. You now are welcome to mine. I will answer any question you -care to ask.” - -“Thank you,” said the detective, who now was taking a somewhat -different course than he would have shaped if he had detected nothing -denoting duplicity in the physician. “You think these girls were drug -fiends, do you?” - -“I don’t know positively,” Doctor Devoll said quickly. “I am not sure -that the coma in which I found them was the cause of a drug. There is a -possibility, of course, that the cause was a temporary atrophy of the -cerebral nerves.” - -“But you intimated to Sergeant Brady that they were drugged,” Nick -reminded him. - -“That was and still is what I suspect, but I am not sure of it,” Doctor -Devoll retorted. “I had not time to look deeply into either case. My -duty was to restore my patient, which I succeeded in doing, and each of -them then insisted upon departing and going home.” - -“Why didn’t you detain them?” - -“I had no right to do so. One may leave here as soon as able. This is -not a police station.” - -“But why didn’t you question them about their habits, Doctor Devoll, -and insist upon knowing their names?” the detective asked more -pointedly. - -“I did so in the last case.” - -“Why not in the others? It strikes me----” - -“Stop a moment,” Doctor Devoll interrupted, lurching forward in his -chair. “I run this institution, Mr. Blaisdell, and I’m not going to -be bothered in this way nor have my conduct picked to pieces by the -police. When another case turns up, I would advise your having her -taken to headquarters. You then can call another physician. Get him to -restore her. He may know more than I. - -“You can hold the girl, charge her with something, frame her up in -any way you like, which is quite in a line with police methods, and, -perhaps, you can force her to impart all the information you want. I -know no other way by which you can learn the truth.” - -Doctor Devoll arose with the last, signifying that he would not prolong -the interview. Carter had let him run on without interrupting, noting -his impatience and a more threatening shrillness in his voice. He -decided not to question him further. He arose and took his hat, saying -with ominous quietude: - -“There is another way, Doctor Devoll, and I shall find it. I’m going -to dig out the whole truth, not only in these cases, but also in -the sudden mysterious death of Gaston Todd. There is, I now feel -sure, quite a close relation between all of these cases and the many -mysterious robberies that have recently been committed in Madison. I -want the whole truth, Doctor Devoll, and I’m out to get it. Take it -from me--I’ll find the way.” - -“I wish you much success.” Doctor Devoll’s thin lips took on a rather -sardonic smile. “I wish you much and speedy success, Mr. Blaisdell. -This way, sir, if you are going. Call again. I shall be interested -to know how you succeed and to learn the true inwardness of these -mysteries. Ah, here is my man. Show Mr. Blaisdell the way, Shannon, if -you please. Call again, sir; call again.” - -“Thank you. I think it highly probable,” said Carter, with singular -dryness. - -Doctor Devoll bowed, still smiling, and closed the door, to which he -had accompanied the detective. - -Nick Carter followed Shannon out by the way he had entered, departing -without so much as a word to the burly attendant. There was a -suspicious gleam in the latter’s eyes, however, while he watched -the departing detective through one of the office windows. Turning -abruptly, as if hit with a sudden idea, he closed the office door and -then called up the police headquarters by telephone. - -“Hello!” said he, with a voice very unlike his own. “One of Carter’s -assistants is talking from the Wilton House. Do you know where I can -find him?” - -A sergeant answered, one who happened to know of Carter’s relations -with the chief, but upon whom the above inquiry made no impression and -was not afterward recalled. - -“I do not,” he replied. “He has not been here since morning.” - -Shannon hung up the receiver; then arose and hurried back to rejoin the -physician. - -“I’m wise, Dave,” he announced, with an exultant snarl. “I’ve nailed -him.” - -Doctor Devoll swung around from the fireplace, near which he was -standing. - -“Wise to what?” he demanded. “Do you mean that you know him?” - -“You bet I know him. Brady, you remember, telephoned to a man named -Blaisdell last night, who is at the Wilton House. It just struck me -that Gleason has employed outside detectives. There is just one crack -sleuth whom he most likely would want. I have phoned to headquarters, -saying I was his assistant and asking if he was there. I was told that -he was there this morning. That does settle it. You have just been -talking, Dave, with the famous New York detective, the worst ever--Nick -Carter.” - -Doctor Devoll started slightly and for a moment appeared incredulous. -Then his teeth met with a vicious snap. His face changed as if he had -been suddenly turned to a devil incarnate. - -“You are sure of it, Shannon, sure of it?” he questioned, with a -sibilant hiss. - -“Dead sure, Dave,” Shannon insisted. “There’s nothing to it.” - -“Nick Carter, eh? The worst ever, eh?” Doctor Devoll gave way to a -mirthless, derisive laugh. “We’ll see about that. We’ll see about that, -Shannon. He shall find that he has met one worthy of his steel, one who -will balk, thwart, and laugh at him. Or, if need be, Shannon, who will -wipe him from the face of the earth!” - -Shannon shrugged his broad shoulders and smiled grimly. It was not the -first time that he had heard such sentiments as these, and seen that -same gleam and glitter in the eyes of the man confronting him, eyes -with a glare like that of madness. - -“You will not quit, then?” he said inquiringly. - -“Quit!” Doctor Devoll sneered scornfully. “Only curs and cowards quit, -Shannon, and throw up the sponge. Sit down at my desk. Sit down and -write what I dictate. Your hand will never be suspected.” - -Shannon obeyed him without a protest. He was accustomed to yielding to -this man, to obeying him without question. He sat down at the desk, -taking the pen and paper which the physician provided. Half an hour had -passed when Doctor Devoll ended his dictation and gave the other his -instructions. - -Shannon arose and went to change his livery for street attire. - -Doctor Devoll, with face still reflecting his vicious sentiments, gazed -intently at his desk for several moments. Then he started abruptly, -having decided what course he would shape, and hurriedly opened a safe -in one corner, taking from it a small rubber mask, which he quickly -adjusted over his mouth and nostrils. Then he took from an inner -compartment--a small leather bag. - -Out of the latter he drew a crumpled handkerchief, lady’s size, and -hurriedly cast it with the bag into the fireplace. A blue flame sprang -up, hissing audibly, denoting that the handkerchief was saturated with -a very volatile and inflammable substance of some kind. The physician -watched them burn, smiling sardonically; then forced the charred -remains deep among the glowing embers. - -“Nick Carter, eh?” he muttered, relocking the mask in his safe. “He -suspects me, does he? He’ll corner me, will he? We shall see--we shall -see!” - -When Shannon returned, he had a disguise in his hand, which he was -placing temporarily in his pocket. - -Doctor Devoll started up from his desk with two sealed letters, which -he had hurriedly written. He gave them to his attendant, saying -sharply, with eyes gleaming again: - -“This to Toby Monk. This to Tim Hurst. Be wary when leaving the other, -Shannon, both wary and watchful. Nick Carter, eh? We shall see, -Shannon, we shall see!” - - - - -CHAPTER XII. NICK CARTER’S DEDUCTIONS. - - -It was six o’clock when Nick Carter returned to the Wilton House. -Daylight was deepening to dusk. The last editions of the local -newspapers were out, and the shrill voices of juvenile venders could be -heard from all directions. The detective glanced at the papers, which -in headline luridness proclaimed: - -“Leading Lawyer Suspected in Todd Murder! Frank Paulding Arrested! -Chief Gleason Sure of His Man!” - -Nick Carter smiled faintly, but with a more threatening gleam and -glitter deep down in his eyes, when these varied cries of the newsboys -reached his ears. He bought a paper from one, thrusting it into his -pocket, and entered the hotel. - -“Gleason has made good, all right,” he muttered while seeking the -elevator. “That will make it easier for me, as well as all this, which -is precisely what I expected. But it’s up to me, by Jove! and must be -done quickly, or good night to my reputation.” - -He referred to what he had overheard while threading his way through -the unusual throng in the hotel office. There was much excitement and -only one matter under discussion--the alleged murder, the mystery -shrouding it, the strange death of the victim, and divers opinions -regarding the suspected man. - -The detective went up to his suite, where, as he expected, he found -Chick and Patsy waiting for him, the former eager to report what he -had learned from Nellie Fielding. It took him only a few moments, -and apparently, as Chick had reasoned, it seemed only to deepen the -mystery. It brought a look of grim satisfaction, however, to the face -of the listening detective. - -“I cannot see that it sheds any light on the case,” Chick added -perplexedly. - -“It does, Chick, nevertheless,” Carter said confidently. - -“Does it dovetail with something you have discovered?” - -“You may judge for yourself. I’ll tell you what I saw and learned -during my call on Doctor Devoll.” - -He proceeded to do so, but the look of perplexity still lingered on -Chick’s face, and Patsy appeared dubiously puzzled. - -“It is somewhat significant, if you are right, chief, that both Doctor -Devoll and his man lied to you,” Chick said thoughtfully. “But I don’t -see that what the physician said to you or the position he took cuts -any ice.” - -“You don’t, eh?” returned Carter, smiling grimly. “It cuts quite thick -ice, Chick.” - -“Why so? I don’t get you.” - -“Gee whiz, chief, nor do I,” put in Patsy. “What do you mean? Come -across with it.” - -“First, a word about the girl, Nellie Fielding, and what befell her,” -said Carter. “It probably is precisely what befell the others, and all -were victims of the same crook and his assistant. Just what game he was -playing and with what object remains to be learned.” - -“But----” - -“Wait a bit!” Carter cut in. “You’ll get me presently. Nellie Fielding -evidently told you the truth. The mysterious bag was deftly slipped -into her hand. She did what the others did, when she could discover no -owner for it. She kept it until well away from the crowd, then opened -it to see what it contained. As you have inferred, Chick, something -in the bag, probably that with which the handkerchief was saturated, -immediately overcame her. A very powerful and mysterious gas may have -been liberated from the bag, and it naturally would have been inhaled -by the girl when she peered into it.” - -“That seemed to me the most plausible theory,” said Chick. - -“It has become rather more than a theory,” Carter replied. “I now am -almost sure of it.” - -“For other reasons?” - -“Yes. To continue, it is safe to assume that the girl was constantly -watched. The moment she lost herself, for she certainly lost -consciousness to some extent, at least, she was taken away by two -men and placed on the seat in the hospital grounds, then wholly -unconscious, where Policeman Donovan found her.” - -“Barclay was right, then,” said Chick. “That was the cab seen by the -artist.” - -“Undoubtedly.” - -“But why was the girl taken into the hospital grounds?” - -“That’s one point,” said Carter. “So that, when discovered, she would -surely be taken into the hospital--where Doctor Devoll would be the one -to treat her.” - -“You think----” - -“One moment. Don’t force me ahead of my story. These circumstances -require careful and thorough analysis.” - -“Go ahead, then.” - -“Bear in mind that Doctor Devoll treated all four of these cases. He -treated them successfully. They did not appear to baffle him, or even -mystify him, I suspect. Bear in mind, too, that he did not detain the -girls, did not question them closely, or seek to learn their names, -even, with the exception of Nellie Fielding. Remember, too, that the -mysterious leather bag, which Sergeant Brady knows was taken into the -wardroom, could not be found. Take it from me--Doctor Devoll was the -one who got away with it.” - -“By Jove! all that does appear deucedly suspicious,” Chick now -declared. “It may explain, too, Devoll’s attitude this afternoon.” - -“Exactly.” - -“Exactly, chief, is right,” cried Patsy. “Gee! things are beginning to -brighten up.” - -“Let’s go a step farther,” Carter continued. “All of the mysterious -robberies and holdups during the past three months, which we were -called here to investigate, were of a very similar character, and all -bore a striking likeness to what befell Nellie Fielding. The victims -invariably were found unconscious after the crime, though afterward -were quite easily restored, and all told the same story--that of being -confronted by a person who, in some mysterious way, caused them to -immediately lose consciousness and then deliberately robbed them.” - -“You think all of these cases, then, were the work of the same gang of -crooks.” - -“That is precisely what I think,” Carter said more forcibly. “I am -convinced of it by their similarity and the mysterious means employed, -which show plainly that the knave back of the whole business is an -exceedingly capable and well-informed rascal. He must be an expert in -drugs, or have discovered some chemical compound the quality and effect -of which are not known by other physicians and scientists.” - -“Do you suspect that Doctor Devoll is the criminal?” Chick inquired. - -“I do not like his looks, his conduct in these cases, or the position -he took when I questioned him.” - -“But it seems really improbable that a man of his prominence and -profession would be engaged in such knavery,” Chick argued. - -“That’s what every one would say, and it would be deucedly difficult to -convince them of his guilt,” Carter replied. “That could be done only -by producing positive evidence of it.” - -“Very true.” - -“It may be equally difficult to find that evidence,” Carter added. “It -must be found, nevertheless, assuming that I am right. In no other way -can we make good.” - -“True again,” Chick admitted. - -“I was very careful, therefore, not to betray that I suspected him. I -pretended to swallow all that he handed out, and let it go at that. One -word more, now, and I will have covered all of the ground. That relates -to the Todd murder.” - -“What about it?” - -“The mystery is as to how and with what means it was committed. You -know what the autopsy revealed----” - -“Next to nothing,” put in Patsy. - -“That’s the very point,” said Nick. “Chemical tests may reveal the -presence of poison. Doctor Marvin thinks, however, and I am of the same -opinion, that Todd was killed with some kind of poisonous gas.” - -“Great Scott! that seems next to impossible,” Chick declared. -“Consider the time, the public place, and all of the circumstances. -Todd was telephoned to come to the Waldmere Chambers and wait in the -corridor. It was done at a moment’s notice, so to speak, with a view -to incriminating Frank Paulding, if your suspicions are correct. How -in thunder could a poisonous gas be administered to a man under such -conditions?” - -“Gee whiz! it does look like an utter impossibility, chief,” said Patsy. - -“Or the work of an exceedingly bold and accomplished crook, the same -crook who committed these other mysterious crimes,” Carter insisted. -“Their similarity convinces me, as I have said, that all were the work -of the same man and same gang.” - -“That much does seem probable,” Chick allowed. “There is no getting -around it.” - -“And it’s up to us to get after them and find the evidence needed to -identify and convict them,” Carter said flatly. “Now, Patsy, what have -you learned? Is there any man who might properly term himself Todd’s -running mate? That’s what the telephone girl heard.” - -“I have not been able to find one, chief,” Patsy reported. “There -seems to be no man with whom he was specially friendly.” - -“Nor any tenant in the Waldmere Chambers whom he was in the habit of -visiting?” - -“Not that I could learn,” Patsy again replied in the negative. “I -questioned the janitor and several others. Not one of them had ever -seen Todd in the building. So far as I could learn, chief, he never -visited the Waldmere Chambers.” - -“All the more reason, then, for suspecting that he was lured there that -day only to be killed.” - -“But I have learned one fact, chief,” Patsy added. - -“What is that?” - -“Todd had a suite here in the Wilton House for the past two years. -About a month ago, however, he changed his quarters to the Studley. -That is an apartment house in Dale Street. His suite is on the second -floor.” - -“He may have had some secret motive for the change,” Carter said -thoughtfully. “The hotel may have been too public a place for -something in which he was secretly engaged. We must look into that. No -investigation in his apartments has yet been made.” - -“We had better make one, then,” Chick suggested. - -“I was coming to that. You go there this evening and see what you can -find. Search for letters, papers, or anything that might shed a ray of -light on the case.” - -“Leave it to me,” Chick nodded. “I’ll go through his suite with a -fine-tooth comb.” - -“Accomplish it secretly, however, if possible,” Carter quickly -directed. “I don’t want our doings and designs suspected by the -miscreants back of this knavery. I want to keep them in the dark as -long as possible.” - -“Leave it to me. I’ll turn the trick without being seen,” Chick -predicted confidently. - -“In the meantime, Patsy, you go at once to the Osgood Hospital and -watch for any move by Doctor Devoll,” said Nick, abruptly turning to -him. “My visit may, if my suspicions are warranted, alarm him into -taking steps that would clinch them. Shadow him, if he goes out, and -watch him constantly.” - -“Enough said, chief,” cried Patsy, springing up to get his hat. “He’ll -be a good one, indeed, if he gets by me with a move of any kind. I’ll -soon have my lamps on him.” - -Patsy did not wait for an answer. He was out and away almost as soon as -the last was said. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. THE MAN WITH A MASK. - - -Nick Carter met with a surprise when he went down to dine with Chick, -after the hurried departure of Patsy Garvan. The office clerk, seeing -them going to the dining room, took a letter from a rack and beckoned -to the detective, saying, when he approached: - -“This appears to be for you, Mr. Blaisdell.” - -Nick took it and glanced at the pen-written address--Mr. John -Blaisdell, Wilton House. - -He saw that it was not stamped, however, and wondered who had left a -letter for him, instead of seeking a personal interview. Much more to -his surprise, upon removing the inclosed sheet, he found that it bore -no signature and was addressed, not fictitiously, but to--Mr. Nicholas -Carter. - -“What’s the meaning of this?” he muttered, frowning. “Has it leaked out -that I am in Madison?” - -He lingered in the office and read the letter, while Chick approached -and joined him, noting his ominous expression. For the letter read as -follows: - - “MR. NICHOLAS CARTER: You may fool others with a false name, but not - the writer. He is not so easily blinded. Your identity is known, also - your mission, but you are barking up the wrong tree and are booked - for failure. You will make the mistake of your life, a fatal mistake, - if you remain here and persist in the work you have undertaken. It - will cost you what man holds most dear--your life. - - “I am very well aware, Carter, that you are not easily influenced by - threats, and ordinarily ignore them. I want to impress it upon you, - therefore, that I am not an ordinary person, and that I invariably do - what I threaten. - - “You will doubt my ability to do so. Your abnormal bump of conceit - will cause you to think you can protect yourself and avert your - impending fate. Disabuse yourself of that idea. You cannot possibly - escape me. - - “On the other hand, Carter, I do not wish to wipe you off the map - unless you force me to do so. Don’t make it imperative. Don’t fly - into the face of fate. Your safety lies in returning to New York and - minding your own business. Madison is too small for both of us. - - “Lest you underestimate your danger and disregard this warning, - however, and that I may be spared needless bloodshed, if possible, - I will try to convince you that I am right, that I am vastly your - superior, and that I hold your life in my hand. You are said to be a - past master of the art of detecting and preventing crime. - - “On Thursday evening next an elaborate reception and ball are to be - held by the National Guards. Mrs. Mortimer Thurlow will be among the - guests. She is very wealthy. She owns a superb rope of pearls. It is - worth eighty thousand dollars. She will wear it that evening. - - “I am going to steal it. - - “I invite you to prevent me. - - “If you succeed, you will have convinced me that you are capable of - guarding yourself from the fate I have threatened. - - “If you fail--you should be wise enough to realize your peril and - take my advice. I repeat it. Lose not a moment in leaving Madison--or - you will return to New York in a coffin.” - -Nick Carter’s brows knitted closer while he read this threatening -letter. He had turned so that Chick might also read it, and the latter -muttered, when both had finished: - -“Great guns! Who the devil wrote that?” - -“It comes suspiciously soon after my call on Doctor Devoll,” Nick said -pointedly. - -“Do you think he sent it?” - -“I don’t know, of course, nor do I care.” - -“It’s an infernal bluff.” - -“Less a bluff than you suppose,” corrected Carter, a bit grimly. “The -writer means what he says.” - -“That he will kill you?” - -“If I give him a chance or don’t kill him.” - -“You will ignore it, and----” - -“And accept his challenge--surely!” Nick cut in. “Wait one moment. I -want to question Burton.” - -They had remained near the office inclosure, to which he now turned and -called the clerk, asking quietly: - -“Who brought this letter, Mr. Burton? I see it is not stamped.” - -Burton laughed a bit oddly and shook his head. - -“I don’t know, Mr. Blaisdell,” he replied. “I found it on the cigar -case. I was somewhat mystified when I saw it, for I had sold two men -some cigars only a moment before, and the letter was not there.” - -“One of them left it there, perhaps,” Nick suggested, intending to get -a description of the men, in that case. - -“Impossible.” Burton spoke decidedly. “They walked away before I closed -the show case, and I saw them leaving the house.” - -“Did you see any one else near the show case?” - -“Not a person. I discovered the letter, nevertheless, within a couple -of minutes.” - -“How long ago?” - -“Not more than five minutes. I was intending to send the letter up to -your room. I hope the delay is of no consequence,” Burton added. - -“None whatever,” Carter assured him. “Come, Chick, we’ll go in to -dinner.” - -“It’s plain enough that some one slipped in here and seized an -opportunity to leave the letter without being seen,” Chick remarked. - -“That’s about the size of it.” - -“Will you do anything more about it?” - -“Not at present.” - -“Or change your plans?” - -“Not an iota,” said Carter decidedly. “I am not to be intimidated by -threats. I may decide, however, to attend the ball of the National -Guards. If Mrs. Mortimer Thurlow wears her rope of pearls, and the -writer of this letter attempts to steal it, he will end with having -it stuffed down his knavish throat. Vastly my superior, eh? We’ll see -about that.” - -The detective thrust the threatening letter into his pocket with the -last, obviously averse to further discussing it, and the subject was -abruptly dropped. - -None could have sized up the letter more correctly or more keenly have -realized its full significance. Carter knew that his identity had -been discovered by the very crooks he was seeking, by the evil genius -directing them, in spite of his precautions to prevent it. He knew that -a ball had been set rolling which, urged on by the mysterious criminal -forces back of it, would tax his utmost powers to successfully oppose. - -It was about eight o’clock when Chick left the hotel, suitably clad -and well equipped for the stealthy work assigned him. A brisk walk of -about ten minutes took him to Dale Street, in a desirable residential -section, and presently the lofty brick walls and numerous lighted -windows of the Studley, a somewhat exclusive apartment house, loomed up -on the opposite side. - -He paused and viewed it briefly, noting that a narrow court flanked one -end of the building. He saw that there was no public office, also that -the broad, main entrance and vestibule were brightly lighted. - -“A suite on the second floor,” he said to himself. “The windows -don’t appeal to me. It ought not to be very difficult to get into an -unoccupied suite without being seen. I believe it can be more easily -done from within than without. I’ll have a look.” - -Crossing over, he entered the vestibule and consulted the tiny placards -under the numerous electric bells, on one of which he presently found -the number of Todd’s suite. At the same moment he heard the heavy inner -door opened, and two fashionably clad women came out. - -“Pardon!” Chick approached them, instantly seizing the opportunity -presented. “If you will be so kind, it will save me from using my key.” - -“Certainly.” One of the women smiled, while she prevented the door from -closing. - -The other eyed Chick a bit sharply, but he bowed and murmured a word of -thanks; then passed both and entered, as complacently as if he owned -the house. - -“Very opportune,” he muttered dryly. “They would think me a crook, all -right, if they were to see the key I intended to use. Without having -seen it, in fact, one appeared to have a vague impression that I had -no legitimate business here. I must contrive to avoid other eyes.” - -He had closed the door and was gazing up a broad, dimly lighted -stairway while indulging in these reflections. He could hear no sound -from the corridor of the second floor. He stole up noiselessly and -found it deserted. - -Glancing at the numbers on the nearest doors, he quickly learned in -which direction he must turn, and he brought up within a minute at the -door he was seeking--that of the suite lately occupied by the murdered -man. It adjoined a diverging corridor, and its windows overlooked the -narrow court mentioned. - -In the meantime, for so fate sometimes brings opposing forces together, -and often with disastrous results, a man moving with the stealth of an -evil shadow, which any chance observer would surely have thought him, -had entered the narrow court and paused under one of the several small -platforms some ten feet above the ground, each the base of a rise of -iron stairs forming a fire escape. - -This man was clad from head to foot in black. It seemed to mingle -with the almost ebon gloom in the court. He lingered only briefly. He -quickly fastened a black mask on his bearded face; then took a coiled -rope from under his coat. He cast it deftly around a corner standard of -the platform railing, up both lengths of which he then drew himself, -with the wiry strength and agility of an ape. Kneeling on the platform, -he quickly drew up the rope and laid it aside; then turned to crouch -with a thin strip of steel at the near window. - -It was at precisely the same moment that Chick Carter, alone in the -corridor, set to work with a picklock to open the door of the suite. -It took him about a minute. The bolt of the lock was shot back with a -sharp, metallic sound--just as the fastening of the window was forced -aside with an audible snap. - -Each sound was mingled with the other. Each stealthy intruder heard -only that which he had caused. The window was noiselessly raised, -moreover, just as Chick entered and quietly closed the door. - -He had stepped into a handsomely furnished parlor. The other had -entered a dining room. Between the two rooms was an open door, with a -drawn portière. The feet of both men fell noiselessly on the carpets -and rugs. - -Chick moved toward the middle of the room and took out his electric -lamp. Its beam of light leaped outward--just as the portière was drawn -and a second beam of light appeared. - -The two lenses were illumined at the same moment; in fact, confronting -one another like two startled, suddenly opened eyes, with a glare that -completely dispelled the gloom. - -Two more astonished men seldom met. For an instant the sudden glare -blinded both. - -Chick’s first thought was that he had flashed the light upon a panel -mirror, reflecting it and himself. On the instant, however, he saw the -door, the black-clad figure, the masked face and the glittering eyes -gleaming through it. - -“Great guns!” he gasped involuntarily. “Who are you?” - -“Who are you?” - -The question was echoed with icy composure by the man backed by the -swaying portière. His voice came with a sinister, metallic ring through -his black mask. He did not stir from his position or move foot or -finger. - -Chick watched him to be sure of it. If a gun was to be drawn, he -was resolved to be the first to draw it. He kept the glare of his -searchlight on him, distinctly revealing him, while the masked unknown -used his with like effect, but neither reached for a weapon. It -impressed Chick as one of the most singular and sensational situations -in which he had ever figured with a solitary man. - -“What are you doing here?” he demanded. - -“What are you doing?” demanded the other. - -“That doesn’t answer my question.” - -“Nor have you answered mine.” - -“I don’t intend to answer yours,” Chick said sternly. - -“Nor I yours,” the masked man retorted coldly. - -Chick felt almost inclined to laugh. He would have done so, if the case -engaging him had been a less serious one, his mission less important, -and with no occasion to conceal his visit. He frowned, instead, -however, and shaped another course. - -“You’d better change your mind,” he advised. “If you don’t----” - -“Hold on,” snapped the “mask.” “Don’t you reach for a gun. I can pull -one as quickly as you and shoot as straight. You keep your empty hand -in sight or you’ll be a dead one.” - -“You do the same, then,” Chick said sharply. - -“That’s what I’m doing.” - -“Watch your step, then, and see that you don’t slip.” - -“I’ll watch you, all right. You can bet on that.” - -“You talk like a crook,” said Chick tentatively. - -“You’ve got nothing on me in that respect,” the mask retorted dryly. -“You sneaked in here like a thief.” - -“But I’m not a thief--nor are you.” - -“Is that so?” - -“Not of the ordinary type. I’m hit with the truth.” - -“That beats being hit with a club. What’s the big idea?” - -“I know, now, why you are here.” - -“Solomon had nothing on you, then.” - -“Not much.” - -“Come on with it. What’s the brainy hunch?” - -“You are one of the gang that killed Gaston Todd,” Chick again said -sternly, and the shot was not entirely a random one. “You have come -here to search his rooms, and to see whether he has left evidence that -might expose you. You are here to find it and get away with it.” - -“You’re a real Willie Wisewinker,” the masked man said with a sneer, -and a threatening hiss crept into his voice. “But you have got nothing -on me. I know you, too, all right. You are one of the Nick Carter -bunch, out to cut a wide swath in Madison, if your tools don’t go dull. -You state only your own mission. You are here to search for evidence, -hoping to find and get away with it unsuspected--but you have slipped a -cog. You’ll not search for it, much less get it.” - -“Oh, yes, I will,” said Chick, who now had decided how he best could -end the situation and quietly accomplish his object. “I’m going to get -it, all right--and get you.” - -“Get me, eh?” The masked man laughed icily. “You have as good a chance -of getting me as a hailstone would have on a red-hot stove.” - -“That so?” - -“I know so.” - -“Why so confident?” Chick was edging nearer the man by imperceptible -degrees. “You must have pals in the next room.” - -“No, no pals,” sneered the other. “I don’t need any.” - -“You’re game to play a lone hand, eh?” - -“Bet you! I’m the gamest ever.” - -“Nevertheless, I shall get you.” - -“Not much! You have not a look in, not even the ghost of a chance. You -have not----” - -“Haven’t I? We’ll see.” - -Scarce six feet divided the two men, and Chick had steadied himself for -a lightninglike leap. He felt sure that he could quickly overcome the -unknown man, despite his brazen assurance, if he could grapple with -him before a revolver could be drawn, the discharge of which he wished -to prevent, knowing it would alarm the house and be contrary to his -chief’s instructions. - -He leaped while he spoke, and covered the distance with a single bound, -dropping his searchlight. - -The masked man dropped his, venting a wolfish snarl, and on the instant -the two men were grappling in close embrace in the almost inky darkness. - -Chick aimed to seize and confine both arms of his antagonist, but in -the sudden gloom he missed them. The masked man had instantly raised -both above his head, and the detective’s muscular arms closed only -around his black-clad figure. - -It was a lithe, wiry figure, one that Chick felt sure he could crush -and bend at will in his viselike embrace. Contrary to what he expected, -however, and which he lurched to one side to avoid, no blow was dealt, -no fist fell upon his head, no fierce fingers sought his throat. - -Instead, the hands of the masked man dropped quickly and found those of -the detective. - -Then Chick felt a wire touch each wrist. Instantly ten million needles -seemed to have been thrust full length into him. He tingled from head -to foot with excruciating pain. His every muscle relaxed as if palsied. -He gasped, tried vainly to shriek, and then the darkness of the room -was turned to that of utter oblivion--and the masked man dropped him, -as inert as a bag of sand, on the carpeted floor. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. A MARATHON PURSUIT. - - -Patsy Garvan arrived at the Osgood Hospital soon after six o’clock that -evening, more than two hours before Chick encountered the masked man in -Gaston Todd’s apartments. - -It then was dark, the sky clouded, with no stars to reveal his stealthy -movements to chance observers. Only the scattered street lamps and the -numerous lighted windows of the great building, with those of a few -more distant dwellings, relieved the prevailing gloom. It was even -darker in the deserted grounds, and Patsy took advantage of the trees -and shrubbery, entering the extensive estate near one corner, and -stealing quickly around the west wing toward a rear part of the main -building in which the private room of Doctor David Devoll was located. - -Patsy knew from Carter’s description, nevertheless, where to find him, -and he presently paused near the rear door and the gravel walk leading -out to the back street. - -“I must find out, to begin with, whether the blooming sawbones is -here,” he said to himself. “There are the two windows of his room, all -right, but there’s no sign of a light. It looks very much as if he were -absent.” - -Hugging the wall, and stealing closer, nevertheless, he cautiously -crouched under the nearer of the two windows and tried to peer into the -room. He then found that the roller shade was lowered and an interior -shutter carefully closed, but through a chink below them he could see -the reflection of a dim light on the varnished sill. - -“Gee whiz! he makes dead sure that no outsider can see what’s doing in -there,” thought Patsy. “He may be in some other part of the hospital, -since only a dim light is burning. I’ll have to stick round till I can -get an eye on him.” - -As a matter of fact, however, Patsy had arrived there in the nick of -time. The light in the room was suddenly extinguished. Half a minute -later the sound of a turning knob, that of the rear door, broke the -outside stillness, and, as quick as a flash, Patsy dropped flat on the -ground close to the building. - -He scarce had taken this precaution when the door was opened and the -physician came out. Though Patsy never had seen him, Nick Carter had -described him carefully and there was no mistaking him. His slender -figure, invariably clad in a black frock coat, which accentuated his -leanness, was one very easily identified. His smooth-shaven face was -dimly discernible through the darkness, while a considerable portion of -his bald, white skull could be seen in vivid contrast under his tall, -black hat. - -“Gee! I’m playing lucky, after all,” thought Patsy, cautiously watching -him. “That’s my man, all right, and he’s bound off. The chief was right -in thinking he would make a move of some kind.” - -Doctor Devoll had paused to lock the door with a key taken from his -pocket. He did not so much as glance toward the window under which -Patsy was lying, as flat as he could make himself on the damp -greensward. With his head and shoulders thrust forward and his hands -clasped behind him, an habitual attitude when he was walking, Doctor -Devoll proceeded down the gravel walk toward the rear gate. - -At that moment, too, Patsy caught sight of an approaching motor car in -the back street. Its lamps shone through the trees, and he could see -that it was slowing down to stop at the gate. - -“By Jove! I may not be as lucky as I thought,” he muttered -apprehensively. “If he leaves in that car it will be a racking stunt -for me to keep track of it. I’ll make a bid to do so, all the same.” - -Rising noiselessly, he now darted after the physician, stealing from -tree to tree, and seeking a point from which he could get the license -number of the car, and also a look at its driver. He saw him quite -plainly a moment later, a powerful man wearing a slouch hat and with -the collar of his overcoat turned up, partly hiding his face, a face -that immediately increased Patsy’s suspicion. - -Doctor Devoll paused and said a few words to him; then entered the car -and disappeared, for its leather curtains were on and completely hid -the interior. Then the chauffeur threw in the clutch and the car moved -away. - -Patsy Garvan appreciated the difficulties confronting him, but he did -not let them daunt him. Running diagonally across the gloomy grounds, -he vaulted the low iron fence immediately after the car had passed -that point, so near that he could easily read the rear number plate. -He fixed the number in his mind; then darted stealthily after the car, -which was entering the narrow court through which Chick had passed -that morning. - -Sprinting after it at top speed, though at a discreet distance behind -and in the deeper gloom near the buildings, Patsy followed the car -into Belmont Street and saw that it had turned toward a more brightly -lighted business section in the distance. He could see a passing -trolley car, also several slowly moving wagons, all of which was -somewhat encouraging. - -“They’ll have to slow down in that quarter,” he muttered, already -breathing hard from his exertions. “That must be Main Street. It’s -just the time when the business thoroughfares are blocked with -homeward-bound teams. I may be able, after all, to keep my quarry in -sight. I must contrive in some way to find out where this baldheaded -suspect is going.” - -It appeared like a hopeless pursuit, nevertheless, for the motor car -was speeding much more rapidly through Belmont Street and leaving Patsy -farther and farther behind, in spite of his utmost exertions. Suddenly, -too, it turned down a street running parallel with Main Street, -evidently seeking a less-congested way. - -Patsy rushed on all the while, hoping to arrive at the corner in time -to keep the car in view, but he was booked for failure. He paused, -panting for breath, and gazed vainly up and down the street. The only -vehicle to be seen was an approaching wagon nearly a block away. -Sprinting on to meet it, determined not to be thwarted, Patsy shouted -to the driver: - -“Did a motor car pass you half a minute ago?” - -“Yes,” cried the teamster. “Some one stolen it?” - -“Yes.” Patsy took the quickest and surest way to get the information -he wanted. “Which way did it go?” - -“Through the next street to the right, toward Main Street. You’ll have -to fly, kid, to catch it.” - -Patsy rushed on again, scarce waiting for the last, but again he was -marked for failure. He arrived at the corner too late to see the car. -Only the moving people and vehicles in the electric glare in Main -Street, then only a block away, met his anxious gaze. - -“I’ll keep on, by thunder!” he muttered, instantly resuming the -pursuit. “It may have been held up for a moment. It must have turned to -the left, too, or it would have gone direct if intending to cross Main -Street. I’ll not quit, by gracious! while there’s a ghost of a chance -to overtake it.” - -Patsy’s grit was good, but his quest proved vain again, and he had -no alternative but to end the futile pursuit. He gazed with bitter -disappointment up and down the broad thoroughfare, still walking -briskly in the direction in which he knew the motor car had gone, and, -though he was not then aware of it, he presently came to a crosstown -street and trolley line within a stone’s throw of the Waldmere Chambers. - -Then, as he was about to return to the hotel to report to his chief, -the gloom of disappointment was suddenly dispelled. The motor car was -passing rapidly through the crosstown street. There was no mistaking -it--the same number plate, the same muffled driver, the same closely -curtained tonneau, yet in which Patsy caught a mere momentary glimpse -of a solitary figure. - -“Holy smoke! I’m in luck again,” he said to himself, with a thrill of -elation. “The doctor must have stopped somewhere and now is off in a -new direction. This looks like soft walking, for fair, if they will -only follow the trolley line.” - -An electric car going in the same direction was passing, and Patsy -quickly boarded it, joining the motorman on the front platform. -Slipping him a bank note, he said confidentially: - -“Don’t ask any questions, but help me to keep that motor car in sight. -Do you get me?” - -The motorman glanced at him with a look of surprise; then thrust the -bank note into his pocket and grinned. - -“Sure I get you,” he replied. “No questions, eh? That’s good enough for -me, though they do say money talks. I’ll do the best I can for you.” - -The automobile then was fifty yards in advance, but the trolley car -was unobstructed and rapidly gaining speed through a street running -straight toward an outskirt of the city. - -“Good for you,” replied Patsy. “Only a mutt would expect more.” - -“I’ll keep it in sight, all right, unless I get the bell too often. But -we’re not carrying many this trip.” - -“Where do you run?” - -“To Ashville, six miles from here. But we hit the suburbs soon; then -can cut loose, if necessary. Do you know where the buzz wagon is going?” - -“If I did, I would not bother you,” smiled Patsy. “I have reasons -for wanting to find out, if possible. Did you see the driver when he -slipped in ahead of you?” - -“I didn’t notice him.” - -“You don’t know who owns the car, then?” - -“I don’t, but you can find out from the number.” - -“I’ve got that in my head, all right,” Patsy nodded. “I’ll look him up -later.” - -The motorman glanced at him again, and wondered at his interest in a -car and persons whom he did not know or even their destination. He -kept the trolley car moving rapidly, nevertheless, and, in spite of an -occasional stop to drop or pick up passengers, he lost but little on -the somber black touring car, the tail light of which gleamed like a -sanguinary eye through the gloom in the near distance. - -A mile run took them into the suburbs, beyond which was a stretch of -almost open country, and Patsy then had the satisfaction of seeing that -the trolley car was gaining on the other. - -Through this open country and into a belt of woods the trolley car -boomed on, and when nearly three miles out it sped over the brow of -a hill, and Patsy quickly saw the lights of scattered dwellings amid -clumps of trees in the distance. - -“What place is that?” he inquired of the motorman. - -“Only a small settlement. There’s a stone quarry over the hill on the -left, and the workmen live in those houses. That one off to the right -is in a side road running to Lakeville, where there’s pretty good -fishing and gunning in the season. It’s a road house run by a man named -Leary. I guess that’s where your buzz wagon is going. It’s taking that -road.” - -Patsy had an eye on it all the while, and saw that the time had come -for him to leave the trolley car. He thanked the motorman again; then -added: - -“Slow down when near that road and let me drop off without stopping. I -don’t want a certain party to hear the car stop. He might think he had -been followed.” - -“I’m on,” said the motorman, laughing. “You know your business, all -right.” - -“I ought to,” smiled Patsy. “I was tutored by the best in the business.” - -“I guess not,” said the motorman incredulously. “There’s only one -best--Nick Carter.” - -“So I have heard.” - -“Now’s your chance. So long, and good luck.” - -Patsy slipped through the folding door and sprang down in the road, -then darted to the shelter of a wall, while the trolley car again -sped on and presently crossed the diverging road and approached the -settlement beyond it. - -A hundred yards to the right the lights of the road house could be seen -through the trees, also the brighter glare from the motor car, then -slowly approaching it. - -Patsy leaped over the wall; then hurried across a strip of meadowland, -quickly reaching a point from which, sheltered by some shrubbery, he -could plainly see the broad driveway and front veranda of the old and -somewhat weather-beaten house. - -The automobile had stopped near the rise of steps. The chauffeur was -springing down to open the door. Patsy could see him distinctly in the -light from the deserted veranda. - -“This bald-headed doctor may have legitimate business out here,” he -muttered, frowning grimly at the mere thought of it and the possibility -that his own desperate efforts might prove futile. “If the chief’s -suspicions have feet to stand on, however, it’s a thousand to one that -Doctor Devoll’s mission is a very different and probably a very lawless -one. It’s up to me to clinch it and find out just what’s doing. If he’s -here to confer with others, or frame up a job, I’ll find some way to -overhear him----Thundering guns! Am I in wrong, in dead wrong, after -all?” - -Patsy felt a chill of disappointment and his heart sank like lead. -The door of the motor car had been opened. The solitary occupant, and -Patsy could plainly see there was no other, was stepping down upon -the driveway. He was an elderly man with gray hair and beard, with a -compact, apparently muscular figure, clad in a plaid woolen suit and -soft felt hat--utterly unlike the long frock coat and tall black hat of -the suspected physician. - -“In wrong, in dead wrong!” Patsy repeated, quite crushed with sudden -dismay. “That’s not my quarry--not Doctor Devoll. He’s too straight, -too erect, too square and stocky, for Doctor Devoll. I’ve gone lame, -for fair, as lame as an army mule. That chauffeur must have dropped the -physician and picked up another passenger.” - - - - -CHAPTER XV. PROFESSOR KARL GRAFF. - - -Patsy Garvan’s disappointment was as deep and bitter as one could -imagine. He scarce could contain it, in fact, and his first impulse was -to bolt from his concealment and demand of the chauffeur where he had -left Doctor David Devoll. - -Brief reflection, however, convinced Patsy that that would be a fatal -mistake, that the chauffeur might be in league with the physician, -after all, and that this stranger who had unexpectedly alighted from -the motor car might also be one of Doctor Devoll’s confederates, -sent by him to his road house on a mission which he had thought it -indiscreet to personally undertake. - -“I’ll hold my horses,” thought Patsy, with hopes reviving. “There may -be something doing, after all, that will set me right. I’ll wait and -see. He seems to be giving that driver important instructions.” - -The two men had been talking quietly in the driveway, too low for -Patsy to hear so much as a single word, but the elderly man now turned -abruptly up the steps and peered into the hall for a moment, and then -entered the house. - -The chauffeur closed the door of the car, then turned and shot a -searching glance in each direction, causing Patsy to crouch lower in -his concealment. - -Presently, approaching the corner, the driver gazed toward the rear -of the house, then started abruptly and walked completely around it, -returning to the same corner and taking a position from which he could -continue to watch the side windows, also the driveway leading to the -stable yard, on that side of the house nearest to Patsy. - -It was a situation that now precluded any move on Patsy’s part. -To approach any of the windows, or even to steal away and seek an -advantage elsewhere, was out of the question. Detection would be -inevitable. He had no alternative but to lie low. - -Minutes passed, and the chauffeur continued to wait and watch, scarcely -stirring from his position--all of which convinced Patsy that his -suspicions were correct, that the elderly man was holding a conference -with some one and that the chauffeur was guarding against spies outside. - -That he was right appeared in what occurred when the elderly man -entered the house. He met no one in the hall, save an aged black cat, -and he quickly entered a side room, in which a solitary man was waiting -with an empty whisky glass on the table near which he was seated. - -He was a tall man, close upon forty, very well clad, having dark -eyes and complexion, but a rather weak cast of features. He was -smooth-shaven. A combination false mustache and beard had been removed -and was lying on the table. He looked up when the other entered, saying -a bit irritably: - -“Well, you’re here, Graff, at last. What kept you? I’ve been waiting -half an hour.” - -“But not idle!” - -Graff spoke with a fiery gleam leaping up in his eyes. He was the same -Professor Graff, chemist, with an office and a laboratory in the -Waldmere Chambers, who had appeared in the corridor soon after the -corpse of Gaston Todd was found, and who had blandly asserted, when -questioned by Nick Carter, that he was not a physician and that his -opinion regarding the fatality would be worthless. - -There was no blandness in his low voice just then, however, nor any -such quality. - -“But not idle!” he repeated, with a fierce, sibilant hiss, pointing to -the whisky glass and then dashing it to atoms in the fireplace. “You -cut that out, Dorson, while doing business with me. Booze is a damned -bad partner. It has brought you where you are and made you my tool. Cut -it out--entirely! Obey me, Dorson, or--God help you!” - -A resentful scowl appeared on Dorson’s face, which was not without -signs of past dissipation, but the frown vanished quickly under the -fiery rebuke of his companion. He pulled himself up, nevertheless, and -said sullenly: - -“I’m not so sure, Graff, that I’ll consent to be your tool.” - -“Not consent?” Professor Graff sneered icily. “What are you saying? You -have consented.” - -“I can revoke----” - -“Not with me!” - -“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not so sure.” - -“I am.” Graff’s voice was cold, but his eyes were like balls of fire. -“There will be no revocation. You will not withdraw from our compact.” - -“What’s to prevent me?” - -“Fear. If not fear--this.” - -Professor Graff thrust his hand into his pocket and drew a singular -weapon. It resembled an automatic revolver, with a cylinderlike device -attached to the barrel. There was no trigger, however, but only a -small, round button, on which the finger of the chemist lightly rested. -He displayed the weapon in his hand, his lips parting with a mocking -smile, while Dorson started slightly and gazed at it incredulously. - -“This will, if necessary, be our arbiter,” Graff sneered. “I can end -you with it in the hundredth part of a second.” - -“You would not dare,” gasped Dorson. “You would bring Leary and the -bartender. You would be caught red-handed.” - -“There would be no red hand, no bloodshed, no sound,” Graff retorted. -“It makes no noise, discharges no bullet. But the effect is no less -deadly. I could leave you here as if you had fallen lifeless from your -chair, or as if--perdition! Are you still doubtful? You shall see.” - -There was something even more terrible in the aspect of this man at -that moment than in his threatening words. He swung around quickly and -quietly opened the door. The black cat he had seen in the hall still -was there. He stepped out and seized the animal, then returned and -tossed him to a corner of the room, closing the door. - -The black cat was gazing with dilated yellow eyes at the lowering -chemist, as if surprised at such extraordinary treatment. - -“Watch!” Graff snapped fiercely, with one swift glance at his horrified -companion. - -He extended his right hand and the strange weapon. His piercing gaze -leaped over the glistening barrel. His finger pressed the round button -in the cylinder. There was a quick, explosive puff, yet hardly audible, -but the black cat dropped in a crumpled heap, with his yellow eyes gone -dim and glassy. The animal was dead, as crimp and shriveled as if the -hot breath of a withering blight had passed over him. - -Dorson caught his breath convulsively and tried to speak, but his voice -seemed to die in his throat. - -Professor Graff kicked the lifeless cat farther into the corner, then -sat down directly opposite his ghastly companion, as unconcerned as -if nothing had transpired. He replaced the mysterious weapon in his -pocket, saying coldly, yet pointedly: - -“It is a very handy thing to have when circumstances make it necessary.” - -“It is devilish!” Dorson found his voice, shuddering, and wiped the -sweat from his brow. “It is fiendish!” - -“But convincing?” queried Graff, with searching scrutiny. - -“Convincing--yes!” Dorson shuddered again. “Enough has been done and -said, but I wish I never had seen you, never conspired with you.” - -“But, having done so, there can be no revocation, no retreat,” Graff -said sternly. “I have seen signs of it, Dorson, and I have to convince -you.” - -“Enough has been done and said,” Dorson repeated, pulling himself -together. - -“Besides, there are other reasons,” Graff added. “We are up against a -tough proposition, one that is hourly becoming more threatening; but of -that a little later. We’ll get right down to business.” - -“The windows----” - -“Fear nothing. Toby Monk is watching them.” - -“The door----” - -“None can approach it unheard. I have the ears of a rat.” - -“Be quick, then,” said Dorson more calmly. “The sooner we leave here, -Graff, the better.” - -“Your identity has not been discovered?” questioned the chemist quickly. - -“No, no, nothing of that kind. It is not even suspected.” - -“Nor will I be seen,” Graff said confidently. “I’ll make sure of that, -and have guarded against other contingencies. Toby is disguised. His -car bears a false number. None will learn of our rendezvous, nor even -suspect it. Now, Dorson, have you brought the invitations?” - -“Yes, two of them,” said Dorson, producing two sealed envelopes and -placing them on the table. - -“Good!” Graff seized them and put them in his pocket. “From whom did -you get them?” - -“I stole them from those with which my aunt, Mrs. Thurlow, was supplied -to dispose of,” replied Dorson. “She is one of the sponsors for the -affair, and that was the only way to get them without disclosing the -names of the persons who are to use them. No one will be admitted -without a card bearing his name. It’s an exclusive affair. Fictitious -names can be inscribed on these.” - -“Capital!” Graff nodded, smiling maliciously. “What if your aunt misses -them?” - -“She will think she mislaid them, and can easily explain to the -managers. Her word is good.” - -“None better,” Graff dryly admitted. - -“What more must be done?” Dorson questioned. - -“Take my final instructions.” Professor Graff drew nearer the table -and fixed his penetrating eyes on those of his confederate. “You are -in the social swim, Dorson, and can execute them without incurring the -slightest suspicion.” - -“That was the agreement. You promised that no harm should come to me.” - -“None will. Remember, too, that I promised you ten thousand dollars for -your share of the plunder. That will more than pay your debts and set -you on your feet. It’s not a bad reward, Dorson, for a mere bit of safe -and important work.” - -“That’s the only inducement.” Dorson’s face was haggard and clouded. -“I’ll chuck everything, honor and self-respect, in order to square -myself. But what is this safe and important work? What must I do?” - -Professor Graff took from his pocket a small celluloid box with a -close-fitting cover. He caressed it fondly for a moment, with an -abnormal gleam and glitter in his narrow eyes, then leaned forward and -said impulsively: - -“Listen! You are to take this, but do not for your life venture to open -it before the fateful moment arrives. The box is air-tight, but its -cover can be easily removed. It contains only a lady’s handkerchief.” - -“What am I to do with it?” Dorson asked, gazing curiously at the smooth -white box. - -“Take it to the reception,” Graff directed. “You are familiar with the -ballroom and its surroundings, with the row of French windows that open -upon the west balcony roof near the porte-cochère.” - -“Yes, yes, of course,” Dorson said impatiently. “I know all that.” - -“Note me, then,” Graff continued. “I will be at the ball to give you a -signal. We must not be seen together, however, nor in any way betray -that we are acquainted.” - -“Well?” - -“Upon getting my signal, which you will receive at an opportune moment -when she is alone, you must immediately join Mrs. Mortimer Thurlow, at -the same time stealthily opening the box and removing the handkerchief.” - -“And then?” - -“Give it to her at once, without a moment’s delay, and remark she -dropped it,” said Graff. “She will infer that it is her own. If not, -she will at least raise it toward her face to examine it. Step back -a little, meantime, covering your nostrils, that you may inhale -no appreciable quantity of that with which the handkerchief is -impregnated.” - -“What’s the stuff?” growled Dorson, brows knitting. - -“Do not be curious.” Professor Graff spoke with a frown. “I -have confederates, but to none do I confide my secrets. Take my -instructions--and obey them.” - -“Well, what more?” - -“Watch the woman,” Graff continued. “Only her eyes will change -perceptibly. A fixed expression will immediately appear, and her pupils -will contract to mere pin points. Take her arm, then, and lead her out -through the nearest French window.” - -“Suppose she refuses to go, or----” - -“She will not refuse or do anything else,” Graff interrupted. “She -will go willingly and without a word or a subsequent recollection of -what occurs. Place her in the nearest chair on the balcony. Get the -handkerchief and return it to the box, then hasten to the ballroom -and go after a glass of water. You can afterward assert that she sent -you for it and said she felt faint. She will admit it, for she will -remember nothing and cannot consistently deny it.” - -“But the pearls?” Dorson questioned, eyes glowing. “What of the rope of -pearls?” - -“There will be no rope of pearls.” Graff’s teeth met with a vicious -snap. “All that must be done can be done in a single minute. When help -comes, when you return, when the woman revives, though all occurs -within a minute, there will be no rope of pearls. It will have been -stolen--mysteriously stolen.” - -“But I may be suspected,” argued Dorson. - -“Absurd! You could not possibly steal and dispose of it under the -seeming conditions. The woman will believe she was faint only for a -moment. She will not be sure it was then that she lost the pearls. She -is your aunt, moreover, and would refuse to suspect you.” - -“But your infernal stuff may fail to work,” Dorson suggested. - -“It will not fail. It cannot fail.” Graff spoke with convincing -assurance. “I have tested it upon no less than four subjects, Dorson, -to make sure of success in this undertaking. There is nothing for you -to fear, absolutely nothing.” - -“I’ll tackle it, then, and take the chance.” Dorson abruptly declared, -thrusting the celluloid box into his pocket. “Is there anything more?” - -Professor Graff hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. - -“No, nothing for us to discuss,” he replied. - -“But you mentioned a tough proposition that you would speak of -presently. What did you mean by that?” Dorson demanded suspiciously. - -“Only that an unexpected force is at work against us, one that many -would fear, and with which few could successfully cope.” Graff’s voice -took on a more virulent intensity. “But I do not fear. I can oppose and -overcome it. My agents are already at work. I have given warning, too, -as I have warned you, and if pressed too hard, if threats prove futile, -if the peril becomes really alarming--well, you see! You have seen for -yourself, Dorson, how I can overcome it. There is always a way--always -a way.” - -Graff had swung around in his chair and was pointing to the lifeless -black form in the corner. - -Dorson gazed at him, at his extended hand and quivering fingers, at his -drawn, bearded face, indescribably malevolent, and with that terrible -abnormal gleam and glitter in his frowning eyes, and Dorson felt, with -blood chilled and flesh gone cold and clammy, that he was gazing at a -madman or a devil incarnate. - -“Yes, yes, I have seen enough, Graff, more than enough,” he said -hoarsely, lips twitching. “What more need be said?” - -“Nothing more.” Professor Graff turned coldly calm again. “You have my -instructions. I know you will obey them. We must not meet again until -after the trick has been turned, and then only secretly.” - -“That suits me. Let’s be moving.” - -“How did you come out here?” - -“In a trolley car.” - -“You may return part way with me. I’ll drop you before entering town. -Resume your disguise, then see whether the hall and veranda are -deserted.” - -Dorson arose and hastened to obey. He returned in a few seconds, saying -quietly: - -“Come on. There’s no one around.” - -There was one still around, nevertheless, still lying low amid the rank -grass and shrubbery that had served to conceal him. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. VAIN INQUIRIES. - - -Patsy Garvan had been waiting and watching about fifteen minutes, the -circumstances precluding any further action, when he saw the two men -come out of the road house. - -They hurried down the steps and entered the motor car. Toby Monk, the -chauffeur, also saw them, and ran to resume his seat at the wheel. They -were away within half a minute, departing with very significant haste -and returning to Madison at a rate of speed precluding pursuit, but -leaving Patsy gazing with an ominous frown after the rear red light -till it vanished in the distance. - -“That does settle it,” he muttered grimly. “I’ve lost track of them -for a time, at least, in spite of anything I can do. But I’ve got the -number of that car, all right, and I’ll identify them later as sure -as there’s juice in a lemon. I can find out, perhaps, by inquiring of -some one in the house. The third man may hang out there, however, and -I might get in wrong. I think I can turn the trick at that, without -incurring suspicion,” he added to himself after a moment’s thought. -“I’ll take the chance, by gracious, let come what may.” - -Leaving his concealment, he walked out to the driveway, where, having -made sure there were no observers, he threw himself on one side in the -sand and dirt and ground the palm of his right hand into the gravel, -a performance that might cause one to wonder what advantage could be -derived. - -Patsy knew, however, and he immediately arose and entered the road -house. Though the hall still was unoccupied, he could hear the voices -of men in the rear rooms, also the clinking of glasses, and he rightly -inferred that there was a public bar in one of the rooms. He hastened -thither and entered, with a pretense of brushing his soiled garments -and with an indignant frown on his face. - -“Say!” he exclaimed, approaching a bar on one side of the room. “Who -are the ginks that just left here in a buzz wagon?” - -Three men were playing cards at a table in one corner, evidently -quarry workmen from the near settlement, each with a mug of ale at his -elbow. Back of the bar stood a burly man in his shirt sleeves, with a -much-bloated and pimply face, the redeeming feature of which was an -expression of habitual good nature. He gazed at Patsy and laughed, -replying to his impetuous question, but the three card players merely -glanced at him. - -“Buzz wagon, eh?” he said huskily. “I didn’t know one was here.” - -“Well there was.” - -“Funny I didn’t hear it.” - -“I came near feeling it, all right,” grumbled Patsy, displaying his -soiled hand. “It came out to the road as if shot from a gun. It nearly -ran over me. I fell down while dodging it, as you see, but I reckon I -was lucky to get away with that. You don’t know them, eh?” - -“Mebbe ’twas the bloke who rang for the booze, Jim,” suggested one of -the players, looking up. “Have you forgotten him, Leary?” - -“The man who runs the house,” thought Patsy; then, as if the identity -of the visitors was of no great consequence, he said agreeably: “I’ll -have a mug of ale. See what these gents will have and get in yourself.” - -The invitation was readily accepted by all, and Patsy paid willingly, -thus paving the way for further inquiries. - -“I’m going to Madison,” he said, in reply to a question. “I came from -Ashville on the trolley line. How soon can I hit another?” - -“Twelve minutes, if she shows up on time,” said Leary, glancing at a -nickel watch. “It might have been the man in the side room. I’ll have a -look.” - -“Twelve minutes, eh?” said Patsy, more quickly drinking his ale when -Leary swaggered out from the bar and into the hall. “That’s not long. I -don’t want to miss it.” - -He added the last to warrant his following the burly proprietor, who -obviously was so void of distrust that Patsy very soon decided that -none of these men had had any intercourse with the two visitors and -very probably knew neither of them. - -“No danger of missing it,” replied Leary, as they approached the side -room. “The motorman always stops on the corner and rings his gong. He -often picks up a bunch from here.” - -“I see,” returned Patsy pleasantly. “I needn’t be in any rush, then.” - -“No rush at all.” - -“We’ll have time for another drink?” - -“Sure thing. Time enough for----Huh, I’m blessed if Kelly wasn’t right! -The bloke has gone.” - -Leary had knocked on the door, and then opened it. He entered while -speaking, Patsy following, and again asking carelessly: - -“Didn’t you know the man? Was he a stranger here?” - -“Sure he was.” Leary turned and gazed at him. “I didn’t know him from -a hole in the wall. He must have known this room was for customers, -though, for he nailed it and rang for a drink.” - -“He must have been here before, then, or he wouldn’t have known it,” -said Patsy. - -“That’s right, too.” Leary nodded. “I brought him the booze he ordered, -and then he said he wanted to wait for a friend and have a private talk -with him. He chucked me a buck for the booze and told me to keep the -change. That looked good to me and like more coming, so I told him he -could stay as long as he liked, and would not be interrupted.” - -“I see,” said Patsy, now sure that Leary was telling him the truth. -“His friend came, all right, and they went away together. There were -three in the car when----” - -“But where’s the booze glass?” cried Leary, who now had turned toward -the table. “That ought to be here. They would not steal a whisky glass, -unless----” - -“Stop a bit!” Patsy interrupted. “It was thrown into the fireplace. -Here are pieces of it, and--holy smoke! This cat is dead!” - -Patsy had caught sight of it a moment before, and he at first had -thought the animal was asleep. A second look, however, evoked the last -startling exclamation and brought Leary to his knees near his lifeless -pet. - -“Good God! What’s the meaning of this?” he growled, with a scowl, -convincing Patsy of his sincerity. “Dead as an iron bolt! What’s the -meaning of it?” - -“Has the cat been sick?” Patsy inquired. - -“Sick--no!” cried Leary. “There’s been nothing the matter with him. He -was getting a bit old, but was well enough. Poor old Gimblet!” Leary -added, with genuine feeling. - -“Was he in this room when you were here?” asked Patsy. - -“No. He was asleep in the hall.” - -“He may have wandered in here.” - -“How could he? The door was closed.” - -“H’m, is that so?” Patsy murmured, as puzzled as the other and much -more suspicious. - -“He’s dead, all right, as a smelt.” Leary now turned the animal over. -“But I’ll be hanged if I can see why the booze glass was smashed or -why the cat should have died. Something must have killed him. Say, you -don’t s’pose they gave him poison in that glass, then smashed it, do -you?” he added, quickly turning to Patsy. “If I thought that, I’d go -after those mongrels with a gun, by thunder, and stick till I got them!” - -This possible fate was suggested to Leary by a momentary expression -that had passed over Patsy’s face. He had detected a peculiar, -shriveled appearance in the fur on the cat’s breast and neck, and it -instantly recalled to his mind what his chief had said concerning the -man found dead in the Waldmere Chambers two days before. - -Patsy concealed his immediate misgivings, however, but pretended to be -impressed with Leary’s suggestions. - -“That may explain it, Mr. Leary, if they had any reason for wanting to -kill the cat,” he replied. “The fellow you saw probably did not do it. -More likely the old man was the one who killed him.” - -“What old man?” Leary demanded, with a vengeful glare in his eyes. - -“The one I saw in the motor car,” said Patsy, now aiming only to -identify him, if possible. “He’s quite a stocky man, with gray hair and -whiskers. He wore a plaid suit and soft felt hat. His chauffeur was -bigger and broader, with dark hair and a pointed beard. I got a look at -them when they flew by me.” - -“I dunno any such men,” Leary earnestly protested. “The whole business -beats me to a frazzle.” - -“It does seem a bit strange,” Patsy allowed. “You’ll find out later, -perhaps. I reckon I’ll be getting a move on, as I don’t want to miss -that car. I’m sorry you have lost the cat. I’ll drop in again, when I’m -returning to Ashville.” - -“All right, kid,” said Leary, brightening up and following Patsy to the -door. “If you see those two blokes again, do me a favor, will you?” - -“What’s that, Mr. Leary?” - -“Get the truth out of them, if you have to get it with a club.” - -“I will,” Patsy promptly assured him. “Take it from me, Mr. Leary, I’ll -get it--and all there is to it.” - -“Good for you!” Leary shouted after him heartily. - -For Patsy already was hastening toward the road leading out to the -trolley line, something like a hundred yards away. He had seen plainly -that he could learn nothing more at the road house. The negative -reports he had obtained, however, together with the startling discovery -he had made, convinced him that his mission had not been a futile one. - -“Leary’s all right,” he said to himself while walking on rapidly. “He -told me all he knows and gave it to me straight. That rendezvous had -been agreed upon and the road house selected for a safe place. But -who are they and what came off in there? Why was the whisky glass -broken and the cat killed? In view of all of the circumstances, by -Jove, there’s a mighty strong similarity between that fatality and the -killing of Gaston Todd. It becomes doubly important now to trace and -identify these rascals, and I reckon I’m in a fair way to accomplish -it. All this, moreover, seems to put Doctor Devoll in the background. -That is, if I size it all up correctly. I’ll hike back to the Wilton -House, by Jove, and report to the chief.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. CRAFT AND FORESIGHT. - - -Nick Carter’s strong, clean-cut face took on a more serious expression -while he listened. It was half past eight when Patsy returned, just as -Nick was about leaving the Wilton House, and only half an hour after -Chick set forth to search the apartments of Gaston Todd. - -“That’s all, chief,” said Patsy, when ending his report. “As far as I -can see, it lets Doctor Devoll out of the circle of suspicion and rings -in another, no less than three, in fact--the chauffeur, his elderly -passenger, and the man he met at the road house. For I’ll wager my -pile, chief, that the chauffeur knew there was something doing and was -acting as a sentinel.” - -“Are you absolutely sure that the elderly passenger was not Doctor -Devoll?” Nick inquired. - -“Reasonably sure, chief, at least,” said Patsy confidently. “He is too -solid and compact for Devoll, more erect and with broader shoulders. -Devoll is somewhat bowed and very slim. He looks like a string bean.” - -“He may have disguised himself while in the motor car,” Nick suggested. - -“I don’t think so,” Patsy quickly objected. “He would hardly have -covered all of the features mentioned. Besides, I could see the -interior of the car distinctly when the door was open, and I would have -seen his discarded hat and garments.” - -“That does seem probable,” Carter thoughtfully admitted. “Don’t you -overlook one fact, however?” - -“What’s that, chief?” - -“That you saw Doctor Devoll leave the hospital and ride away with the -chauffeur. You could not then have been mistaken as to the physician’s -identity, and the circumstances convince me that he is in some way -associated with the two men who met in the road house.” - -“I think so, too, chief, as far as that goes,” said Patsy. - -“It appears probable, too, that the chauffeur is one of the gang,” -Carter added. “Also that we are up against more of a gang than I have -suspected. I at first was inclined to attribute the many mysterious -robberies here, as well as the killing of Gaston Todd, to a single -exceedingly crafty and accomplished crook. I now believe, however, that -he is the chief director of a gang, instead of at work alone.” - -“That must be right, too,” nodded Patsy. “There’s no getting around it.” - -“But here’s another point,” said Carter. “The mysterious killing of -Leary’s cat, whatever the motive of it, and the similar strangeness in -connection with the murder of Todd denote that both were committed by -the same man or some of his gang.” - -“That’s how I size it up.” - -“You are sure, however, that neither of the men at the road house was -Doctor Devoll,” Nick continued. “I may in that case be mistaken in -thinking he is the man behind the gun, the evil genius back of the -whole business. There may be another, and Doctor Devoll only indirectly -associated with him.” - -“You mean the elderly man who took Doctor Devoll’s place in the motor -car?” - -“Exactly.” - -“Devoll may have sent him out to the road house to meet that other -fellow,” Patsy suggested. - -“Possibly,” said Nick. “It is more probable, however, that Devoll -informed him of my visit this afternoon and of the threats I made. -The other may have become alarmed and set about thwarting my designs. -All this appears the more probable, Patsy, because that threatening -anonymous letter and all these very, significant episodes have followed -so quickly after my call on Doctor Devoll.” - -“Right again, chief, as sure as I’m a foot high,” Patsy declared. “It’s -long odds, too, that the road-house conference was held only to frame -up a job on you.” - -“I’m not so sure of that,” his chief replied. “They may have met to -plan the theft of Mrs. Mortimer Thurlow’s pearls or to alter plans made -before the threatening letter was sent to me.” - -“Mebbe so,” Patsy allowed. “It’s a pity I couldn’t overhear the -discussion and see what came off.” - -“We’ll make use of what you have discovered, not mourn over what was -impossible,” said Carter dryly. “We must now contrive to identify those -three men. All wore beards, you say?” - -“Yes.” - -“Possibly, then, all were disguised. You have the number of the motor -car, however, and that may help, barring trickery of some kind. Such -crafty rascals as these don’t often let a license number expose them. -There is a possibility, nevertheless, that they overlooked it.” - -“The chance is worth taking.” - -“Surely. You go over to the garage and see what you can learn,” Carter -directed, rising and taking his hat. “I have other business in the -meantime, and will return about ten o’clock. Chick then will have shown -up perhaps and have something to report. Get your information on the -quiet, mind you.” - -“Trust me for that, chief,” said Patsy, as they were leaving the room -together. - -Nick Carter’s other business, or part of it, consisted of keeping a -promise he had made the previous morning. He called at the city prison, -confiding his identity and mission to the warden, and was promptly -accorded an interview with Frank Paulding in the warden’s private -office. - -Nick did not expect, however, that Paulding would have any information -to impart. He called on him only because of his promise and to say a -few words of encouragement to the suspected man, also to direct him to -maintain the negative position he had taken. - -“Oh, I’ll continue to do so, Mr. Carter, as I agreed with you yesterday -morning,” Paulding assured him. “It’s a bitter pill for an innocent man -to swallow, but I’ll not weaken. I’ll stick, sir, as long as I know you -are working for me.” - -“You may depend upon that,” the detective said simply. - -“Thank Heaven, too, there is one rift in the clouds,” Paulding added. - -“What is that?” - -“A letter from Edna Thurlow. It came this morning. She expresses her -sympathy for me, her belief that I am a victim of circumstances, and -assures me of her absolute faith in my innocence.” - -“Good for her!” said Carter, smiling. “It’s very significant, too.” - -“Significant?” - -“Surely,” laughed the detective. “A girl writes like that only to one -she loves. You were not quite sure of it, you remember. This ought to -convince you and really make it worth while to be suspected.” - -“I’m not sure but it does,” replied Paulding, brightening up. “I do -regret one restriction, however, that you have imposed on me. It’s a -thorn in my flesh.” - -“I know it,” said the detective tersely. - -“You know it? How the deuce can you know it? You don’t know to what -restriction I refer.” - -“Oh, yes, I do.” Nick laughed again. “Though not a lover, I know how -lovers feel. You itch to relieve Miss Thurlow’s anxiety by telling her -of our relations.” - -“By Jove, you’re a keen cuss, Carter!” Paulding declared, now joining -in the detective’s laugh. “You’ve called the turn, all right, but itch -doesn’t express it. Really, I ache to do so.” - -“Well, stop aching,” Nick said dryly, rising to go. “I shall see Miss -Thurlow this evening, and will tell her all that she needs to know.” - -“See her!” Paulding sprang up, eyes glowing. “Oh, I say, then----” - -“No, no, don’t say it,” the detective cut in with affected alarm. “I’ll -not take any love messages to her. I draw the line at that. I have -passed that stage, you know, and would only make an awful mess of it, -to say nothing of making a fool of myself. I will tell her enough, -Paulding, however; so rest easy with that until I can see you again.” - -Nick left him with a much lighter heart than when he had entered, which -was what he chiefly desired, but his mission to the Thurlow residence -was of greater importance. - -It was nine o’clock when he arrived at the house, one of the most -costly and beautiful dwellings in Madison. He was admitted by an -elderly butler, who invited him to a seat in a handsomely furnished -reception room. - -Nick had given him a card on which he had written only his first name, -stating that he called on important business, and he had been waiting -only a few moments when a graceful, strikingly pretty girl in an -evening gown joined him, still with the card in her hand. - -“Good evening,” she said agreeably, with an inquiring look in her blue -eyes. “I am Miss Thurlow, Mr. Nicholas, but I infer that your business -is with my mother. She has gone up to her room, but I have sent for her -to come down. Your name does not suggest any business which----” - -“It might, perhaps, if I had written my full name--Nicholas Carter,” he -interposed, bowing and smiling. - -“Nicholas Carter!” gasped Edna, staring at him. “Not the famous New -York detective?” - -“Well, yes, thanking you for the complimentary adjective.” - -“Good heavens!” exclaimed Edna amazedly. “Are you a wizard? Do you -ride on the wind? How did you get here so quickly?” - -“Get here?” queried Carter, though he at once guessed the truth. “You -were expecting me then?” - -“Well, not so quickly, of course,” said the girl. “But I telegraphed -to you no less than an hour ago, asking you to come immediately to -Madison. I did not suppose you could cover hundreds of miles in as many -seconds. I thought when the bell rang that you had wired back, and this -name on the card meant nothing to me. Really, Mr. Carter, I am quite -mystified.” - -Nick Carter laughed pleasantly, and replied: - -“I will presently explain. Why, may I ask, did you send for me to come -to Madison?” - -“I want you to investigate a very mysterious murder,” Edna now -earnestly explained. “A very dear friend of mine is suspected and is -under arrest. I am sure he is innocent, however, absolutely sure; but -I can see no way to prove it. I want you to find a way. Money is no -object, Mr. Carter, for he is very dear to me and----” - -“Pardon.” Nick checked her more gravely. “It would be unkind for me -to leave you in the dark and let you continue to speak so feelingly. -I know all about your friend. I left him only a few minutes ago. Like -you, too, I know that he is innocent. I already am at work to prove -it, Miss Thurlow, and Paulding has from the first been acting under my -instructions.” - -It would be impossible to describe the expression of astonishment -on Edna Thurlow’s pretty face upon hearing these disclosures, but -before she could collect herself and reply a stately, very handsome, -and distinguished-looking woman entered from the hall, saying quite -graciously: - -“What was that I heard? Mr. Paulding acting under your instructions, -sir?” - -Carter turned and bowed, while Edna immediately introduced her mother, -hastily informing her of the detective’s identity and his startling -statements. The detective then accepted an invitation to accompany them -to the library, where he not only dispelled their perplexity, but also -greatly relieved their anxiety by telling them of his relations with -Paulding and, in a strictly confidential way, the nature of his mission. - -“As a matter of fact, however, I have called to see you on other -business, Mrs. Thurlow,” he said a little later. “It is your intention, -I have heard, to attend the reception ball of the National Guards -to-morrow evening.” - -“Yes, indeed, both of us,” Mrs. Thurlow replied. “I am one of the -sponsors and the director of the ladies’ reception committee.” - -“Is it to be quite an elaborate affair?” - -“Yes, Mr. Carter, quite so.” - -“I understand that you own a very valuable rope of pearls, which you -intend wearing.” - -“Yes, surely.” Mrs. Thurlow regarded him with a look of surprise. “When -would I wear it, if not on such an occasion? I wonder at your having -heard of my pearls, however.” - -“I have heard something more,” Carter informed her. “I cannot honorably -conceal the fact from you, property of such value being in jeopardy, -but I hope you will consent to act upon my advice and instructions.” - -“In jeopardy?” Mrs. Thurlow questioned, turning pale. “What do you -mean, Mr. Carter?” - -“I mean, Mrs. Thurlow, that an attempt will be made to steal them.” - -“Good heavens!” gasped Edna. “How shocking, mamma!” - -“Steal them?” Mrs. Thurlow smiled expressively. “Well, well, that can -be easily prevented. I will not wear them.” - -“I thought you would say so,” Nick replied. “On the contrary, however, -I want you to wear them and to conduct yourself precisely as if you -knew nothing about the danger, which I felt constrained to disclose. -Let me tell you the circumstances.” - -He then proceeded to do so, showing her the anonymous letter, and then -interrogating her about nearly every feature of the complicated case. -His inquiries proved vain, however, for both Mrs. Thurlow and her -daughter were entirely in the dark as to the identity and motives of -the criminals involved. - -“But why, Mr. Carter, having informed me of the danger, do you want me -to wear the pearls?” Mrs. Thurlow inquired. “That will be indiscreet, -at least.” - -“Less so than you suppose,” the detective assured her. “I will take -every possible precaution to protect them and prevent the theft. Your -wearing them, however, will give me an opportunity to identify and -capture these miscreants.” - -“Ah, I see!” Mrs. Thurlow exclaimed. “But do you think you can -accomplish it?” - -“I am very sure of it.” - -“Well, to tell the truth, Mr. Carter, I have great confidence in you,” -Mrs. Thurlow said earnestly. “Your frankness in this matter, moreover, -when you could have had what you ask by leaving me in ignorance, -constrains me to take the risk. It would be a benefit to rid this -community of the knaves with which it long has been infested, and I’ll -take the chance and do my part. I will wear the rope of pearls, Mr. -Carter.” - -“Good for you, mamma!” said Edna, with some enthusiasm. “I’ll wager -that Mr. Carter will make good.” - -Nick smiled and thanked her; then added more seriously: - -“But you must conduct yourselves, both of you, precisely as if ignorant -of the circumstances. Do not mention them to any person or the fact -that I have called here. Much may depend upon your doing exactly what I -direct.” - -“You may rely upon us to do so,” Mrs. Thurlow assured him. - -“Very good,” said the detective. “Tell me, now, who is to be your -escort.” - -“My nephew, John Dorson.” - -“Jack will look after both of us, Mr. Carter, owing to Mr. Paulding’s -dreadful predicament,” Edna added. - -“My instructions include him also,” Nick said, though not then dreaming -the actual need of it. “Do not confide anything to Mr. Dorson. He -might be so vigilant and attentive to you, Mrs. Thurlow, that the -crooks would not attempt the theft. That would, of course, preclude my -catching them.” - -“We will be governed accordingly,” Mrs. Thurlow again assured him. - -Nick lingered only to add a few minor instructions. It was after eleven -o’clock when he returned to the Wilton House, now feeling sure that he -would outwit the unknown crooks in any game they might attempt to play -and that more definite discoveries concerning them would speedily be -made. - -The detective had further proof of their craft and sagacity, however, -upon entering his suite. For he found Patsy Garvan waiting for him, who -had learned that the automobile having the State license number he had -looked up was owned by one of the leading bankers in the State, who -dwelt more than a hundred miles from Madison. - -“It could not have been his car that I saw,” declared Patsy, after -reporting the facts. “That’s a cinch, chief, and it admits of only one -conclusion. That chauffeur had false number plates, or had altered his -own in some way.” - -Nick Carter’s brows knitted ominously, but he did not comment upon this -further evidence of knavish foresight. Instead, he asked a bit abruptly: - -“Have you seen Chick?” - -“Not yet,” said Patsy. “He has not returned.” - -“That looks bad, too.” Nick spoke with a growl. “It ought not to have -taken him three hours to search Todd’s apartments. It could have been -done in half that time. Can it be that anything has gone wrong there -also and that these rascals----Get your hat, Patsy,” he abruptly -digressed. “Get a move on and go with me. We’ll have a look at Todd’s -apartments.” - -It was nearly twelve o’clock when, having aroused the night manager -of the Studley, they obtained admission to the rooms of the murdered -man and switched on the electric light. The scene that met their gaze -brought a horrified ejaculation from the manager and a cry of dismay -from Patsy Garvan. - -Chick was lying where he had fallen, with his arms extended, his right -sleeve drawn up a little, and with his face upturned in the bright -light, as ghastly white as the face of a dead man. - -The rooms were in shocking disorder. A roll-top desk had been broken -open and looted from top to bottom. Table drawers, those of a bureau -and chiffonier, a trunk in the wardrobe closet--the contents of all had -been pulled out and scattered broadcast over the floor. From end to -end, in fact, the apartments had been thoroughly searched. - -“By thunder, this was not Chick’s work!” cried Carter, with features -turning flinty. “We have been balked again, balked by this gang of -infernal----What do you say, Patsy? He’s not dead, surely! I can see -that plainly.” - -Patsy then was crouching on the floor beside the prostrate detective. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. NICK DECLARES HIMSELF. - - -Nick Carter was right as to Chick’s condition. He had seen at a glance -that he was not dead. He quickly noticed, too, the sleeve drawn up -above his right wrist, exposing part of the arm, and he immediately -joined Patsy and pointed to a tiny puncture in the white skin. - -“He has been drugged,” said he, with an indignant ring in his subdued -voice. “That’s the prick of a hypodermic needle.” - -“Surely,” muttered Patsy. “But how did they contrive to get him and -the----” - -“Don’t ask me how. It’s useless to speculate,” Carter interrupted. -“They shall pay dear for it, nevertheless, take my word for that. Is -there a physician in the house, Mr. Vernon?” he added, turning to the -astonished manager. - -“Yes, there is,” was the hasty reply. “Doctor Percy. His suite is on -this floor.” - -“Bring him as quickly as possible,” the detective directed. “Tell him -that stimulants will be needed to counteract a drug, but don’t create a -stir or cause any excitement. There is no occasion to arouse the house. -He soon can revive this man.” - -Carter had no doubt of it after a hasty examination, and in a very -few minutes Doctor Percy came in and set to work over the unconscious -detective, applying such restoratives as the case seemed to require. - -In the meantime, with Patsy at his elbow, Nick made a thorough -inspection of the several rooms. He found a window in the bedroom -unlocked, and on the platform of the fire escape he discovered, with -the help of his search light, the faint tracks left by the masked man -whom Chick had encountered about three hours before. - -“How it was done, Patsy, now is quite obvious,” Carter said grimly. -“Some one, probably more than one, was here in advance of Carter or -entered about the same time. Chick was caught unawares, I think, and -overcome by the rascals.” - -“But how could they have anticipated his visit?” questioned Patsy -perplexedly. - -“They did not,” Nick replied. “They did, however, anticipate something -else.” - -“What was that?” - -“That I would search these rooms, Patsy, and the same farsighted rascal -who sent me the anonymous letter undertook to get in his work ahead of -me.” - -“By Jove, I guess that’s right, chief.” - -“He knew that I would seek for any evidence that Todd might have left -here, and he sent one or more of his gang to prevent me from getting -it. They have succeeded, too, if Todd really left anything, for they -have cleaned up completely.” - -“Gee whiz! I should say so,” Patsy agreed. “They didn’t miss nook or -corner.” - -“It was the work of the same gang, but other members of it than you -saw at the road house,” Carter added. “Their chief, or the director of -these various steps, is certainly an infernally keen and farsighted -knave. He not only discovered my identity and presence in Madison, but -also has contrived to anticipate and balk my every important move. But -I’ll finally get him and every mother’s son of them. We’ll not rest -until we have run down the entire gang and----Ah, by Jove, that was -Chick’s voice.” - -They had been briefly talking in the bedroom, from which both hastened -upon hearing the familiar voice, and they found Chick propped up -against a chair, with his eyes open. He was responding rapidly to the -stimulants given him, and he soon was able to clearly describe his -encounter with the masked man. - -Not until the following morning, however, being averse to discussing -his suspicions in the presence of Vernon and the physician, and knowing -that no further steps could be taken that night, did Carter express his -views on the subject. He then was at breakfast with Patsy and Chick, -the latter having entirely recovered from the effects of the drug. - -“Your sudden collapse, Chick, and the sensations preceding it admit of -only one explanation,” said Carter. “Your assailant was provided with -a powerful storage battery, so ingeniously contrived and carried on -his person that he could impart an overwhelming shock to an antagonist -without incurring danger from the electric current.” - -“That’s how I size it up,” Chick agreed. “The sensations were very -convincing.” - -“It could be accomplished with an ingenious arrangement of wires,” -Carter added. “Having knocked you out, so to speak, and knowing you -soon would throw off the effects of the brief shock, he immediately -drugged you with a hypodermic injection, and then proceeded to -deliberately do what I had sent you there to accomplish.” - -“He got the best of me, all right,” Chick admitted. - -“All this is very significant, however,” Carter said more earnestly. -“The ingenuity displayed, this use of electricity, of drugs, of strange -poisonous gas, with a knowledge how it can be administered so as to -mysteriously cause death, as in Todd’s case, together with the similar -circumstances in the remarkable robberies committed here, also in the -cases of the four girls found unconscious in the hospital grounds--all -evince a profound knowledge of such things, that of the one man by whom -all of these crimes were devised and directed.” - -“I agree with you,” Chick nodded, laying aside his napkin. “Only one -man would probably be so well informed and knavishly original.” - -“He is either a criminal genius or a madman whose perverted mind has -turned to crime for profit and excitement. That man must be found, -though we turn heaven and earth to discover his identity.” - -Though he still had Doctor Devoll in mind as being the one whom several -minor circumstances had led him to suspect, Carter did not once think -of Professor Karl Graff, whom he had seen only for a couple of minutes -when investigating the death of Gaston Todd, and whose appearance and -deportment were in no degree impressive, to say nothing of inviting -suspicion. - -“Gee whiz!” Patsy exclaimed, replying. “It strikes me, chief, that that -motor car is a clew worth following. We know that one of the two men -at the road house killed Leary’s cat, and it’s dollars to fried rings -that he is the man we want to identify. In spite of the false number -plates used last night, I think I can run down that car, if I go on a -still hunt for it.” - -“Think you can, eh?” queried Carter tersely. - -“I sure do,” said Patsy confidently. - -“There are about a thousand cars of that type in Madison. You’ll do -good work, Patsy, if you round up that particular one.” - -“Good work is my long suit, chief,” Patsy earnestly argued. “You ought -to know that.” - -“So I do, Patsy.” - -“Let me try, then. I’ll bet I can make good.” - -“Very well,” Carter abruptly decided. “Set to work as soon as you like. -In the meantime, Chick, I will see Chief Gleason and get cards for -to-night. I want you to accompany me. If this master criminal, whoever -he is, can put one over on us and get away with Mrs. Thurlow’s pearls, -I’ll chuck my vocation and start a peanut stand.” - -Nick arose from the table with the last, all having finished their -breakfast, and Patsy was so eager to be off on the work he had -voluntarily assumed and the outcome of which he had so confidently -predicted that he hurried up to their suite in advance of the others, -getting such articles as he required and leaving the house without -further instructions. - -Nick Carter sauntered into police headquarters about ten o’clock that -morning, and found Chief Gleason in his private office. - -“Too busy to see me?” he inquired carelessly when the chief looked up -and then swung quickly around in his swivel chair. - -“Too busy? I should say not!” he exclaimed, with a perceptible frown. -“I was expecting to see you.” - -“That so?” queried Nick, while he drew up a chair. - -“Very much so,” Gleason said brusquely. “See here, Carter, what are you -putting over on me?” - -“Putting over on you?” Nick’s eyes narrowed slightly. - -“Exactly.” - -“I don’t quite get you, Gleason.” - -“You ought to get me. Why haven’t I seen you since yesterday morning? -Why haven’t you reported? In other words, Carter, what are you doing -about this Todd murder and these other cases?” - -“Oh, that’s it, is it?” said Nick, who had been wondering what was -coming. “I had begun to fear there was something wrong. Putting over on -you, eh? Did you really expect me, Gleason, to run in here every hour -or two and report the progress of my work? That’s not my way of doing -business.” - -“I know, Carter; I know,” Gleason more quietly protested, warned by a -subtle ring in the detective’s voice. “But we really have nothing on -Paulding, nothing at all definite, nothing that warrants holding him in -custody. It was upon your advice that we arrested him.” - -“I guess you have made no mistake.” - -“But----” - -“He has not kicked against it, has he?” - -“No, no, not exactly, yet----” - -“Stop a moment,” Nick interrupted. “How long were you and your score -of subordinates at work on these mysterious crimes before you sent for -me?” - -“Why, several months, as you know.” - -“And accomplished nothing.” - -“Why, nothing material.” - -“Several months and nothing accomplished,” said Nick pointedly. “I have -been in Madison only two days, Gleason, yet you expect me to begin -turning in reports and possibly to have solved the problem that has -baffled you for months. Don’t be foolish, Gleason. Rome was not built -in a day.” - -“But you might at least keep me informed now and then as to----” - -“Nonsense!” Nick cut in again. “I’ll report, Gleason, when I have -anything worth reporting, and not until then. If that doesn’t satisfy -the Madison chief of police, I’ll chuck the whole business and hike -back to New York.” - -“No, no, don’t say that,” Chief Gleason quickly entreated. “I may have -been a bit impatient, Carter, but only because of my anxiety concerning -Paulding, who really is a very decent fellow. I don’t want to put him -in wrong, you know.” - -“I am the one who has done the putting, Gleason, and I will take all -of the responsibility,” Nick replied. “But do not be impatient or -needlessly anxious. There will be something doing sooner or later, and -you shall know all about it.” - -“Well, well, that ought to satisfy me, I suppose, coming from you,” -Gleason said more agreeably. “I should have known better than to have -questioned your judgment. Have you discovered anything worthy of -mention?” - -“Not yet, but I’m on the way,” the detective said evasively. “I can -tell you nothing definite at present. Incidentally, however, I wish to -attend the reception and ball of the National Guards this evening. I -suppose you have been called upon to take the customary precautions.” - -“Yes, indeed,” Gleason quickly nodded. “Ten of my men are to be there -in plain clothes. It will be a swell affair, with much costly jewelry -worn, no doubt, and we are taking unusual precautions.” - -“Quite right,” Carter said approvingly. “I want you to get me two -tickets and the necessary cards.” - -“I can give them to you now.” Gleason opened a drawer in his desk. “I -was supplied with a dozen, but need only ten. Here are the other two.” - -“Good enough.” Nick slipped them into his pocket. “Say nothing about my -going, by the way, for I don’t want that generally known. After this -ball, Gleason, I may have something to report,” he said significantly, -while he arose to go. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. PATSY ON THE TRAIL. - - -“Good work is right. It sure will be some stunt to find that particular -car, as the chief said, but there’s more than one way to kill a cat. -I’ll find it, by gracious, or lose a leg.” - -These were Patsy Garvan’s mental declarations when he left the Wilton -House at nine o’clock that morning, not only determined to find the -motor car he had seen the previous night, but also to identify its -chauffeur and his two passengers. - -“I’ll go the whole hog,” he added to himself. “If I discover the -chauffeur, I’ll not quit till I have learned who was with him. I’ll -make good the limit, if I make good at all.” - -His first visit proved futile, and he then consulted a directory and -noted the location of every public garage. He then proceeded from one -to another as quickly as possible, searching each in the same way, but -with the same negative result. - -In only one was he questioned by the proprietor, but Patsy was ready -for him, and politely explained. - -“I am thinking of buying a car next month, sir, and am merely having a -look at these. I hope you have no objection.” - -“Certainly not in that case,” was the reply. “Go as far as you like.” - -“I’ll go far and go some, I reckon, before I hook onto the right one,” -thought Patsy, who then had been thus at work for several hours, -stopping only for lunch in a convenient restaurant. “The car might be -out, of course, even if I were to hit the right garage, providing it is -kept in a public one. I’ve got to take the chance. I’ll stick, too, by -ginger, till I find it.” - -It was after three o’clock when he emerged from the last garage on his -list, and his face wore a look of irrepressible disappointment, though -his ardor and determination had not waned. - -“Where next?” he asked himself. “The day is two-thirds gone and I’m no -better off than when I started. It would be impossible to visit every -private garage. Nor could I identify that chauffeur in a passing car if -he was in disguise last night, or tell whether the number plates have -been removed or temporarily changed by some means. If changed, by Jove, -there’s one way that might be done. There may be something in this.” - -He was hit with a new idea, one that immediately struck him as -promising. He had in mind, of course, that all of the license plates of -that State were blue and numbered with white figures. Returning to the -business section, from which his long search had taken him, he again -consulted a directory and made a list of the paint stores, one of which -he presently entered and questioned the proprietor. - -His inquiries proved vain, however, and he hastened to another. Not -until close upon five o’clock was he successful, when, accosting the -proprietor of a small shop in a side street, he began the same line of -inquiries. - -“Do you keep vaseline or a paste of any kind that I could color with a -pigment?” - -“I have vaseline in small jars. What color do you want to make it?” - -“Prussian blue,” said Patsy, that being the body color of the number -plates. - -“You can mix the Prussian blue powder with the vaseline all right?” - -“Making a paste that would stick for a time and then wipe off easily?” - -“Yes, surely.” - -“Do you have many calls for Prussian blue?” - -“Not many. You are the second one within a week, though,” said the -proprietor. “Toby Monk bought a box three or four days ago. That’s the -second, by the way, that he has bought within a month. He uses it mebbe -the same as you do.” - -“What’s his business? I’m an artist,” said Patsy, lest these inquiries -might reach the ears of the said Toby Monk. - -“He’s a chauffeur,” replied the storekeeper. “He owns a car and runs -it as a jitney part of the time, when he’s not driving for a man who -frequently employs him.” - -“What man is that?” inquired Patsy, suppressing any betrayal of his -elation. - -“I don’t know his name.” - -“Or where he lives?” - -“No.” - -“He’s a merchant, perhaps, or a doctor, or----” - -“I don’t know anything about him. Why are you so anxious to know who -and----” - -“Oh, I’m not anxious,” Patsy cut in quickly. “I was only wondering how -the fellow you spoke of used the color. Give me one can of it, smallest -size, and a small jar of vaseline.” - -Patsy’s explanation was glibly made, and the storekeeper appeared to -attach no further significance to his customer’s curiosity. He wrapped -up the two articles, and Patsy paid him and departed, afterward tossing -the package mentioned among some weeds in a vacant lot. - -“Only a lunkhead would have questioned him further,” he said to -himself, now feeling almost sure that he had hit the right trail. “Toby -Monk, eh? I’ll soon find out where he lives and what is generally known -about him. Bought Prussian blue twice, has he? It’s a hundred to one -that he has been using it to temporarily blot out a figure with blue -paste matching the background of his number plate, or to so cover part -of one or more figures as to form others, apparently giving the plate -an entirely different number when engaged in a job like that of last -night. Blue paste could be quickly wiped off after the job was done. -I’ll find out mighty soon whether I am right and have nailed one of the -suspects.” - -He hastened to a near drug store, and again resorted to the city -directory. He found that Toby Monk lodged in Green Street, and thither -he then hastened. - -He learned, after a little roundabout questioning in an opposite cigar -store, that Toby Monk kept his car in an unused stable about a block -away, and that he could usually be found between six and seven o’clock -in Foley’s saloon and restaurant in Prince Street, where he often went -for his beer and supper. - -It then was nearly six, with dusk beginning to gather, and Patsy lost -no time in seeking the stable mentioned. It stood in the back yard of -an inferior wooden dwelling. The stable door was open, and the car -stood within, apparently the one he had pursued the previous night, -though he could not now see the number plates. - -“I must make dead sure of it,” he said to himself, after sauntering by -the house and turning merely a furtive gaze toward the stable. “Toby -Monk may be in this house, since his car is here, and I’d better not -venture through the yard. I’ll go round to the next street and steal -between those two houses back of the stable. There may be a back -window, and I could easily climb the fence.” - -It took him about three minutes to reach the rear of the stable, which -he accomplished without being seen, and he found the window he was -seeking. He found it unlocked, moreover, and within half a minute he -was crouching back of the touring car, inspecting the number plate. - -It was as clean as a whistle, though the rest of the car was quite -dusty. Obviously it had been recently wiped. Plainly, too, the number, -12674, could be apparently changed to 2671, the very number he had -seen the previous night, by eliminating the 1 and the loop of the 4 by -covering them with the blue paste. - -“By Jove, this does settle it!” Patsy muttered, after a brief -inspection. “Here’s a smooch of dirty blue grease, too, on the tire. -Possibly I can find the----” - -Turning quickly, he discovered what he had in mind. A wad of cotton -waste soiled with greasy blue paste had been tossed amid some rubbish -in one corner. On a beam near by was an open can of Prussian blue -powder, and near it a tin box containing some of the paste and a soiled -brush. - -Patsy did not want more convincing evidence. He stole out by the way he -had entered, easily departing unseen in the deepening dusk, and feeling -reasonably sure that Toby Monk then would be found in the saloon -mentioned. - -“I’ll have a look, at all events,” he said to himself. “Toby was the -chauffeur, all right, and through him I may identify the others. Gee -whiz! It’s lucky I thought of that method to alter the number plate. -It put me on the right track. I’ll drop the chief a line in the next -letter box, lest I unexpectedly throw a shoe, and then I’ll keep up my -good work. I’ll be hanged if I’ll quit a trail that’s just warming up.” - -It was half past six, and dusk had turned to darkness, when Patsy -approached Foley’s saloon in Prince Street, within a block of police -headquarters. It was a restaurant and barroom of the better class, with -a corresponding patronage, and he paused briefly on the opposite side -to gaze through the broad plate-glass windows. - -He could see nearly a score of men in the saloon, some talking and -drinking at the bar, others seated in a row of side booths, and nearly -as many in the rear restaurant. He was unable to discover one so like -the chauffeur in height and figure as to be sure of his identity, -however, and he then decided to enter and use his wits. Approaching the -bar, he bought a glass of beer and lingered to drink it moderately. -Taking a moment when one of the bartenders was idle and near him, he -inquired carelessly: - -“How far must I go to hit a jitney?” - -“Main Street, two blocks east,” said the bartender tersely. - -“Don’t any of them go through this street?” - -“Sometimes, but not regular. Mebbe, though, that----” The bartender -stopped and looked searchingly toward the restaurant, until his gaze -fell upon a man at one of the side tables. “Ah, there he is! I thought -he was there.” - -“Thought who was here?” - -“Toby Monk. He runs a jitney, but he is eating his supper. His car may -be outside.” - -“Where does he leave it?” - -“Just above here.” - -“There is no car out there,” said Patsy. “I just came in and would have -seen it.” - -“He’s put it up until later, then, as he often does about this time.” - -“It don’t matter,” said Patsy. “The walking’s good.” - -He turned away indifferently, and was pleased to see that other -customers then claimed the attention of the bartender. Having -carefully noted in which direction he had gazed a moment before, Patsy -easily determined on which man his eyes had lingered, and he now -furtively sized him up--a well-built man in the thirties, with a dark, -smooth-shaven face, a square jaw, and thin lips, having a downward -curve that gave him a sinister expression. - -But Patsy’s train of thought was cut short when Toby Monk, rising -abruptly from a seat at the table, took his cap from a wall rack and -strode out through the saloon. - -At the same moment a burly, red-featured man entered from the street, -and the two met just within the swinging doors and scarce six feet from -that end of the bar at which Patsy was standing. He saw Toby Monk start -slightly, as if surprised, and then heard him exclaim, with inquiring -scrutiny: - -“Hello! What’s up, Shannon?” - -“Shannon!” Patsy echoed the name mentally, with a thrill of increasing -elation. “That’s the name of the attendant the chief saw in Doctor -Devoll’s private room. He answers his description, too. Gee whiz, the -net is tightening for fair! It now is a cinch that Doctor Devoll is one -of the gang, and very possible the big finger.” - -Patsy missed nothing that was said while these thoughts flashed through -his mind. Shannon had stopped short the moment he saw the chauffeur, to -whom he quickly replied, and with his gruff voice only slightly subdued: - -“You’re wanted, Toby.” - -“Wanted by----” - -“You know,” Shannon cut in quickly. “I have orders for you.” - -“What’s doing? Why did you come here after me?” - -“I’ll tell you on the way. This is no time or place. Get a move on and -go with me.” - -“I’ll go with you also if it’s all the same to you two rascals--or -whether it is or not,” thought Patsy as he edged toward the door and -followed the two men to the street. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. BIRDS OF PREY. - - -The trail picked up by Patsy Garvan was becoming so hot, indeed, as he -had expressed it, that he now had absolutely no idea of quitting it. He -followed the two suspects through Prince Street, noting that they were -engaged in a subdued and very earnest discussion, with Shannon doing -most of the talking, but Patsy did not venture to attempt overhearing -them. - -“I could pick up only a word or two at the most, and must take a chance -of being seen and suspected,” he rightly reasoned. “That would put them -on their guard and knock a further espionage on the head. I’d better -keep them in the dark and try to see what’s coming off. If Shannon -brought orders from some one to this sinister-looking scamp, it’s long -odds that Doctor Devoll was the one. There sure is something in the -wind.” - -It soon was evident to him that the two men were heading for the stable -in which Toby Monk kept his car, and he began to fear that he was -booked for the same difficulties he had had the previous night. He felt -quite sure of it, in fact, when both men entered the stable and Toby -Monk partly closed the front door, precluding a view from the street. - -Presently, however, a feeble light from a smoky lantern could be seen, -and Patsy muttered perplexedly: - -“What do they want of that? They can’t be going out with the car, after -all, or a lantern would not be needed. They may have come here only to -escape observation while planning a job. I can very soon find out by -making use of the back window again.” - -He was on his way with the last thought. A couple of minutes brought -him to the back fence, over which he climbed noiselessly, and then -crept near enough to see and hear through the dusty back window. - -Toby Monk was on his knees with a box of blue paste and a brush, -engaged in altering the figures on the rear number plate of the touring -car. - -Shannon was seated on a box near by, with his brawny arms resting on -his knees, while he grimly watched the chauffeur’s artistic alterations. - -“You’d better let the top down, too, Toby,” he advised, after a moment. -“That will help.” - -“Mebbe so, Jim, since I’m never seen with it down,” Monk replied. “I’ll -drop it before leaving.” - -“Besides, it might be a bit in the way,” Shannon pointedly added. “It’s -easier to get into an open car. This trick has got to be turned on the -jump, mind you.” - -“I know that, Jim, all right, and you can bet I’ll do my part.” - -“Have I made it perfectly plain to you?” - -“As plain as twice two.” - -“The signal----” - -“There’s no need to repeat it, Jim,” Toby protested, interrupting, much -to Patsy’s disappointment. “I’ve got the whole business down pat, so -far as my part in the job goes. You may tell his nibs he may bank on -that.” - -“The hour----” - -“I know,” Monk again cut in impatiently. “You need never repeat an -order that he sends me. There’s too much coming, Jim, for me to go -lame.” - -“I’ll be off, then, Toby, and tell him I found you,” said Shannon, -rising abruptly. “He’ll be waiting for me by this time.” - -“Go ahead, then, and I’ll see you later.” - -“Sure thing, Toby, bar a slip-up of some kind,” Shannon paused to add. -“You know what we are up against.” - -“Rats! Trust his nibs to get the best of that bunch. No dicks can fool -him. He’ll put something over on them that they never heard of.” - -Shannon laughed grimly, picking his way around the touring car, and -left the dingy, dimly lighted stable. - -Patsy Garvan hesitated only for a moment. He remembered the previous -night. He knew that he might find it utterly impossible to follow -Toby Monk, who evidently was soon going to use his car, and Patsy -immediately stole around the stable, taking advantage of the darkness -to dart back of the rear dwelling, and in another moment he was -stealthily following Shannon up the street. - -“Going to tell his nibs, is he?” thought Patsy, with ever-increasing -elation. “If I don’t learn who is back of this whole business, then -there’ll be something wrong with the cards. Get the best of the chief, -will he? I guess not!” - -He found it easy to shadow his unsuspecting quarry. He trailed him to -an outskirt of the business section, where Shannon paused briefly in -a gloomy doorway and put on a disguise. Five minutes later, after -looking sharply in each direction, he entered a court flanking one end -of a large stone building. - -“By gracious!” thought Patsy, gazing up at it. “This is the Waldmere -Chambers, the building in which Todd was killed. Has the gang a -headquarters here, or is it where only the chief himself hangs out? In -either case, by Jove! I’m getting in right at last.” - -Stealing nearer, he peered cautiously into the court. Shannon had -disappeared in the deeper darkness. Following noiselessly, Patsy -brought up at a solid wooden gate about six feet high, and he then -heard a door closed and the snap of a lock. It told him plainly enough -that Doctor David Devoll’s burly attendant had entered the building. - -“Gee whiz! I must not lose track of him,” Patsy muttered under his -breath. “I’ll take chances to guard against that. Locked, by thunder!” - -Patsy had vainly tried to open the gate. He saw that it closed an alley -about five feet wide between the rear of the Waldmere Chambers and -the blank back wall of another lofty building. He drew himself up and -looked over it. He could see a door some ten feet away, and directly -above it a single-lighted window, the roller shade of which was drawn -nearly to the sill. - -“That’s a rear office on the second floor,” Patsy rightly reasoned. -“That door must open into a basement, however, for the land slopes -toward the front of the building. By Jove! I must find out what’s -doing.” - -Without a sound that could have been heard in the office mentioned, he -climbed over the gate and dropped upon the pavement in the alley, then -picked his way through the gloom toward the door. He then found that it -was an ordinary storm door, opening outward and protecting an interior -one, which was securely locked. - -He listened vainly for any sound from within, also at two ground-glass -windows near by, evidently those of a basement, then as dark as a -pocket. Both were securely fastened. - -“Gee! I’m no better off,” he said to himself. “If I could get up to -that lighted window, I might learn whether Shannon is there, or--by -gum! I have it. I can both see and hear, all right, by standing on -the top of this outer door. It’s some stunt to get up there, though, -without being heard.” - -He demurred only briefly, seeing no other way to accomplish his object. -He opened the door, then hung by his hands from the top for a moment, -finding that the hinges would support him. He then drew himself up, -working one leg over the outer corner, and finally worming himself to -a seat on the unsteady perch. Twice he had swung against the building, -but met the wall noiselessly with his shoulder. - -Reaching up, he then could grasp the stone sill of the lighted window. -He drew himself up, hanging clear of the door, then nearly closed it -with his feet, bringing it to a position directly under the window, -enabling him to stand in a crouching posture on it, still grasping the -stone sill. - -A beam of light from under the roller shade then fell on Patsy’s grimly -determined face. Voices from within reached his ears. He peered into -the room and saw, seated in opposite chairs, Jim Shannon and Professor -Karl Graff. - -“The man I trailed to Leary’s road house! The man who killed the cat!” -The thoughts flashed swiftly through Patsy’s mind. “By gracious, it now -is a cinch! He’s the big finger of the gang. But who the deuce is he?” - -Though puzzled as to his identity, Patsy read plainly in Professor -Graff’s gray-bearded face that he was discussing something of serious -importance. His narrow eyes had a vicious gleam and glitter. He was -drawn forward in his chair, with his hands clenched on his knees and -his gaze riveted on Shannon’s dark face, from which he had removed his -disguise. - -“You made it clear to him, Jim, perfectly clear?” Graff was asking. -“There must be no mistake, no delay.” - -“There’ll be none,” Shannon gruffly informed him. “You can bank on -that.” - -“The number plates----” - -“I left him changing them.” - -“The position he is to take with the car----” - -“He knows the very spot.” - -“The signal----” - -“Your flash light--he knows,” Shannon cut in again. “He’ll be watching -for it.” - -“And what he then must do?” - -“The whole business. He has it down pat from A to Z.” - -Graff settled back in his chair. He appeared satisfied with these -forcible assurances. He fell to rubbing his hands, his eyes gleaming -with malicious triumph, a gleam and glitter so intense that Patsy -Garvan felt that he was gazing at a madman. - -“If he isn’t dippy, a pronounced victim of criminal mania, I’m no judge -of human faces,” he said to himself. “Human be hanged! He has the look -of a devil, and all the makings of one, if I’m not mistaken.” - -“We’ll balk him, thwart him, turn this trick on him, Shannon, in spite -of all he can do,” Graff snapped viciously after a moment. “Then, if he -dares to remain in Madison--well, God help him! His fate will be on his -own head. I have told him. I have warned him.” - -“He means the chief,” thought Patsy. “This was the rascal who sent -him the letter, and he refers to the theft of Mrs. Thurlow’s pearls. -They’ve been planning it, and that’s the job Toby Monk is booked for -to-night. If I can but learn the details of their scheme, it will be -soft walking for the chief to foil their game and collar the entire -gang. I’m on the way, all right.” - -Patsy felt reasonably sure of it, indeed, and he was missing nothing -that passed between the two conspirators. Shannon appeared oblivious to -Graff’s display of feeling, though he smiled a bit grimly and said: - -“You can turn the dick down, all right, if need be, and none would get -wise. All I hope is that he won’t be able to queer this job. There -would be something coming to us from it, a deal more than usual.” - -“It’s as sure as if you already had it in your pocket, Shannon, if my -instructions are carefully followed.” - -“They will be,” Shannon nodded. “What does Tim Hurst think about it? -Where does he fit in?” - -“He’s to work the trick with me.” - -“Any one else?” - -“Only Dorson.” - -“Is it safe to rely upon him?” - -“There will be no safety for him if he disappoints me,” Graff declared, -with vicious asperity. “He knows what it will cost and that he’ll pay -the price. You know what befell the one treacherous cur who dared to -defy me and threatened to expose----” - -“Enough of that,” Shannon cut in, with a growl. “I don’t like to think -of it, much less talk about it. What has become of Hurst, anyway?” - -“I have not seen him since last night, after he searched the rooms of -that servile cur.” Graff spoke with an ugly snarl. “He found papers -that would have exposed us, but they now are ashes only. Luckily, too, -he was in time to down one of the Nick Carter gang, who otherwise would -have found the same and had us by the ears.” - -“We’ll get you all right, sooner or later,” thought Patsy. “Tim Hurst, -eh? The masked man whom Chick encountered. Give us a little more time -and we’ll uncover all of these hidden faces.” - -“Downed him, did he?” queried Shannon. “He must be a lightweight dick -that Tim could down, for all he’s quick and clever.” - -Professor Graff laughed for a moment as if much tickled, but his mirth -had qualities that sent a chill down Patsy’s spine. - -“I had made it easy for him,” Graff replied, still chuckling with evil -pride. “He wore an unsuspected weapon, an electrical device of mine -that would overcome a horse. Let Tim alone to make good when in a -tight place.” - -“But it’s near seven,” Shannon growled, glancing at the clock. “If he’s -to work with you to-night----” - -“He’ll come,” Graff cut in quickly. “He’ll show up on time. He’s due -here now.” - -“Due here! Will he sneak in this way, or enter from the front street? -If he comes while I’m up here----” - -Patsy caught his breath, scenting speedy trouble. - -A key had been thrust into the lock, and almost instantly the gate was -opened and hurriedly closed. A slender, black-clad figure had entered -the alley, a thin-featured, keen-eyed man of about thirty, who quickly -jerked the key from the lock. - -Patsy had as quickly decided what he would do. He knew he could not -leap down from his unsteady perch undetected and retreat farther into -the alley. He took, therefore, his only chance to escape observation, -knowing that he could not hold up the intruder without alarming his -confederates. Firmly grasping the stone sill of the window, he drew up -his legs and raised his feet from the top of the door, hoping the man -would pass under him and enter without seeing him. - -The ruse came near proving successful. Tim Hurst strode quickly to the -storm door and flung it open, then fished out a key to the inner one. -He had heard nothing alarming nor seen the crimped figure hanging close -to the dark wall directly above him. - -Just then, however, a bit of cement broke from the stone under Patsy’s -rigid grasp, and it fell straight down upon Hurst’s head. He drew back -as if electrified, looking up, and as quick as a flash he guessed the -truth. On the instant, too, while he uttered a short, sharp whistle, he -leaped up and seized Patsy’s legs, snarling fiercely: - -“Come down here! Let go, blast you, or----” - -Hurst was not given time to say more. - -Patsy heard Graff and Shannon spring up and rush down a back stairway -in response to the whistle, and he realized that only quick work could -save him. He let go of the sill and dropped straight down upon Hurst’s -head and shoulders, worming quickly around as he pitched over him, and -trying to grapple him around his arms and waist. - -The lithe and wiry rascal was alert, however, and as quick of motion -as a cat. He also twisted around when Patsy fell, spreading his feet -to steady himself, and then, with a lightninglike lurch toward the -building, he brought Patsy’s head against the stone wall, a blow that -nearly cracked his skull and dazed him so that he hardly knew what -immediately followed. - -In a vague way, however, he realized that he was being roughly handled, -that Graff and Shannon had rushed out into the alley, and that the -three men were hurriedly taking him into the building. - -He heard both doors closed and locked, then was conscious of being -placed roughly on a cold cement floor, with two of the ruffians nearly -crushing him in the inky darkness. This was dispelled in a moment by -a glare of electric light, and the cobwebs then had cleared from his -brain sufficiently for him to size up the surroundings. - -He saw at a glance that he was in a chemical laboratory, a large, -square room with shelved walls, laden with bottles, jars, carboys, and -the like. A zinc-covered table was littered with the customary articles -required by a chemist. There was a closet in one corner. Near by was an -open door, an adjoining entry, and a narrow stairway leading up to the -room in which the two men had been seated. - -Patsy still was gazing around when Graft approached him, commanding his -two confederates to bind him, which they quickly proceeded to do with -cords brought from the closet, while Tim Hurst hurriedly stated where -he discovered their captive. - -“Who are you? Who sent you here to play the spy?” he fiercely -questioned. - -Though he keenly realized that he was in wrong, and that much of his -good work might prove futile, Patsy lost neither his head nor his nerve. - -“No one sent me,” he answered curtly. “I came on my own hook.” - -“You lie!” Graff snapped harshly. “You are in Nick Carter’s employ.” - -“By Heaven, I guess that’s right,” Shannon agreed, with a snarl. “He’s -one of the dicks.” - -“We’ll dick him! We’ll dick him all right when the time comes,” Graff -fiercely declared. “But not now, not yet. The Thurlow pearls are of -first importance, and I have only time to prepare for that job. We’ll -settle with him later. Gag him, Shannon, and lock him in the closet. -You must wait here and watch till we return. Make sure the whelp can’t -escape. I’ll fix him later. I’ll fix him.” - -“Gee whiz!” thought Patsy. “If he makes good as he looks, I can see my -finish.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. STOLEN PEARLS. - - -Nick Carter wore a worried look at eight o’clock that evening. Both -he and Chick then were dressing for the elaborate reception and ball -tendered to the local National Guards, generally admitted to be the -chief social event slated for that season in Madison, and during which -the unknown crook whom the detectives were so anxious to identify had -threatened to commit the crime the latter were grimly determined to -prevent. - -Nick Carter’s anxiety, however, was not because his life also had -been threatened and might possibly be taken, in case he became an -insurmountable obstacle to the designs of the mysterious and daring -desperado. He was thinking of Patsy Garvan, his prolonged absence, the -occasion for which he could not fathom, knowing that Patsy ordinarily -would have reported by telephone, at least, in view of the work -engaging him, unless something very unexpected and equally serious -prevented him. - -The detective did not blind himself, moreover, to the fact that his own -designs had been repeatedly anticipated and balked by the unknown knave -or by members of his gang, in spite of his own expeditious work and -the precautions he had taken. He realized most keenly that he was up -against a remarkably crafty and resourceful scoundrel. He began to fear -that Patsy had fallen into his hands and, in spite of his confidence -in his own skill and prowess, that he also might be booked for failure -and utterly unable to prevent the threatened theft of Mrs. Mortimer -Thurlow’s pearls. - -“It would be perfectly easy to foil the rascals, if that was all we -wished to accomplish,” said the detective, while he and Chick were -discussing their plans. “But that is not enough.” - -“Certainly not,” declared Chick. “We must take advantage of the -circumstances to discover their identity and in some way contrive to -arrest them.” - -“Exactly. We must allow them enough leeway, therefore, to be sure they -will attempt the crime,” Carter pointed out. “They know what they are -up against and that we are out to get them. If we remain too near to -Mrs. Thurlow, as if ready to instantly grab any one that lays a finger -on her, there will be nothing to it. The miscreants will throw up the -job.” - -“Surely,” Chick agreed. “No sane man would attempt it under such -conditions.” - -“The fact that we are carefully disguised, moreover, would not deceive -them. They would suspect any men who constantly hung around within -reach of Mrs. Thurlow, and would very soon identify us. We must give -them enough leeway, therefore, as I have said, to be sure they will -make the attempt.” - -“I agree with you,” Chick nodded. - -“It goes without saying, nevertheless, that we must be in a position -to constantly watch the woman,” Carter added. “Having no idea just -when the theft may be attempted, we must not lose sight of her for a -moment.” - -“What plan had we better adopt?” - -“We can lay no elaborate plan. It will be of advantage, however, if we -keep an eye on one another, as well as on the woman, and contrive to -keep her constantly between us. That will enable us to head off a thief -in two directions, at least.” - -“I see the point.” - -“We must be alert, also, to detect any person whose looks or actions -warrant suspicion,” Carter continued. “It is barely possible that one -of us can discover the crook before the theft is attempted.” - -“I’ll put you wise, chief, in that case, and you do the same.” - -“Yes, of course.” - -“Her nephew is to be her escort, you say.” - -“Yes. His name is Dorson. He will accompany both Mrs. Thurlow and her -daughter, and we can identify them when they arrive.” - -“And our work must begin at that moment.” - -“Exactly. Naturally, of course, Dorson will pay considerable attention -to Mrs. Thurlow, and I don’t think his presence will deter the crooks, -for I have directed her to say nothing to him about expecting a crime. -There is no occasion for any one to suspect him, of course, even though -he is with her much of the time.” - -The detective added the last while they were about to leave. It was a -perfectly natural supposition, of course, that the man of whom he was -speaking was entirely trustworthy. He did not have a thought to the -contrary, and, therefore, he could not foresee the fatal result of this -misplaced confidence in Mr. John Dorson. - -It was a brilliant scene upon which the two detectives arrived soon -after eight o’clock, which they knew would be sufficiently early. The -streets adjoining the park in which the handsome new armory building -was situated, in the vast hall and drill room, on the second floor -of which the ball was to be held, were crowded with costly, brightly -lighted automobiles of nearly every type, leaving as rapidly as -possible a throng of fashionably clad men and elaborately gowned women, -many lavishly adorned with radiant gems and jewels. - -Fortune favored the detectives at first. They had been waiting only -a few minutes in the broad reception hall on the ground floor, when -Carter saw Mrs. Thurlow and Edna arrive in company with a tall, -somewhat cadaverous man, who he knew must be Mr. John Dorson. - -“There they are, Chick,” he said quietly. “The woman has not weakened. -She is doing her part, indeed, to help us nail our man. She is wearing -the rope of pearls.” - -“Some pearls, too,” Chick muttered admiringly. “By Jove! they warrant -taking a desperate chance. That tall fellow is Dorson, I suppose.” - -“Surely.” - -“He’s not very attractive. He has the look of a rounder.” - -“Not as bad as that, I guess,” said Carter. “I think Mrs. Thurlow would -have told me. Step down that way and keep an eye on her. We now must -watch her constantly.” - -Both had been standing in an alcove formed by the rise of the broad, -main stairway. The latter led up to a wide corridor flanking three -sides of the ballroom, which was accessible from each through several -broad, pillared doorways. In the end wall of the room was a row of open -French windows, leading out upon the balcony roof of a wide veranda -overlooking an avenue through the park mentioned, in which numerous -automobiles already had gathered to await the end of the festivities. - -One among them had arrived quite early and obtained a position of -special advantage, close to the broad avenue and within easy view of -the veranda and balcony. It attracted no more attention than any of the -others, neither did the chauffeur, who sat motionless at his wheel. -None would have recognized his bearded face, nor could the car have -been traced from the license number it then appeared to bear. - -It was to these conditions and surroundings that Professor Karl Graff -had referred while talking with Dorson in the road house, and of which -he and his knavish confederates were prepared to take every advantage. - -Chick slipped away from his chief, as the latter had directed, and -took a position from which he could watch the door of a room to which -Mrs. Thurlow and Edna had gone to leave their outside garments, while -Dorson hastened to another to check his crush hat and Inverness. Though -his face was unusually pale and grave, it wore no expression inviting -suspicion. - -He returned in a few moments and rejoined Edna Thurlow, departing with -her through the throng in the lower corridor and mingling with the -stream of wealth and fashion then seeking the ballroom. - -Mrs. Thurlow came out a little later and joined a group of women acting -as a reception committee, and for nearly an hour she remained in the -lower hall, apparently undisturbed by the threats of which she had been -informed, and conducting herself precisely as if ignorant of them, as -Carter had directed. - -Both detectives, though they then were separated, had an eye on her -all the while and on the rope of lustrous pearls adorning her shapely -neck and perfect shoulders. Neither could detect any person near her -inviting suspicion, however, and it really seemed improbable that so -daring a theft could be successfully committed, in view of the fact -that it had been predicted and prevention audaciously invited. - -It was ten o’clock when Mrs. Thurlow went up to the lavishly decorated -ballroom. There, and in the adjoining corridors, a throng of several -hundred guests were assembled. A dance then was in progress, however, -and the corridors were less crowded than during the intervals between -the dances. - -Carter and Chick met on the stairs while following the woman quite -closely, and Carter said a bit hurriedly, noting the direction she was -taking: - -“She’s going to that end of the hall overlooking the balcony. I’ll -follow her. You hurry around through the corridor, so as to watch her -from the opposite side of the hall. We then will have her guarded from -both directions.” - -“Suppose she goes out on the balcony?” - -“Slip out through one of the other windows. You must not lose sight of -her.” - -“I’ve got you,” Chick muttered, as he turned at the head of the stairs -and hurried away. - -Carter followed the woman in the opposite direction, admiring her -outward composure and the nerve she was displaying. He saw her enter -the last of the broad doors and thread her way by the throng of -dancers, finally halting near one of the windows leading out to the -balcony, where she was immediately joined by a colonel of the Guards, -in full-dress uniform, and a lady, with whom he had been dancing. - -Carter paused in the broad doorway, with a quick and searching glance -in each direction. He caught sight of Chick, just entering a door -directly across the broad, brightly lighted hall. He saw Edna Thurlow -amid the throng of dancers, and noticed that she was pale and paying -little attention to the remarks of her partner. He saw, too, the tall -form of Mr. John Dorson, who then was standing alone near the second -window beyond that near which Mrs. Thurlow had halted. - -Though none could know it save the miscreant who had planned the daring -job, the situation then was one for which he had been waiting, the -crucial moment when conditions assured him of success, when the avenue -fronting the veranda was unobstructed, when flight would be easy, when -the throng in the ballroom were absorbed in the dance, when the strains -of orchestral music drowned all other sounds, and when the victim of -his designs had paused at a time and place that perfectly served his -purpose. - -Two inconspicuous, bearded men in evening dress, who had apparently -been talking carelessly on the balcony, suddenly separated. - -One of them glided quickly toward the window near which Mrs. Thurlow -was standing, taking a position close against the wall. - -The other moved in the opposite direction, stopping short near the -second window and taking a small electric flash light from his pocket. -Hooding it with both hands, so that its glare might not be observed -by any of the persons then on the balcony, he lighted the lens for a -moment, so holding it that it could be seen from the grounds, on which -motionless motor cars then were parked. - -The signal was answered almost instantly. The lamps of one of the -motionless motor cars shot a quick glare outward over the avenue, and -in another moment it was moving moderately in that direction. - -The man with a searchlight turned quickly and entered the French -window. He passed directly back of Dorson, and, without stopping, -whispered hurriedly: - -“Now, Dorson, be quick! Get in your work!” - -Dorson started as if stung. He did not recognize the bearded man, but -there was no mistaking his voice, that fierce, sibilant hiss that he -had heard at the road house--the threatening voice of Professor Karl -Graff. - -Dorson instantly pulled himself together, nevertheless, and nerved -himself for what he had undertaken. He took the celluloid box from his -pocket, concealing it in his hand, and removed the cover, at the same -time walking toward Mrs. Thurlow, at whom he had been gazing when he -heard Graff’s threatening command. - -When nearly back of her, Dorson stooped to the floor and pretended -to pick up a handkerchief--which he had deftly removed from the box, -quickly replacing the latter in his pocket. - -“Pardon me,” said he, stepping in front of her. “You have dropped your -handkerchief, Aunt Clara.” - -The colonel talking with her turned at once to his partner, and they -whirled away amid other dancing couples. - -“My handkerchief, Jack?” Mrs. Thurlow took it, but with a look of -surprise. - -“I think so.” Dorson drew back a step and with one hand covered his -mouth and nostrils. - -“No, this is not mine. You are mistaken.” - -“Are you sure, Aunt Clara? It was on the floor behind you. I thought -you had dropped it.” - -Mrs. Thurlow bowed her head a little closer to examine it, still much -crumpled, unfolding it and seeking an initial. - -“No, it is not mine, Jack,” she repeated. “It may be marked, however, -or--or----” - -Her voice suddenly died away to a whisper. She looked up at Dorson, as -if strangely dazed, and he saw her eyes quickly taking on the vacant -expression that had been predicted, the pupils contracting to mere -pinpoints, abnormally bright, while her lips turned from red to a dull -gray. - -Though his every nerve was quivering with secret terror, Dorson kept -his head and continued to play his part. He instantly took the woman’s -arm, saying quietly: - -“You are pale and look tired. Step out on the balcony with me. The air -will revive you.” - -Mrs. Thurlow obeyed him as if in a trance or a victim of an hypnotic -spell. She walked out with him through the French window. There was a -large wicker chair near by, and Dorson placed her in it, then whisked -the fateful handkerchief from her fingers and thrust it into his -pocket. Then he hurried back into the ballroom, through which he passed -as if in haste to obtain water, as he really was. - -The man lurking near the wall in the dim light instantly approached the -woman. Pausing beside her chair, he bowed as if to converse with her. -His keen, black eyes shot one swift glance at a few persons on a remote -part of the balcony. None was observing him. His deft hands quickly -lifted the rope of pearls and dropped it into his pocket. Then he took -out a small glass vial, poured the contents of it upon a sponge, and -held the latter to the woman’s nostrils for a few seconds. - -Mrs. Thurlow gasped and caught her breath. - -The man accidentally dropped the vial and it rolled out of sight. He -did not wait to search for it, did not dare to delay his departure. -He walked quickly toward a corner of the balcony, where the top of a -vine-covered trellis rose just above the railing. - -Toby Monk was at that moment passing the corner with his motor car. - -Both Nick Carter and Chick had witnessed the episode in the ballroom, -and the same thought arose in the minds of both--that Mrs. Thurlow was -perfectly safe while with her nephew. - -The moment that Dorson returned alone, however, both detectives felt -a quick thrill of suspicion, an instinctive feeling that the fateful -moment had arrived, and both hurried toward the nearest of the French -windows, making their way as quickly as possible through the maze of -whirling dancers. - -Chick was the first to reach the balcony. Coming from the glare in -the ballroom, he could not immediately see the seated woman in the dim -light outside. He discovered her in a moment, however, and ran toward -her--just as his chief hurriedly approached from the opposite direction. - -One glance at Mrs. Thurlow’s white face, at her vacant eyes and lax -figure, at the neck, then bare of its lustrous adornment--one glance -was enough. - -“By thunder, they’ve turned the trick!” Chick cried, staring. “That man -Dorson must----” - -Carter did not wait to hear him. He had swung around like a flash, -seeking the thief, knowing that scarce a minute had passed since the -woman left the ballroom. The few persons then on the balcony had not -observed any disturbance, but the detective instantly caught sight of -the swaying top of the trellis mentioned. - -He ran in that direction, reaching for his revolver, but he arrived -at the corner of the balcony rail only in time to see a slender, -black-clad figure leap into a moving motor car, that instantly sped -away down the avenue--Tim Hurst, with the rope of pearls in his pocket. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. WHERE THE TIDE TURNED. - - -Nick Carter did not attempt to stop the fleeing crooks. He saw that the -avenue was unobstructed, that the motor car already was attaining high -speed, that a shot from his revolver would probably be wasted, and that -pursuit was utterly out of the question. He turned back and hastened to -rejoin Chick--just as Jack Dorson returned from the ballroom, bringing -a glass of water. - -Chick was the first to see him, and, having at once suspected him of -aiding the crooks, he impulsively started to call him down. - -“See here!” he exclaimed. “What motive did you have in bringing this -woman----” - -“A glass of water! Presumably, of course, because Mrs. Thurlow wanted -it. She must have felt ill, for she appears to have fainted.” - -Carter had cut in quickly with the interruption, but with a blandness -that at once told Chick that he did not want his suspicions revealed to -Dorson, and he immediately permitted his chief to take the ribbons. - -The entire episode had transpired in far less time than is required -to describe it. Scarce three minutes had passed since Professor Karl -Graff, most skillfully disguised, an art in which his proficiency soon -will become obvious, had seen the opportunity for which he had been -waiting. - -Mrs. Thurlow was beginning to recover, nevertheless, though still too -dazed to realize what had occurred. But the stimulant or counteracting -agent held to her nostrils by Tim Hurst, even while he robbed her of -her pearls, was rapidly reviving her--as rapidly as in the case of the -girl on a cot in the Osgood Hospital. - -Nick had glanced in Dorson’s direction when interrupting his assistant, -and in the light shed through the French window he caught sight of -something glistening back of Mrs. Thurlow’s chair. He picked it up and -slipped it into his pocket--the vial accidentally dropped by Tim Hurst -in his hasty departure. - -Though the stir had been noticed by a few of the persons on the -balcony, none supposed that a robbery had been committed, and none had -approached to aid or interfere. - -Jack Dorson saw at a glance that the rope of pearls was gone, however, -and, with nerves now as tense as bowstrings, he quickly took advantage -of the detective’s remarks, not for a moment dreaming that they had -been designedly made. - -“Yes, yes, she said she felt faint,” he replied, holding the glass of -water to his aunt’s lips. “I noticed in the ballroom that she was quite -pale. I had picked up her handkerchief, or one I supposed was hers.” - -“I happened to see you,” Carter nodded. “Wasn’t it hers?” - -“She said not.” - -“It appears to be missing.” - -“She must have dropped it again.” - -“Very likely.” - -“I told her she had better come out in the air,” Dorson was explaining -very glibly, each moment feeling more sure of successfully hiding his -guilt. “I came with her and placed her in this chair, and she then -asked me to bring her some water.” - -“Exactly.” Carter agreed with him readily. “I saw you returning -hurriedly, and I thought there might be something wrong. That’s why I -came out here.” - -“Good heavens!” Dorson now exclaimed, as if suddenly alarmed. “There is -something wrong. See? Her rope of pearls is gone. She was wearing it -when I left her.” - -“It may have unclasped and fallen to the floor,” the detective said -quickly. “Look around. Try to find it.” - -Dorson obeyed with alacrity, thinking it the most consistent course for -one anxious to appear entirely innocent, and Chick hastened to assist -him in the search, now seeing plainly that his chief had some covert -object in the negative steps he was taking. - -Carter had seen, just as the theft of the pearls was mentioned, that -Mrs. Thurlow was sufficiently recovered to appreciate the loss and also -the mystifying situation. She had started up in her chair, and was -feeling with frantic haste for the stolen treasure, when Carter bent -nearer and grasped her arm, unobserved by the others. - -“Collect yourself and listen,” he whispered impressively. “I am Nick -Carter, disguised. The pearls are gone, but that is part of the game -I am playing. They will be returned to you to-morrow. Say not a word -about me, not even to your nephew. I will return the pearls to you -to-morrow evening.” - -“But----” - -“Don’t oppose me,” Carter forcibly insisted. “Do only what I direct. -All depends upon it. Tell Edna not to mention me in the hearing of -others. Pretend, now, that you have been robbed and that I am a -stranger.” - -The scene that immediately followed, for Mrs. Thurlow understood and -yielded to him, was about what he expected, and also what he wanted. -Amid the ensuing stir and confusion, for an excited throng gathered as -soon as the robbery was announced, he informed Dorson that he would -go and notify the police, and in company with Chick he immediately -departed. - -Not until they were on their way down the avenue, however, did Chick -make any comments or ask any questions. He then began with saying a bit -disgustedly: - -“We seem to be playing a losing game. Is that the size of it, chief, or -what have you up your sleeve?” - -“The crooks have the rope of pearls,” Carter replied, with grim -dryness. “There is no denying that.” - -“And we are beaten to a frazzle.” - -“Oh, no, not quite as bad as that,” the detective quickly protested. -“We are not done brown, Chick, by any means.” - -“What do you mean? Do you suspect Dorson?” - -“Yes, certainly. It was he who made the crime possible. He was -coöperating with the rascals who did the more hazardous work.” - -“That’s what I suspected.” - -“It’s as plain as twice two, Chick, in view of what we know about the -girls found unconscious in the hospital grounds. The handkerchief used -by Dorson was impregnated with the same mysterious substance with -which the girls were temporarily overcome. Obviously, too, the crook -who got the pearls administered the antidote or Mrs. Thurlow would not -have revived so quickly.” - -“The same antidote that restored the four girls.” - -“Undoubtedly. Those were experimental cases, Chick, as sure as I’m a -foot high, in anticipation of this job. Doctor Devoll was trying out -his narcotic, so to speak.” - -“You still think he is the chief culprit, the man behind the gun?” - -“He was in every instance the man who revived the girls, the physician -who appeared to perfectly understand each case.” - -“That’s true,” Chick nodded. “I see the point. But why did you conceal -your suspicions from Dorson?” - -“Because nothing could be gained by revealing them.” - -“That’s true, also. Wouldn’t it be well to shadow him, in case he----” - -“Not at present,” Carter interrupted. “He will make no immediate move. -All that he said was, plainly enough, designed to avert suspicion from -himself, and he will continue to conduct himself along the same line -for a time. We may get him later.” - -“But what are your plans? Where are you going?” Chick impatiently -questioned. “Great Scott! we must get on the track of those pearls.” - -“I’m on their track, all right,” his chief said grimly. “More surely on -their track than at any stage of the game. I told Mrs. Thurlow that I -would return them to her to-morrow evening.” - -“Is that so?” Chick gazed at him, surprised. “Wasn’t that a rather -chesty prediction?” - -“Quite so, Chick, but, having got the worst of it, I had to keep her -quiet till I could get the best of it.” - -“There’s something in that.” - -“Besides, I expect to have recovered them by that time.” - -“Why so? I thought you had something up your sleeve.” - -“It is in my pocket,” Carter corrected dryly. - -He took it out; the vial he had picked up unobserved by others. -Displaying it between his thumb and fingers, he told Chick where he had -found it; then added pointedly: - -“It will help some.” - -“You mean----” - -“I mean that I now intend to corner Doctor David Devoll,” Carter -interrupted. “It now is ten o’clock. Before this time to-morrow, Chick, -I’ll have Devoll where the wool is short. Take my word for it.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. THE WHEEL WITHIN. - - -Nick Carter finished his breakfast at eight o’clock the following -morning. He needed no one to tell him that Patsy Garvan, who still was -absent, had fallen into the hands of the remarkably clever and thus -far successful gang he was seeking. It was only half an hour later -when Carter entered the Osgood Hospital, where he was received in the -business office by Jim Shannon, then in his customary livery. - -“Doctor Devoll is not here, sir,” he said respectfully, in reply to the -detective’s question. “He seldom comes here before noon. He has outside -patients, sir, and other business. You might catch him before he goes -out, sir, if your business is important.” - -“Out from where?” Carter asked curtly. - -“From his apartments, sir. He has a suite in the Pemberton.” - -“Where is that?” - -“About ten minutes’ walk from here,” Shannon said suavely. “I can find -out for you, sir, whether he is there.” - -“By telephone?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Do so,” the detective said shortly. - -He sat down and kept an eye on the man, who did not appear in the -least disturbed by the detective’s visit. One less quick to suspect -subterfuge would have apprehended that his suspicions were misplaced, -that Shannon knew nothing about the anonymous letter, and that Doctor -Devoll was not the sender of it, after all. - -Nick Carter, however, had no such apprehension. He knew that he was up -against as cool and crafty a gang of knaves as ever stood in leather. -He now was accepting nothing that appeared on the surface. He was -seeking the wheel within. - -He watched and listened while Shannon telephoned, readily getting -Doctor Devoll on the wire and stating that Mr. Blaisdell, who had -called the previous day, would like to come to the Pemberton to see -him. That was all that Shannon said, noncommittal it was, too, and he -immediately hung up the receiver and turned to the detective. - -“Yes, sir, Doctor Devoll is there, and it’s all right,” he said, with -the air of one glad to have conferred a favor. “He will wait for you. -You can go right up.” - -Nick took all this for what he thought it was worth. He lingered only -to inquire the way, then turned on his heel and departed. - -Shannon watched him hasten across Hamilton Square, and then, with a -scowl as black as a thunder-cloud, he darted to the telephone. - -Ten minutes had passed when the detective knocked on the door of a -second-floor suite in the Pemberton, and he was immediately admitted by -the man he was seeking. - -Doctor Devoll looked more lean and bald than usual in the sunlight shed -into his attractively furnished parlor. He wore a short, velvet jacket, -his customary black vest and trousers, and he greeted the detective -with an ingratiating smile. - -“Come in, Mr. Blaisdell, and take a seat,” he said, waving Carter to a -chair. “I remembered your visit, of course, when Shannon called me up. -You were very lucky, however, in finding me this morning.” - -“Yes?” queried Carter tentatively. - -“I usually leave here about half past eight, but I overslept this -morning. I was very busy at the hospital all of last evening, and did -not retire till after midnight.” - -“A serious case or an operation?” - -“Neither. I was doing some writing in my private room, with the help -of my attendant,” Doctor Devoll explained blandly. Then he added, -with a covert leer deep down in his squinted eyes: “But it’s an ill -wind, indeed, that blows no one any good. What can I do for you, Mr. -Blaisdell?” - -Nick Carter heard him without a change of countenance, but with no -faith in the alibi so quickly volunteered. He remembered the location -of the physician’s room, the strict privacy that was possible, and his -grounds for having suspected Shannon of duplicity. He felt sure that -they already had framed up a story to show, if it became necessary, -that they were not on the scene of the robbery the previous evening. - -“You can, I think, give me some very desirable information,” Carter -replied, with steadfast scrutiny. “Speaking of doing some writing, -Doctor Devoll, have a look at this anonymous letter. Read it, please, -and tell me what you think of it.” - -Doctor Devoll took it, smiling, and glanced at the address. - -“Dear me!” he exclaimed, looking up quickly. “It is addressed to Nick -Carter.” - -“I am Nick Carter.” - -“The famous detective?” - -“I am a detective.” - -“Well, well, this is most surprising.” Devoll appeared greatly -astonished. “I thought your name was Blaisdell. Why are you using a -fictitious name? What could----” - -“I will presently explain,” Nick interrupted. “Kindly read the letter.” - -Doctor Devoll complied. Nothing denoted that he was reading his own -threatening letter. His crafty face took on, instead, a look of mingled -wonderment and indignation. - -“Goodness!” said he, gazing straight at Nick. “This is most amazing. A -robbery predicted and your life threatened. What audacity! What daring -knavery!” - -“I agree with you.” - -“Do you know who sent it or suspect?” - -“I do not. Can you help me?” - -“Help you? What a question! Why had you any such idea?” Doctor Devoll -demanded, frowning. “I cannot imagine who would send you such a letter.” - -“I thought you might know the hand.” - -“It is not familiar to me. Why did you think so?” - -“I will presently tell you,” said Carter. “The sender has in one -respect made good. Mrs. Thurlow’s rope of pearls was stolen last -evening.” - -“Good heavens, is it possible?” Devoll’s brows rose again with a look -of surprise. “In that case, Mr. Carter, you have only one course.” - -“What is that?” - -“That stated in this anonymous letter. No sane man would ignore such a -warning. Leave Madison as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the sender -may again make good and kill you. I would advise you to lose no time in -returning to New York.” - -“I shall do nothing of the kind.” - -“No?” - -“I shall remain in Madison until I have stuffed that letter down the -sender’s throat.” - -“Well, that’s up to you, of course, and I admire your nerve.” Doctor -Devoll smiled again and returned the letter. “It strikes me, however, -that you will take a desperate chance, a foolhardy one, in view of the -threat that has been executed. I would expect, if I were in your shoes, -to have my head blown off at any moment.” - -“I’ll risk it.” - -“As I have said, then, it’s up to you.” Doctor Devoll drew forward in -his chair and spread his hands on his knees. “But why have you called -to show me the letter, and what do you expect to learn from me? I know -nothing about it or about the theft of the pearls.” - -Nick glanced down at the physician’s hands. He noticed that they were -white and slender, that the nails were neatly manicured, and that that -on his right thumb was a bit discolored, as if from a slight bruise. He -looked up and replied: - -“On the contrary, Doctor Devoll, you do know something about the theft.” - -“Nonsense! What do you mean by that?” - -“Just what I said.” - -Doctor Devoll did not reply immediately. He sat meeting the -detective’s searching scrutiny without a sign of flinching. His -narrowed eyes were taking on a threatening glint, instead, and he said -a bit sharply: - -“If you repeat that assertion, Mr. Carter, I will order you out of my -apartments. I insist that I know nothing about that letter or about the -robbery. If you think I am lying----” - -“One moment,” Nick interposed, checking him. “Don’t misunderstand me or -go over the traces. You will presently agree with me, Doctor Devoll.” - -“Agree with you?” - -“You have not forgotten, of course, the four girls found unconscious in -the hospital grounds.” - -“No, certainly not.” - -“You treated all of them successfully, but you let them go without -making an investigation. Now, Doctor Devoll, I happen to know that -their abnormal condition was due to inhaling a powerful narcotic of -some kind from a handkerchief found in a small leather purse or bag.” - -“Ah! You know more about it, then, than I do.” - -“I know, too, that Mrs. Thurlow was overcome by like means and robbed. -I also know that the thief administered an antidote that soon revived -her--presumably the same antidote that you administered to the four -girls. That is why I said that you know something, at least, about the -robbery.” - -“You mean----” - -“I mean that you know, of course, of what the antidote consists,” Nick -cut in again. “Otherwise, you would not have used it. That is a logical -conclusion, isn’t it?” - -“Perfectly--if your premises are correct.” - -Doctor Devoll did not appear at all disturbed. If these unexpected -discoveries of the detective alarmed him, he did not betray the fact. -Only the gleam that shone in his narrow eyes was steadily becoming -brighter--and Nick saw and rightly interpreted it. - -“They are correct, doctor, all right,” he replied a bit grimly. “If -you----” - -“Wait!” Doctor Devoll spoke more suavely. “I now see what you meant, -Mr. Carter, and at what you are driving. I beg to assure you, too, -that I would be very glad to aid you in this matter or give you any -information I possess.” - -“I had no doubt of that, of course,” Nick said dryly. - -“I hope not.” Doctor Devoll smiled again. “But why do you infer that -the restorative I used was the same as that given to Mrs. Thurlow. I -may have employed only an ordinary stimulant.” - -“I doubt that an ordinary stimulant would have been effective,” the -detective returned. “Furthermore, a policeman who was present in the -case of the last girl saw you saturate a sponge with an amber-colored -fluid poured from a small fluted vial. Here is one like it, Doctor -Devoll. You may recognize it.” - -Doctor Devoll’s nerve did not weaken for an instant. He merely glanced -at the vial Nick was displaying, and said blandly: - -“You should not have said recognize it, Mr. Carter, for that implies -ownership. I never saw that vial before. I admit, however, that I have -one precisely like it.” - -“And that it contained the antidote you used?” - -“Yes.” - -“What was it?” - -“I don’t know.” - -“Don’t know?” Nick echoed incredulously. “Do you mean to assert, Doctor -Devoll, that you blindly used----” - -“Oh, I admit that it sounds incredible,” Doctor Devoll interrupted. -“It is true, sir, nevertheless. The vial and its contents were given -to me by a friend, a chemist in whom I have absolute confidence, with -directions how and in what cases to use it. I tried it successfully on -the first of the four girls, and I since have repeatedly used it. I -have not yet learned, however, what ingredients the fluid contained or -how it is compounded.” - -“Speaking plainly, Doctor Devoll, that story----” - -“Oh, I see you are still incredulous,” the physician again interrupted. -“It is not surprising, Mr. Carter, under the circumstances. But there -is one way to settle it. You can easily verify my statements. Go with -me to my friend and he will corroborate----” - -“Where must we go?” the detective cut in. - -“Not far. He has an office and laboratory in the Waldmere Chambers.” - -“H’m, is that so? Who is he?” - -“Professor Karl Graff.” - -“Humph!” Nick ejaculated. “I remember him.” - -He now recalled for the first time, in fact, the elderly man who -had approached from the rear of the corridor in which the corpse of -the mysteriously murdered Gaston Todd was lying. He remembered the -negative statements this man had made. He recalled, too, Patsy Garvan’s -description of the gray-bearded man seen at Leary’s road house and -the mysterious killing of Leary’s cat. All this flashed upon him -with sudden startling significance, giving color to the physician’s -story--though Nick decided to keep an eye on him. - -“That’s a good idea,” he said abruptly. “Get ready at once. We will go -together and see him.” - -Doctor Devoll complied with alacrity. A leer lurked in his eyes when he -hastened into his bedroom. He quickly returned, wearing his black frock -coat and tall silk hat. - -“Now, Mr. Carter, I am ready,” he said, smiling. “I will speedily set -myself right in your estimation.” - -Nick had convictions to the contrary, but he did not express them. In -reality, nevertheless, he was considerably puzzled by the increasing -complications, and he began to suspect that Professor Karl Graff might -be the guilty man, after all--the discoverer of the potent narcotic -that had made possible the long series of mysterious crimes. - -It was ten o’clock when they entered the Waldmere Chambers and hastened -up to the second-floor corridor, toward the rear of which Doctor Devoll -conducted the detective, remarking agreeably: - -“This way to Professor Graff’s office. We are old friends, and I -frequently call here to see him. I have known him for years.” - -Carter followed him, with a glance at the spot where Gaston Todd had -been found dead, scarcely twenty feet from the door opened by the -physician. He led the detective in, and a man arose from a table at -which he appeared to have been at work--Tim Hurst. - -“Ah, good morning, doctor,” he said respectfully, hastening to place -chairs for both visitors. - -“Good morning, Tim,” Doctor Devoll said familiarly. “Is Karl in his -laboratory?” - -“No, sir.” Hurst appeared as frank as a schoolboy. “He has not come -down yet. He has not been coming in much before noon lately, sir.” - -“Ah, well, I can expedite matters,” Devoll said glibly. “Sit down, Mr. -Carter, while I ring him up. His telephone is in the laboratory.” - -He passed out of a side door while speaking, and Nick did not detain -him, supposing he had merely entered an adjoining room. The door closed -automatically. Tim Hurst tendered a morning newspaper, asking politely: - -“Have you read the news, sir? There was another robbery last night, -Mrs. Mortimer Thurlow, sir, the swell society woman.” - -“Yes, I know about it,” Nick nodded, sizing Hurst up more intently. -“How long have you been in Professor Graff’s employ?” - -“About a year, sir; ever since he came here.” - -“He is not an old resident of Madison, then?” - -“No, sir. He came here a year ago next month.” - -“Where from?” - -“I am not sure, sir, but I think he--ah, he is coming right now, sir,” -Hurst broke off abruptly. “That’s his step in the corridor.” - -Professor Graff entered at that moment, wearing a baggy plaid suit, -his overcoat and cape, and with a rusty felt hat on his gray head. -His bearded face took on a look of mild surprise when he saw the -detective, who immediately arose, while Tim Hurst explained glibly: - -“This gentleman came with Doctor Devoll to see you. The doctor has gone -down to the laboratory to telephone to you, thinking----” - -“We’ll go down, Timothy, and save him the trouble,” Professor Graff -interposed blandly, dropping his coat and cape over a chair. “Will you -go with us, sir, or----” - -“I think I will,” Nick put in, bent upon keeping the physician under -his eye, and noting that the chemist did not appear to recall him. - -Professor Graff led the way, Nick following, and Tim Hurst bringing -up in the rear. Half a minute took them down the stairs, through the -basement entry, and into the laboratory. - -The detective flashed a swift glance around the room, at the -zinc-covered table, the bottle-laden shelves, the ground-glass windows, -and at a telephone on one of the walls. But he failed to see the -suspected physician, and he drew back a step, instinctively reaching -for his revolver. - -Graff turned at the same moment, however, and thrust a weapon nearly -under the detective’s nose. - -“Don’t stir, Carter, foot or finger!” he commanded sternly. “If you do, -you’ll be a dead one on the instant. I’ll send a bullet through your -meddlesome head.” - -Nick Carter was surprised, but not entirely, by the sudden threatening -situation. His eyes were turned, not upon Graff’s bearded face, but -upon his revolver and the rigid hand that held it--and upon the -slightly discolored nail of his right thumb. - -Nick recalled where he last had seen it. His gaze leaped up to the -bearded face. In spite of beard and wig and slouch hat and padded coat, -he now discovered the wheel within. He was gazing not at the remarkably -artistic disguise, but, through it, at the thin face and threatening -eyes of--Doctor David Devoll. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. THE LAST RESORT. - - -Chick was not idle that morning while his chief was engaged as -described. He was not without equally serious misgivings concerning -Patsy Garvan and the wisdom of Carter’s going alone to interview Doctor -Devoll. - -Chick’s anxiety was materially increased, moreover, when the Wilton -House clerk brought him a letter to the smoking room about an hour -after the chief’s departure, saying inquiringly: - -“This may be important, and perhaps you would care to open it, though -it is addressed to Mr. Blaisdell. It just came in with the first batch -of mail.” - -Chick took it eagerly and instantly recognized the hand of Patsy -Garvan. He tore it open and read--the hurried letter Patsy had dropped -in a street box while trailing Jim Shannon and Toby Monk. - -Hurried and brief though it was, it told Chick enough to instantly -start him in search of Toby Monk, and fortune favored him ten minutes -later. He found the crook jitney driver about to depart with his car, -which he had just finished washing in the stable yard where Patsy had, -indeed, picked up a trail worth following. - -Chick sauntered toward him, hands in his pockets, and glanced at the -number plate on the front of the car. It was wiped as clean as cotton -waste and elbow grease could make it. - -Toby Monk gazed at him inquiringly, wondering whether he was to have an -unexpected passenger. - -“This your car?” Chick questioned, as he came nearer. - -“Yes, sir, sure,” Monk nodded. - -“That the number of it?” - -“Yes, of course. What d’ye think?” - -“I think, then, that you are Toby Monk. Am I right?” - -“That’s my name, but----” - -“Shove your hands in these, then, and be quick about it,” Chick snapped -sharply, jerking out a pair of open handcuffs. “Don’t get gay or try to -bolt or I’ll bring you down with a bullet. In with them, or I’ll break -your wrists when I lock them.” - -Toby’s face had gone as gray as ashes, and he was trembling from head -to foot. - -“Oh, I say!” he gasped. “I say----” - -“Stop!” Chick cut in sternly. “We’ve got Devoll, Shannon, you, and the -rest of your thieving gang where we want you. If you have anything to -say, out with it. What you say now may determine what you’ll get for -last night’s job and a hundred others, including the murder of Gaston -Todd. Come on with it, if you have anything to say.” - -Toby Monk, cornered and thus sternly confronted, wilted like a drenched -rag. The last vestige of color had left his cowardly face. He gazed -wide-eyed at Chick and asked hoarsely: - -“Are you a detective--one of the Nick Carter crowd?” - -“That’s just who I am.” - -“I’ll squeal, then! I’ll squeal,” Toby said hurriedly, taking the last -resort of a treacherous coward. “I’ll blow the whole business, if that -will save my skin. On the level, God hearing me, I did not kill Todd. I -knew nothing about it. I was out with my jitney when it was done. I----” - -“But you know who did it, and why,” snapped Chick, striking while the -iron was hot. - -“Yes, yes, I know that,” gasped Toby. “Graff did it--Devoll.” - -“Both----” - -“Both--there ain’t any both!” cried Toby. “They are one and the same, -Graff and Devoll. He’s a nut, a loon, if ever there was one. He’s got -the criminal bee in his bonnet, and----” - -“Wait!” Chick sternly checked him, suppressing his surprise at the -startling disclosure. “Devoll is back of the whole business, I know, -but what started him into crime?” - -“He’s a nut, gone dippy, I tell you,” Toby forcibly insisted. “Besides, -he has doctored the hospital books, stolen some of the funds, and has -turned to crime to get square.” - -“Oh, that’s it, eh?” - -“He began playing two parts a year ago, as a cover for his jobs, and he -rang in three or four of us to aid him, whacking up part of the plunder -with us. He’s infernally crafty and clever. He poses as Graff mornings -and as Devoll the rest of the time. He lets only Shannon into his -private room in the hospital. He comes and goes like an evil genius, -and that’s just what he is. He has discovered a narcotic that instantly -dulls the brain and causes sleep till something else is given. He has -invented a noiseless revolver that shoots a globule of poisonous vapor -so deadly that it instantly kills, and----” - -“That’s what killed Todd?” - -“Yes. He was short in his accounts with his brokers, but they haven’t -discovered it yet. He joined our gang, hoping to get even, but kicked -against robbing Mrs. Thurlow. He was hoping to marry her daughter. He -threatened to expose Devoll unless he cut out that job.” - -“And Devoll killed him to prevent it?” - -“That’s what. He saw Frank Paulding going to visit a client, and he -knew that he and Todd were rivals. So he thought he could incriminate -Paulding and escape suspicion. He telephoned Todd to come there and -wait in the corridor. Then he watched from his office till he saw a -chance to kill him with his infernal weapon. He then----” - -“Enough of that,” Chick interrupted. “How many are with you in this -gang?” - -“Devoll, Shannon, and Tim Hurst.” - -“Who is Hurst?” - -“He looks after Graff’s office and laboratory in the Waldmere Chambers.” - -“Isn’t Dorson in it, Mrs. Thurlow’s nephew?” - -“Yes, but only for last night’s job.” - -“I thought so,” snapped Chick. “Where is that rope of pearls?” - -“In Graff’s rooms. Hurst got away with it. He’s to keep it until----” - -“Until I relieve him of it,” Chick cut in sternly, dropping the -handcuffs into his pocket. “Get into your car and take me to the -Waldmere Chambers. Pick up two policemen on the way. If you attempt -any monkey business, mind you----” - -“I’ll not, so help me!” Toby hurriedly protested. “I’ve thrown up my -hands.” - -“Get a move on, then. I want Hurst, to begin with, and that rope of -pearls.” - -It was not in Chick’s nature to let grass grow under his feet after -having clinched the entire case in this way. Ten minutes later, leaving -Toby Monk in his car in charge of a policeman, and with two others at -his own heels, he entered Graff’s office in the Waldmere Chambers. He -found it deserted, but upon quietly opening the side door, he heard -voices from below. - -This was about three minutes after Graff held up Nick Carter with a -genuine revolver. Not in the least dismayed by the situation, though -greatly surprised at detecting Devoll’s double identity, which at once -suggested much that Chick had just learned, the detective temporarily -threw up his hands, saying curtly: - -“Well, well, I appear to have walked into a trap. Don’t be careless -with that gun, Professor Graff, or it might go off. We can discuss this -matter without bloodshed.” - -“It will go off all right, Carter, and not miss its mark, if you -venture to show fight,” Devoll retorted, with suppressed fury beginning -to blaze in his evil eyes. “I warned you of this. I told you what to -expect if you remained in Madison.” - -“Oh, you’re the rat who sent me the anonymous letter?” - -“Yes--and I meant what I said.” - -“So, I see--among other things.” - -“All, you recognize me, and----” - -“Perfectly,” Nick sternly interrupted. “I know all about you now, and -of what you are guilty. I know that----” - -“You know too much!” Devoll cut in fiercely. “But it will do you no -good. I have you trapped, as I have trapped others. I warned you, and -you have ignored the warning. You now shall pay the price. I will end -you with a gas that----” - -“That sent Gaston Todd to his death!” snapped Carter. “I knew it from -the first and wanted only the man.” - -“You know too much!” Devoll fiercely repeated. “Ho, Shannon, come out -here! Bring a rope and bind him from behind. Lend him a hand, Tim, and -be quick about it! I’ll end him as I ended----” - -What more the frantic man would have said was cut short by the heavy -tread of many hurrying feet. - -Jim Shannon had thrown open the door of a closet, on the floor of which -Patsy Garvan then was lying, gagged and securely bound, and the burly -ruffian, who had hurried from the hospital after planning with Devoll -this capture of the detective, rushed out with a rope in each hand, -while Tim Hurst darted nearer and seized Nick from behind. - -Mingled with all this, however, was the rush of other feet, those of -Chick and the policemen, together with the threatening cries of the -former, as they rushed with weapons drawn upon the startled crooks. - -But the thunder of one weapon drowned all other sounds--again the last -resort. - -Doctor Devoll, with his glaring eyes half starting from his head, -hesitated only for an instant. There leaped up in his frenzied brain a -vision of the electric chair. With a quick turn of his wrist, he thrust -the revolver into his mouth and pulled the trigger. Then he pitched -forward, hands in the air--a corpse when he hit the floor. - -There was little to it after that, and but little remains to be said. -Shannon and Hurst were easily overcome, and soon were lodged with Toby -Monk in the city prison, the first step toward the punishment they -righteously deserved. - -Patsy Garvan was speedily liberated, none the worse for his experience, -and only his statements were needed, if at all, to make a complete -and perfect case against the singular criminal who had ended his evil -career with his own hand. - -Mrs. Thurlow’s rope of pearls was found in a jar in the laboratory. -Nick Carter returned it to her that afternoon, and told her how and why -Dorson had figured in the theft. Because of his kinship, however, she -refused to prosecute the scamp, and the detective did not insist upon -it. - -Nor did Nick Carter go alone to the Thurlow mansion that afternoon. He -took with him the suspected man who had at his request spent three days -in prison, and by that humiliation aided him to solve the mystery and -secure the guilty. - -The gratitude of Edna Thurlow and her mother, as well as that of Frank -Paulding, could not be verbally described; but it found expression in -something much more substantial than words, and Nick Carter and his -assistants returned to New York well repaid for their fine work in the -Madison mystery. - -THE END. - -No. 1010 of the NEW MAGNET LIBRARY, entitled “The Gamblers’ Syndicate,” -is another fine story in which the skill, foresight, daring, and -dashing bravery of Nick Carter and his faithful assistants are employed -in running down a gang of organized crooks. - - * * * * * - -RATTLING GOOD ADVENTURE - -SPORT STORIES - -Price, Fifteen Cents _Stories of the Big Outdoors_ - -There has been a big demand for outdoor stories, and a very -considerable portion of it has been for the Maxwell Stevens stories -about Jack Lightfoot, the athlete. - -These stories are not, strictly speaking, stories for boys, but boys -everywhere will find a great deal in them to interest them. - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - - 1--Jack Lightfoot, the Athlete By Maxwell Stevens - 2--Jack Lightfoot’s Crack Nine By Maxwell Stevens - 3--Jack Lightfoot Trapped By Maxwell Stevens - 4--Jack Lightfoot’s Rival By Maxwell Stevens - 5--Jack Lightfoot in Camp By Maxwell Stevens - 6--Jack Lightfoot’s Canoe Trip By Maxwell Stevens - 7--Jack Lightfoot’s Iron Arm By Maxwell Stevens - 8--Jack Lightfoot’s Hoodoo By Maxwell Stevens - 9--Jack Lightfoot’s Decision By Maxwell Stevens - 10--Jack Lightfoot’s Gun Club By Maxwell Stevens - 11--Jack Lightfoot’s Blind By Maxwell Stevens - 12--Jack Lightfoot’s Capture By Maxwell Stevens - 13--Jack Lightfoot’s Head Work By Maxwell Stevens - 14--Jack Lightfoot’s Wisdom By Maxwell Stevens - - * * * * * - -The Dealer - -who handles the STREET & SMITH NOVELS is a man worth patronizing. The -fact that he does handle our books proves that he has considered the -merits of paper-covered lines, and has decided that the STREET & SMITH -NOVELS are superior to all others. - -He has looked into the question of the morality of the paper-covered -book, for instance, and feels that he is perfectly safe in handing one -of our novels to any one, because he has our assurance that nothing -except clean, wholesome literature finds its way into our lines. - -Therefore, the STREET & SMITH NOVEL dealer is a careful and wise -tradesman, and it is fair to assume selects the other articles he -has for sale with the same degree of intelligence as he does his -paper-covered books. - -Deal with the STREET & SMITH NOVEL dealer. - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION - 79 Seventh Avenue New York City - - * * * * * - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Punctuation has been made consistent. - -Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have -been corrected. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hidden Foes, by Nicholas Carter - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HIDDEN FOES *** - -***** This file should be named 62860-0.txt or 62860-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/8/6/62860/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/62860-0.zip b/old/62860-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1520161..0000000 --- a/old/62860-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62860-h.zip b/old/62860-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e5dd1b7..0000000 --- a/old/62860-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62860-h/62860-h.htm b/old/62860-h/62860-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index a9e87be..0000000 --- a/old/62860-h/62860-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9864 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Hidden Foes, by Nicholas Carter. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p-1 {margin-top: -0.25em;} -.p1 {margin-top: 1em;} -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} - -/*Modified horizontal rules to fix ePub display issue*/ -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -/*End modified horizontal rule CSS*/ - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - -/*Table format*/ -td.tableft1{ text-align: left; vertical-align: top; text-indent: -0.25em; padding-left: 1.3em;} -td.tableft2{ text-align: left; vertical-align: top; text-indent: -0.75em; padding-left: 1.3em;} -td.tableft{ text-align: left; vertical-align: top; text-indent: -1.3em; padding-left: 1.3em;} -td.tableftb{ text-align: left; vertical-align: top; text-indent: -0.75em; padding-left: 1.3em;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} /* page numbers */ - -.boxcontents{ - max-width: 17em; - padding: 1em; - border: 0em solid black; - margin: 0 auto; -} - -.pcontents{ - text-align:left; - text-indent:-2em; - padding-left:2em; - margin-top: 0.1em; - margin-bottom: 0.1em; -} - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 5%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -.boxit{ - max-width: 14em; - padding: 1em; - border: 0.5em double; - margin: 0 auto; } - -.boxit1{ - max-width: 24em; - padding: 1em; - border: 0.4em solid black; - margin: 0 auto; } - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -/* Images */ -img {max-width: 100%; height:auto; } - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - max-width: 90%; -} - -.figcenter1 { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - max-width: 40%; -} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - -/*CSS to set font sizes*/ -/*font sizes for non-header font changes*/ -.xxlargefont{font-size: xx-large} -.xlargefont{font-size: x-large} -.largefont{font-size: large} -.mediumfont{font-size: medium} -.smallfont{font-size: small} -.boldfont{font-weight:bold} -.cheaderfont{font-size:medium} - -/*CSS to force a page break in ePub*/ -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} - -p.nobreak{ - page-break-before: avoid; - padding-top: 0; -} - -h1.nobreak{ - page-break-before: avoid; - padding-top: 0; -} - -h2.nobreak{ - page-break-before: avoid; - padding-top: 0; -} - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hidden Foes, by Nicholas Carter - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Hidden Foes - A Fatal Miscalculation - -Author: Nicholas Carter - -Release Date: August 6, 2020 [EBook #62860] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HIDDEN FOES *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover." /> -</div> - -<div style="padding-top:2em"> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2> - -<p>The Table of Contents was created by the transcriber and placed -in the public domain.</p> - -<p><a href="#TN_end">Additional Transcriber’s Notes</a> are at the -end.</p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="boxcontents"> -<p class="xlargefont center boldfont">CONTENTS</p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">Chapter I. A Mysterious Fatality.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">Chapter II. Nick Carter’s Opinion.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">Chapter III. A Friend Worth Having.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Chapter IV. The Man of Last Resort.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Chapter V. Another Strange Case.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">Chapter VI. Doctor Devoll.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Chapter VII. Grounds for Suspicion.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Chapter VIII. The Yellow Coupon.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Chapter IX. Suspicions Verified.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Chapter X. The Deeper Mystery.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Chapter XI. The Angle of Reflection.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Chapter XII. Nick Carter’s Deductions.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Chapter XIII. The Man With a Mask.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Chapter XIV. A Marathon Pursuit.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Chapter XV. Professor Karl Graff.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">Chapter XVI. Vain Inquiries.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">Chapter XVII. Craft and Foresight.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">Chapter XVIII. Nick Declares Himself.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Chapter XIX. Patsy on the Trail.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">Chapter XX. Birds of Prey.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">Chapter XXI. Stolen Pearls.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">Chapter XXII. Where the Tide Turned.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">Chapter XXIII. The Wheel Within.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Chapter XXIV. The Last Resort.</a></p> -</div></div> - - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="center largefont boldfont">NICK CARTER STORIES</p> - -<p class="xxlargefont center boldfont">New Magnet Library</p> - -<p class="center largefont boldfont">Price, Fifteen Cents <span style="padding-left:1em"><em>Not a Dull Book in This List</em></span></p> - -<p>Nick Carter stands for an interesting detective story. The fact -that the books in this line are so uniformly good is entirely due to -the work of a specialist. The man who wrote these stories produced -no other type of fiction. His mind was concentrated upon the creation -of new plots and situations in which his hero emerged triumphantly -from all sorts of troubles and landed the criminal just where -he should be—behind the bars.</p> - -<p>The author of these stories knew more about writing detective stories -than any other single person.</p> - -<p>Following is a list of the best Nick Carter stories. They have been -selected with extreme care, and we unhesitatingly recommend each of -them as being fully as interesting as any detective story between cloth -covers which sells at ten times the price.</p> - -<p>If you do not know Nick Carter, buy a copy of any of the New -Magnet Library books, and get acquainted. He will surprise and delight -you.</p> -</div> - -<p class="center boldfont"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></p> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Ads"> -<tr><td class="tableft">850—Wanted: A Clew</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">851—A Tangled Skein</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">852—The Bullion Mystery</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">853—The Man of Riddles</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">854—A Miscarriage of Justice</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">855—The Gloved Hand</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">856—Spoilers and the Spoils</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">857—The Deeper Game</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">858—Bolts from Blue Skies</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">859—Unseen Foes</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">860—Knaves in High Places</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">861—The Microbe of Crime</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">862—In the Toils of Fear</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">863—A Heritage of Trouble</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">864—Called to Account</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">865—The Just and the Unjust</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">866—Instinct at Fault</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">867—A Rogue Worth Trapping</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">868—A Rope of Slender Threads</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">869—The Last Call</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">870—The Spoils of Chance</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">871—A Struggle With Destiny</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">872—The Slave of Crime</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">873—The Crook’s Blind</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">874—A Rascal of Quality</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">875—With Shackles of Fire</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">876—The Man Who Changed Faces</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">877—The Fixed Alibi</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">878—Out With the Tide</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">879—The Soul Destroyers</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">880—The Wages of Rascality</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">881—Birds of Prey</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">882—When Destruction Threatens</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">883—The Keeper of Black Hounds</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">884—The Door of Doubt</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">885—The Wolf Within</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">886—A Perilous Parole</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">887—The Trail of the Finger Prints</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">888—Dodging the Law</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">889—A Crime in Paradise</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">890—On the Ragged Edge</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">891—The Red God of Tragedy</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">892—The Man Who Paid</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">893—The Blind Man’s Daughter</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">894—One Object in Life</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">895—As a Crook Sows</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">896—In Record Time</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">897—Held in Suspense</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">898—The $100,000 Kiss</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">899—Just One Slip</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">900—On a Million-dollar Trail</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">901—A Weird Treasure</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">902—The Middle Link</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">903—To the Ends of the Earth</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">904—When Honors Pall</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">905—The Yellow Brand</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">906—A New Serpent in Eden</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">907—When Brave Men Tremble</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">908—A Test of Courage</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">909—Where Peril Beckons</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">910—The Gargoni Girdle</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">911—Rascals & Co.</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">912—Too Late to Talk</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">913—Satan’s Apt Pupil</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">914—The Girl Prisoner</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">915—The Danger of Folly</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">916—One Shipwreck Too Many</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">917—Scourged by Fear</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">918—The Red Plague</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">919—Scoundrels Rampant</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">920—From Clew to Clew</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">921—When Rogues Conspire</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">922—Twelve in a Grave</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">923—The Great Opium Case</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">924—A Conspiracy of Rumors</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">925—A Klondike Claim</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">926—The Evil Formula</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">927—The Man of Many Faces</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">928—The Great Enigma</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">929—The Burden of Proof</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">930—The Stolen Brain</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">931—A Titled Counterfeiter</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">932—The Magic Necklace</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">933—’Round the World for a Quarter</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">934—Over the Edge of the World</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">935—In the Grip of Fate</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">936—The Case of Many Clews</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">937—The Sealed Door</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">938—Nick Carter and the Green Goods Men</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">939—The Man Without a Will</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">940—Tracked Across the Atlantic</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">941—A Clew From the Unknown</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">942—The Crime of a Countess</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">943—A Mixed Up Mess</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">944—The Great Money Order Swindle</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">945—The Adder’s Brood</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">946—A Wall Street Haul</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">947—For a Pawned Crown</td><td class="tableftb">By Nicholas Carter</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter1"> -<img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt="Title page." /> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h1 class="nobreak">HIDDEN FOES</h1> - - -<p class="center largefont p1" style="line-height:2.5"><span class="mediumfont">OR,</span><br /> -A FATAL MISCALCULATION</p> - -<p class="center largefont p1"><span class="smallfont">BY</span><br /> -NICHOLAS CARTER</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-bottom:2em">Author of the celebrated stories of Nick Carter’s adventures, which<br /> -are published exclusively in the <span class="smcap">New Magnet Library</span>, conceded<br /> -to be among the best detective tales ever written.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/publisher_icon.jpg" alt="Publishers icon." /> -</div> - -<p class="center p2">STREET & SMITH CORPORATION<br /> -<span class="smallfont">PUBLISHERS</span><br /> -79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York -</p> -</div> - - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<div class="boxit"> -<p class="center">Copyright, 1917<br /> -By Street & Smith Corporation</p> - -<p class="center">Hidden Foes</p> -</div> - -<p class="center p2">(Printed in the United States of America)</p> - -<p class="center">All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign<br /> -languages, including the Scandinavian.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[5]</span></p> -<p id="CHAPTER_I" class="nobreak center xxlargefont" style="margin-bottom:1em">HIDDEN FOES.</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A MYSTERIOUS FATALITY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nobody had heard the report of a pistol.</p> - -<p>There had been no disturbance; in fact, no audible -altercation, no startling cry for help, or even a groan -of sudden, terrible distress.</p> - -<p>The man lay there as motionless, nevertheless, as if -felled by a thunderbolt. His life had been snuffed -out like the flame of a candle by the fury of a whirlwind. -Death had come upon him like a bolt from the -blue. By slow degrees his face underwent a change—but -it was not the change that ordinarily follows sudden -death, that peaceful calm that marks the end of -earthly toil and trouble.</p> - -<p>Instead, the smoothly shaven skin seemed to shrink -and wither slightly over the dead nerves and lifeless -muscles, and a singular slaty hue that was hardly perceptible -settled around his lips and nostrils, partly dispelling -the first deathly pallor. It was as if the blast -from a furnace, or the searing touch of a fiery hand, -had withered and parched it.</p> - -<p>He was a comparatively young man, not over thirty, -and he was fashionably clad in a plaid business suit. -He was lying flat on his back on the floor of the second-story -corridor of a building known as the Waldmere -Chambers, in the city of Madison.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[6]</span></p> - -<p>Presently the door of one of the several adjoining -rooms was opened and a stylish young woman -emerged. She was clad for the street, and lingered to -lock the door and put the key in her leather hand -bag. Then she turned, and her gaze fell upon the prostrate -man, several yards away and nearer the broad -stairway leading down to the lower floor and the -street door.</p> - -<p>“Good heavens! Is he drunk?” she gasped, shrinking -involuntarily.</p> - -<p>She feared to approach him, though her hesitation -was only momentary. For she heard the tread of -some one on the stairs, obviously that of a man, and -she ventured nearer just as the other appeared at the -top of the stairs, a well-built, florid man of middle -age.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Doctor Perry, look here!” she cried excitedly. -“What’s the matter with this man? Is he drunk -or ill, or what is the——”</p> - -<p>“Well, well, I don’t wonder you ask.” Doctor -Perry approached and gazed down at him. “I don’t -know, Miss Vernon. He appears to be——”</p> - -<p>He stopped short; then crouched and raised the -man’s arm, dropping it quickly. It fell back upon the -floor as if made of clay.</p> - -<p>“Heavens!” he exclaimed, rising hurriedly. “The -man is dead.”</p> - -<p>“Dead!” Miss Vernon echoed, turning pale.</p> - -<p>“Stone dead. Do you know him?”</p> - -<p>“No. I just came from my rooms to go to lunch -and saw him lying here.”</p> - -<p>“Did you hear him fall, or any disturbance, or——”</p> - -<p>“I heard nothing, Doctor Perry, not a sound.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[7]</span></p> - -<p>“We must call a policeman. I will wait here while -you do so. Go down to the street and find an officer.”</p> - -<p>“Won’t it be better to telephone? I can do so in -a moment.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, in that case,” Doctor Perry nodded. -“Hasten.”</p> - -<p>Miss Vernon ran back and entered her rooms, on -the door of which a modest brass plate stated that her -business was that of a manicure and ladies’ hairdresser. -She ran to a telephone in one of the attractively -furnished rooms, crying quickly to the exchange -operator:</p> - -<p>“Give me the police headquarters. Hurry, please! -It’s an emergency case.”</p> - -<p>Seated with Chief Gleason in the latter’s private -office when the telephone call was received in the outer -office was the celebrated American detective, Nicholas -Carter, who had arrived in Madison early that morning -with two of his assistants, and who then was -discussing with the chief the business which had occasioned -his visit, the nature of which will presently -appear. They were interrupted by a police sergeant, -who knocked and entered, saying quickly:</p> - -<p>“A man has dropped dead, chief, in a corridor of the -Waldmere Chambers. Shall I send the ambulance?”</p> - -<p>“What man? Is he known?” Gleason questioned, -swinging around in his swivel chair.</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Who informed you?”</p> - -<p>“A woman telephoned that the body had just been -found. Doctor Perry, the dentist, was watching it -while she telephoned. His office is in the Waldmere -Chambers. Neither of them knew the dead man.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[8]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, send the ambulance,” Chief Gleason directed. -“You had better go, also, and look into the case. -If——”</p> - -<p>“One moment,” Nick Carter interrupted. “I think -I’ll go with him, chief, if you don’t mind.”</p> - -<p>“What need of that? It is merely a case of——”</p> - -<p>“We don’t know what kind of a case it is, Gleason, -at present,” Carter cut in again. “A sudden death -always warrants more or less suspicion. It is barely -possible that this has some connection with the series -of mysterious crimes that we have been discussing, -and which has finally led you to call on me for assistance. -Be that as it may——”</p> - -<p>“Hang it, Carter, I’ll go with you myself, then,” -Gleason interrupted, rising and taking his cap. “You -may be right, of course, and the chance is worth taking. -You remain here, sergeant, but send along the -ambulance. We’ll take a taxi.”</p> - -<p>Chief Gleason started for the street while speaking, -closely followed by the famous detective, and -they were so fortunate as to find a taxicab just passing -the headquarters building.</p> - -<p>Thus it happened that Nicholas Carter arrived -upon the scene of the sudden fatality scarcely ten -minutes after it was discovered. He was not without -an intuitive feeling, moreover, that he was to -be confronted with a mystery of more than ordinary -depth and obscurity, a case that would tax not -only his rare detective genius, but also his skill, craft, -and cunning in every department of his professional -work.</p> - -<p>“I think, Gleason, that you had better not mention<span class="pagenum">[9]</span> -my name while we are looking into this matter,” he -remarked, as they were alighting from the taxicab.</p> - -<p>“Very well,” Gleason readily assented. “But what -do you expect to gain by suppressing it?”</p> - -<p>“Just what is hard to say at this stage of the -game,” Carter replied. “If all you have told me is -true, however, and Madison is afflicted with a crook -whose crafty work has completely baffled your entire -police department, it may be of some advantage -to me, at least, if he does not immediately learn that -I have been employed to run him down. That would -serve only to put him on his guard.”</p> - -<p>“I see the point,” Gleason nodded. “I agree with -you, too.”</p> - -<p>“The fact has not been disclosed, I understand.”</p> - -<p>“Only to a few members of the force, Carter; -all of whom were ordered to say nothing about it. -They may be trusted.”</p> - -<p>“Very good! If there should be occasion to introduce -me to others, then, present me as Mr. Blaisdell,” -Carter directed. “That is the name under which -I am registered at the Wilton House.”</p> - -<p>“Blaisdell—I’ll bear it in mind.”</p> - -<p>“Come on, then,” the detective added. “We are -none too soon. A crowd is beginning to gather.”</p> - -<p>Their remarks had been made while they were entering -the building. A group of men had collected -at the top of the stairs. They were restrained by a -policeman who had been called in from the street, -and a passageway was hurriedly made for Chief Gleason -and his companion. That the latter was the -famous New York detective, not even the policeman -then suspected.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[10]</span></p> - -<p>The scene in the second-floor corridor was about -what Nick Carter anticipated. Half a score of men -and women had come from the adjoining rooms and -offices and were gazing with mingled awe and consternation -at the lifeless man on the floor. He was -lying where he had fallen. A physician had been -hurriedly summoned and was bending over him, engaged -in making a superficial examination.</p> - -<p>Chief Gleason started slightly when he beheld the -upturned face of the dead man.</p> - -<p>“Good heavens!” he muttered. “It’s Gaston Todd.”</p> - -<p>Carter heard his muttered exclamation. Restraining -him, at the same time furtively watching the -physician, he said quietly:</p> - -<p>“One moment, chief. Who is Gaston Todd? What -about him?”</p> - -<p>“He was born and brought up here,” Gleason replied. -“He had been in the stock brokerage business -for ten years, cashier for Daly & Page. He -was a clubman and a figure in society.”</p> - -<p>“Married?”</p> - -<p>“No. He had a suite in the Wilton House. By -Jove, it’s barely possible that——”</p> - -<p>“What is barely possible?”</p> - -<p>“That you are right.”</p> - -<p>“Right in what respect? Tell me.”</p> - -<p>Carter had noticed the chief’s hesitation, his dark -frown, as if he had started to say something which -discretion quickly led him to withhold. He demurred -only for a moment, however, then explained -with lowered voice:</p> - -<p>“Right, perhaps in thinking there is knavery back -of this. There had been a feeling of bitter rivalry<span class="pagenum">[11]</span> -between Todd and a young local lawyer, Frank Paulding, -who is an exceedingly impetuous and hot-headed -chap. They had an ugly altercation in the Country -Club last night, I have heard, and it is said that they -nearly came to blows. That may have ended it, of -course, though this sudden death of Todd, following -it so quickly——”</p> - -<p>“Is somewhat significant,” Nick Carter put in -quietly. “I agree with you. In what have the two -men been rivals?”</p> - -<p>“For the hand of Edna Thurlow, by far the most -beautiful and accomplished girl in Madison. She inherited -half a million when her father died. Her -mother, Mrs. Mortimer Thurlow, is also very wealthy -and fashionable. She’s the acknowledged leader of -the local smart set. The two men may have met -here this morning. Possibly the fight of last night -was resumed, resulting in——”</p> - -<p>“Let it go at that,” the detective interrupted. “The -physician has ended his examination.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[12]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">NICK CARTER’S OPINION.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Chief Gleason immediately turned and approached -the rising physician, asking a bit brusquely:</p> - -<p>“Well, Doctor Doyle, what do you make of it? -The man is dead?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed, there is no question about that, Mr. -Gleason.”</p> - -<p>“What was the cause?”</p> - -<p>“It appears to be a case of heart disease.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure of it?”</p> - -<p>“One cannot be absolutely sure, Mr. Gleason, without -performing an autopsy,” Doctor Doyle said -blandly, while he wiped his fingers with his handkerchief. -“I feel reasonably sure. There is no wound -that I can discover, nor does there appear to be any -indication of foul play. Yes, I feel reasonably sure -of it,” he repeated.</p> - -<p>“You don’t think, then, that there is any occasion -to notify the coroner?” Gleason said inquiringly.</p> - -<p>“There seems to be none. I have no doubt that -the man died from natural causes. There is no superficial -evidence to the contrary, or any——”</p> - -<p>Doctor Doyle broke off abruptly, his gaze having -fallen upon the detective, who had passed back of -the couple and approached the body.</p> - -<p>Carter then was bending over it, and with his finger -had raised one of Todd’s eyelids. He studied -the ball and pupil for several seconds, then took a<span class="pagenum">[13]</span> -powerful lens from his pocket and inspected the dead -man’s face and lips. He looked up after a moment -and said:</p> - -<p>“I don’t agree with you, doctor. This man appears -to have been a very strong and rugged fellow.”</p> - -<p>“That is true, sir, as far as it goes,” Doctor Doyle -admitted, frowning slightly when his professional -opinion was thus questioned by a stranger.</p> - -<p>“It seems hardly probable that such a man died of -heart disease,” the detective said pointedly. “Nor -do his eyes denote that apoplexy was the cause.”</p> - -<p>“You will have to go deeper, sir, nevertheless, to -find positive evidence of the cause,” Doctor Doyle -said, rather coldly. “Superficial evidence is not absolutely -convincing.”</p> - -<p>“Have you noticed this slight discoloration of the -skin near the mouth and nostrils?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, of course.”</p> - -<p>“How do you account for that?”</p> - -<p>“Such slight changes immediately after death are -not uncommon,” said the physician. “There may -be a slight settlement of blood in the tissues in that -locality.”</p> - -<p>“You would not attribute it to a blow?”</p> - -<p>“Surely not. There could be no mistaking the -evidence of a violent blow.”</p> - -<p>“But the skin appears to be slightly withered,” -said Carter. “Minute wrinkles are discernible with -my lens, particularly in the thin skin of the lips.”</p> - -<p>“That may be easily explained.”</p> - -<p>“How so?”</p> - -<p>“Death may have been preceded by a sudden terrible<span class="pagenum">[14]</span> -pain, causing a contraction of the lips, and what -may be termed a pinched condition of the nerves and -muscles in that locality. They may not have relaxed -yet, which causes the drawn appearance of the skin -which, you say, is discernible with your lens. No, -I do not wish to examine it more closely. I don’t -think it signifies anything.”</p> - -<p>“I do,” said the detective, rising abruptly. “I -think——”</p> - -<p>“One moment, gentlemen.” The interruption came -from Doctor Perry, the dentist, who still was among -the people then gathered in the corridor. “Here is -Professor Graff, the chemist. His opinion ought to -be valuable in a case of this kind.”</p> - -<p>Nicholas Carter turned to gaze at the man who -then was approaching.</p> - -<p>Professor Graff had come from a room at the rear -end of the corridor, and he appeared surprised that -something unusual had occurred, evidently having -heard none of the disturbance. He was a man of -medium build, somewhat bowed, and appeared to be -about sixty years old. His hair and beard were gray, -his complexion sallow, his expression serious and -reserved. He wore gold-bowed spectacles and looked -as if he might be of German or Swedish extraction. -He was clad for the street, wearing a soft felt hat -and a coat with a cape, a style augmenting his foreign -appearance.</p> - -<p>“Dear me, what has happened?” he said gravely, -while others made way for him to approach. “A -gentleman injured—not dead, is he?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Doctor Perry drew him nearer. “He was -found lying here a few minutes ago.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[15]</span></p> - -<p>“I heard nothing. I have just come up from my -laboratory. Why, why, this is Mr. Gaston Todd,” -Professor Graff added amazedly, manifestly shocked -by the discovery. “I cannot be mistaken. I have -seen him frequently in the Wilton House.”</p> - -<p>“There is no question as to his identity,” replied -the dentist, who appeared to be the only person acquainted -with the chemist. “There is a difference -of opinion between Doctor Doyle and this gentleman, -however, as to the possible cause of his death. -They——”</p> - -<p>“Let me explain,” the detective interposed, addressing -the chemist. “It will take me only a few minutes.”</p> - -<p>“Why, yes, certainly,” Professor Graff bowed, regarding -the detective a bit curiously.</p> - -<p>Carter turned again to the body, briefly pointing -out the conditions he already had mentioned, and -then added earnestly:</p> - -<p>“Use my lens. You can see more distinctly.”</p> - -<p>Professor Graff smiled faintly and shook his head.</p> - -<p>“Really, sir, there is no occasion,” he replied. “My -opinion in such a matter is worthless. I know nothing -about such things. I am a chemist, not a physician. -I can subject the physical organs to analysis -and detect poisons, or other foreign substances, perhaps; -but I would not wish to pass upon the conditions -you have mentioned. It seems only reasonable -to me, however, that Doctor Doyle’s opinion ought -to be entirely reliable.”</p> - -<p>“I think he will find it so,” said the latter, as -Professor Graff moved away and descended the stairs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[16]</span></p> - -<p>Nick Carter did not longer argue the point. Instead, -turning to Chief Gleason, he whispered quietly:</p> - -<p>“You had better be governed by my opinion, nevertheless, -and take the necessary steps to insure an -autopsy.”</p> - -<p>“You really think, then, that——”</p> - -<p>“Never mind what I really think. I’ll see you -later and inform you. You will make no mistake, -however, in doing what I direct. Take it from me, -Gleason, this man was—murdered.”</p> - -<p>“Murdered? Why do you——”</p> - -<p>“Hush!” Nick quietly cautioned. “There will be -nothing in immediately disclosing my suspicion. It -will be better to conceal it temporarily. Has this -man a family?”</p> - -<p>“No; no family.”</p> - -<p>“Or relatives who will be likely to interfere?”</p> - -<p>“I think not. I am quite sure of it, in fact.”</p> - -<p>“Very good. Notify the coroner, then, and have -him take the necessary steps to perform an autopsy -later,” the detective directed. “Understand?”</p> - -<p>“Perfectly,” Chief Gleason nodded. “I will see -to it.”</p> - -<p>“And I will see you later, also the coroner, and -explain my position,” Carter added. “Just now I -have something else in view and must get a move on. -Mum’s the word, mind you, until after the autopsy.”</p> - -<p>He did not wait for an answer. He turned away -and quickly departed, leaving his observers wondering -who he was and what he had said, his instructions -having been imparted in subdued and hurried -whispers.</p> - -<p>Returning to the street, Carter consulted a directory<span class="pagenum">[17]</span> -in a drug store, and five minutes later he entered -the Gratton Building and approached the office -of the lawyer whom the chief had mentioned. He -listened at the door for a moment, hearing nothing, -and then opened it and entered.</p> - -<p>A tall, clean-cut man of thirty swung around in -his swivel chair from a rolltop desk. He was of -light complexion, with a smoothly shaved, attractive -face, and frank blue eyes. He was alone and looked -a bit curiously at his visitor, who, glancing sharply -around the well-equipped office, appeared somewhat -surprised, and said:</p> - -<p>“Pardon me. Are you Mr. Paulding?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I am, sir.”</p> - -<p>“I thought I saw Mr. Gaston Todd come in here -a moment ago. Was I mistaken?”</p> - -<p>“Humph!” Paulding straightened up with an expressive -grunt. “Yes, sir, very much mistaken. Todd -never comes here, nor would it be wise for him to -do so. I would fire him out, head, neck, and heels, -before he could open his mouth. You may repeat -that to him, if you like and are a friend of his. I -would say the same to Todd himself.”</p> - -<p>Nick laughed, thrusting his hands into his pockets, -and surveyed with quizzical eye the somewhat impulsive -speaker.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I’m no friend of Todd,” he replied. “I know -him only by sight. There is a little matter, however, -about which I would like to question him.”</p> - -<p>“All right, in that case, and I’ll do all I can to -help you,” Paulding said more agreeably. “I saw -him in the Waldmere Chambers about fifteen minutes<span class="pagenum">[18]</span> -ago. He still is there, perhaps, if you care to -seek him.”</p> - -<p>“In the rooms of one of the tenants, or——”</p> - -<p>“No. He was in the second-floor corridor,” Paulding -interrupted. “He appeared to be waiting for -some one. I passed him when I came out.”</p> - -<p>“Did you speak to him?”</p> - -<p>“Not by a long chalk. I speak to Todd only under -protest and when it cannot be avoided. That’s -all I can tell you. You may find him there, perhaps.”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter had accomplished his object. He was -a keen physiognomist and could read faces and characters -much less frank and outspoken than those of -this lawyer. He now was absolutely sure, in fact, -that Paulding knew nothing about Todd’s death, nor -had even heard of it. He smiled and replied:</p> - -<p>“Much obliged. Sorry to have troubled you.”</p> - -<p>“No trouble at all, sir.”</p> - -<p>“May I ask, Mr. Paulding, what took you to the -Waldmere Chambers?”</p> - -<p>“I went there to confer with a client who——” -Paulding broke off abruptly, gazing more sharply -at the detective, then frowningly added: “But why -do you ask why I went there? What is it to you? -It strikes me that you are deucedly inquisitive.”</p> - -<p>“I agree with you,” said Nick, coolly placing a -chair near that of the lawyer and sitting down. “There -is serious occasion for it, Mr. Paulding, as I now will -explain: I happen to know that Mr. Gaston Todd -has not left that second-floor corridor in the Waldmere -Chambers. He was found dead there immediately -after you left the building.”</p> - -<p>“Dead—found dead!” Paulding stared amazedly.<span class="pagenum">[19]</span> -“What are you saying? Do you really mean it—that -Gaston Todd is—dead!”</p> - -<p>If Nick had had even a lingering shadow of suspicion, -it would have been instantly dispelled by the -expression of the lawyer’s face. It was one that -no man could have feigned, however accomplished -an actor. He bowed and replied:</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mr. Paulding, that is precisely what I mean. -Gaston Todd is dead.”</p> - -<p>“Dear me, I can hardly believe it. It seems utterly -incredible. Found dead, you say——”</p> - -<p>“Exactly. Where you last saw him. He was——”</p> - -<p>“Stop a moment! What do you imply by that?”</p> - -<p>Paulding’s face had changed like a flash. His brows -fell and his eyes took on a threatening gleam and -glitter. He lurched forward in his chair, adding -quickly:</p> - -<p>“Why did you say he was found immediately after -I left the building, and where I last saw him? What -are you insinuating? What are you trying to put -over on me? Why, if you knew he was dead, did -you come here to pretend you were seeking him? Who -the devil are you, that you impose upon me in this -way, implying that I——”</p> - -<p>“Here is my card,” the detective blandly interposed, -tendering it. “You may, perhaps, know me by name.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[20]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nick Carter smiled amusedly when Frank Paulding, -having fairly snatched the card and read it, -straightened up in his chair and stared at him with -almost ludicrous astonishment.</p> - -<p>“Nicholas Carter!” he exclaimed; “the New York -detective! Good gracious!”</p> - -<p>“Is it so very amazing?” the detective asked dryly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, by Jove, it is,” said Paulding, pulling himself -together. “I do, indeed, know you by name, and -who does not? Let the circumstances be what they -may, too, I am very glad to become acquainted with -you. I am not blind, nevertheless, to the fact that -your visit is rather significant; decidedly so, in reality, -in view of your duplicity and covert insinuations -that——”</p> - -<p>“That you know something about Todd’s sudden -death,” Nick put in, checking him. “Don’t let that -annoy you. I did so, Mr. Paulding, only to assure -myself to the contrary. I have succeeded, too, completely.”</p> - -<p>“But what was the occasion?” Paulding questioned. -“I don’t see, Mr. Carter, why you thought I knew -anything about it.”</p> - -<p>“I did not really think so,” Nick said dryly. “I foresaw, -however, what others possibly will think, sooner -or later, and I wanted to look at you and take your -measure before circumstances might make it difficult<span class="pagenum">[21]</span> -for me to do so with absolute certainty. He -is a wise man and keen, you know, who anticipates -coming events.”</p> - -<p>“By Jove, I fail to get you, Mr. Carter,” Paulding -said more seriously. “Take my measure, eh? What -others will possibly think? Say, you don’t—you don’t -mean that—that Gaston Todd was killed, do you? -Not that he was—murdered?”</p> - -<p>Nick glanced at the door, to be sure that he had -closed it. He then replied more impressively:</p> - -<p>“I am a stranger to you, Mr. Paulding, but you -will make no mistake in meeting me halfway and taking -my advice. I frequently am a good friend to -have in time of trouble.”</p> - -<p>“I know of none I would rather have,” Paulding -said quickly.</p> - -<p>“That goes, does it?”</p> - -<p>“You bet it goes.”</p> - -<p>“What now passes between us, then, must be strictly -confidential,” said the detective. “You must, moreover, -be governed by my instructions. You will presently -see, I think, that that will be the only wise -course for you to shape. If you are not inclined to -meet me in this way——”</p> - -<p>“But I am,” Paulding cut in earnestly. “I’m not -blind. I now see there is something wrong, Mr. -Carter, and that you are here in my behalf. I would -be more than a fool, sir, if I did not take advantage -of your offer. I promise in advance to do what you -direct.”</p> - -<p>“Very good,” Nick said approvingly. “You will -not regret it.”</p> - -<p>“But how am I in wrong?” Paulding asked anxiously.<span class="pagenum">[22]</span> -“Has a crime been committed? Was Todd -murdered?”</p> - -<p>“I think so,” said the detective.</p> - -<p>“Good heavens! Is it possible that I am suspected -of——”</p> - -<p>“One moment, Paulding, and I will tell you about -it.”</p> - -<p>He then stated the circumstances briefly, in so far -as he had figured in the case, and then added pointedly:</p> - -<p>“You now can see why I wanted to talk with -you, Paulding, and get your measure.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, I see,” Paulding nodded. “But how -did you know that I passed Todd in the corridor just -before he died, or was killed? I saw no one else. -I am sure, too, that no one saw me. How did you -know I had just left there?”</p> - -<p>“For two reasons,” Nick replied. “One, because -you told me so.”</p> - -<p>“I told you so?” Paulding stared perplexedly.</p> - -<p>“In effect,” smiled the detective. “You said you -had passed Todd about fifteen minutes ago, and I -knew that was just about when his body was discovered.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, I see. You are a keen reasoner, Mr. Carter. -You said there were two reasons, however.”</p> - -<p>“The other can be briefly stated: Todd did not -look to me like a man who had dropped dead of any -organic trouble. He looked like a strong and healthful -fellow. I very soon suspected murder; and, after -having been told of your fight with Todd in the -Country Club last night, I reasoned that you had just -met him, perhaps, and been seen by some person -who, for some reason and knowing all of the circumstances,<span class="pagenum">[23]</span> -had taken advantage of them to craftily -kill Todd and fix the crime upon you, assuming that -you had not done it. That’s why I lost no time in -sizing you up from personal observation. I wanted -to do so before you heard of Todd’s death, in case -you were innocent, of which I was quickly convinced. -Have I made it plain to you?”</p> - -<p>“Perfectly plain, Mr. Carter,” Paulding said earnestly. -“I am more than grateful. I don’t know -how I can repay you for your interest in me, a stranger——”</p> - -<p>“Don’t speak of that,” the detective interrupted. -“I am interested in serving justice, mind you, and am -taking what seems to be the best way. I am not -absolutely sure that Todd was murdered. An autopsy -will determine that. If he was, at such a time -and in such a public place, without any disturbance or -any superficial wound, it was accomplished by most -extraordinary means and by a knave of exceeding -boldness and ability, who may be equally as skillful -in hiding his identity and covering his tracks. That’s -why I have tackled the case in the bud, so to speak, -in anticipation of what may follow.”</p> - -<p>“I understand,” said Paulding. “It now is perfectly -plain.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll get right down to business, then, for I wish -you to answer a few questions,” Carter replied.</p> - -<p>“As many as you wish, Mr. Carter, and to the -best of my ability.”</p> - -<p>“Very good. Todd appeared to be waiting for -some one, you have said.”</p> - -<p>“Yes. That was my impression.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[24]</span></p> - -<p>“Do you know for whom, or how long he had -been there?”</p> - -<p>“No, neither.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know of any person whom he visits, who -has rooms or an office in that building?”</p> - -<p>“I do not. He was not the type of man I fancied, -Mr. Carter, and we never have been good -friends.”</p> - -<p>“I was told that he was a popular clubman.”</p> - -<p>“He was, I admit, and there are many who liked -him.”</p> - -<p>“What was the trouble between you last evening?” -the detective inquired. “I was told——”</p> - -<p>“I can tell you in a nutshell,” Paulding interrupted. -“He spoke of a young lady in terms that no gentleman -should have used. I called him down, Mr. Carter. -One word led to another, and we nearly came -to blows. That’s all there was to it, however, for -others interposed and Todd immediately left the clubhouse. -I did not see him again until we met this -morning in the Waldmere Chambers.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know anything against him, so far as -his character and habits are concerned?”</p> - -<p>“Well, no,” said Paulding, after a moment. “He -was somewhat dissipated at times and in with the -fast set. He gambled more or less on the quiet, and -I know he was friendly with other women while -paying attention to——”</p> - -<p>“To Miss Thurlow,” put in Carter, when the lawyer -hesitated. “Her name was mentioned to me, also, -and the fact that a bitter rivalry existed between you -and Todd.”</p> - -<p>“Well, there is some truth in that,” Paulding admitted,<span class="pagenum">[25]</span> -flushing. “Regardless of my affection and -whether she really cares for me, Mr. Carter, I never -considered Todd a fit man for Edna Thurlow. I -would not have permitted him to visit a sister of mine, -if I had one. Edna is young, however; only nineteen, -and it’s not difficult for a man of Todd’s type -to deceive an inexperienced girl. I do not mean by -that, Mr. Carter, that he would not have cared to -marry her. He was out to get her, if possible, -and——”</p> - -<p>“So are you, Paulding, aren’t you?” Nick interrupted. -“Tell me frankly.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed, I am, Mr. Carter, if she’ll have me.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think she will?”</p> - -<p>“I hope so, think so, in fact, though I have not -yet ventured to ask her. Bear in mind, Mr. Carter, -that she is wealthy, prominent socially, and a very -beautiful and accomplished girl, while I am only a -struggling lawyer, bucking up against a hard game, -and with only patronage and income enough to keep -me going. But I’ll make good, all right, and then——”</p> - -<p>“I think you will, Paulding,” the detective again -interposed. “Let it go at that, now, for my time -is limited. I wish to give you a few instructions, -which you must follow to the letter.”</p> - -<p>“I will do so,” Paulding assured him. “You may -rely upon that.”</p> - -<p>“Much may depend upon it,” Carter said impressively. -“As I have said, nevertheless, I am not absolutely -sure that Todd was murdered. Nor, if he -was, am I sure that you will be seriously involved, -or even suspected. I think you may be, however,<span class="pagenum">[26]</span> -for the reason stated, and you must in that case do -precisely what I direct.”</p> - -<p>“I certainly will, Mr. Carter,” Mr. Paulding again -said earnestly.</p> - -<p>“To begin with, then, say nothing about this interview, -or the fact that we have met and that I -am interested in the case,” Nick directed. “Do not -confide in any one, not excepting Miss Thurlow, -even, in case you are arrested and charged with the -crime.”</p> - -<p>“Good heavens! Do you anticipate that?” Paulding -asked anxiously.</p> - -<p>“It is possible, if not probable,” the detective replied. -“You must, in that case, do precisely as if -we had not met. Say not a word about me until I -countermand these instructions. My presence in Madison -is not generally known, and, while looking into -this matter, as well as other business that brought me -here, I may derive an advantage from concealing the -fact.”</p> - -<p>“I understand, and will act accordingly.”</p> - -<p>“You may assert your innocence, employ another -lawyer, get bail if you can, and all that—but not a -word about me.”</p> - -<p>“That goes,” Paulding nodded. “I’ll be as dumb -as an oyster.”</p> - -<p>“Very good,” said Carter, extending his hand and -rising to go. “I will make it a point to see you as -soon as possible, in case you are arrested, but do not -under any circumstances send for me. On the other -hand, do not fear that I will desert you. I shall know -all that is going on and will be hard at work for you.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[27]</span></p> - -<p>“That’s good enough for me,” declared Paulding, -warmly pressing the detective’s hand. “You can bank -on me, Mr. Carter, let come what may—as I’m going -to bank on you.”</p> - -<p>“Good enough, then,” the detective added. “We’ll -wait and see how the cat jumps.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[28]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE MAN OF LAST RESORT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nicholas Carter did not return to the Waldmere -Chambers after his interview with Frank Paulding. -It was not entirely due to his intuitive perception, or -to any evidence definitely involving another, that had -caused him to feel that Paulding had played no part -in the killing of Gaston Todd, and that he might -be possibly the victim of a carefully planned conspiracy.</p> - -<p>It was due in part to what Chief Gleason had told -him earlier that morning, when they were discussing -the business that had brought him secretly to -Madison with his two most reliable assistants.</p> - -<p>Nick saw nothing to be gained by returning to -the Waldmere Chambers, and he hastened to the Wilton -House, instead, going at once to the suite assigned -him, where Chick and Patsy then were waiting for -him.</p> - -<p>“Well, there must be something doing, indeed,” -Chick exclaimed, gazing at him when he entered. -“Has it taken Gleason the entire morning to tell you -why we are needed in Madison?”</p> - -<p>“No, not quite,” Carter replied, taking a chair. -“There is more doing than what Gleason confided -to me, Chick, and I think there may be some connection -between them. Unless I am very much mistaken, -there was a deucedly singular murder committed -about an hour ago.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[29]</span></p> - -<p>“The devil you say!” Chick returned. “Have you -been looking into it?”</p> - -<p>“Superficially.”</p> - -<p>“Tell us, chief,” said Patsy, with immediate interest. -“Why singular?”</p> - -<p>“I will do so presently,” Nick replied. “I first will -tell you why Chief Gleason sent for me. It’s a rather -remarkable story.”</p> - -<p>“A mysterious crime, chief?”</p> - -<p>“Quite a number of them, Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz! We are booked for some hard work, -then, if the local police cannot handle them.”</p> - -<p>“Crimes of what kind, chief?” Chick inquired.</p> - -<p>“The first was committed several months ago,” said -Carter, disposing of the match with which he had -been lighting a cigar. “It was the robbery of a prominent -local banker, named Wagner, whose statements -are entirely reliable.”</p> - -<p>“What were the circumstances?”</p> - -<p>“Briefly stated, he was going home from his club -about nine o’clock one evening, after having dined -there with a friend. He is a well-built, powerful man -of forty, about the last whom a holdup man would -venture to tackle. He wore some valuable jewelry, -however, and he had nearly a thousand dollars in his -pocket, which he wanted to use before banking hours -the following morning.”</p> - -<p>“The crook may have known about it.”</p> - -<p>“Possibly, though Wagner doesn’t think so.”</p> - -<p>“Where was the crime committed?”</p> - -<p>“In the grounds of his own house, a fine residence -in Garside Avenue. He was sauntering up a gravel -walk leading to his front door, when a man came<span class="pagenum">[30]</span> -down from the veranda and approached to meet him. -Wagner did not recognize him, but he naturally inferred -that the stranger had called to see him, and, -not finding him at home, that he was about departing.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” Chick nodded. “That was perfectly -natural.”</p> - -<p>“What followed was quite the contrary,” Carter -remarked dryly. “The stranger stopped directly in -front of him and asked whether he was Mr. Wagner. -He had an unlighted cigar in his mouth, or so Wagner -has stated. The latter replied in the affirmative, -of course, and asked what was wanted.”</p> - -<p>“And then, chief?” queried Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Then came the one singular feature of the case,” -said the detective. “Wagner felt a sensation as if -a breath of air had hit his face. He doesn’t know -where it came from, nor can he explain it, for the -stranger still had the cigar between his lips and his -mouth was closed. Be that as it may, Wagner instantly -felt very numb and confused, and in another -moment he lost consciousness.”</p> - -<p>“Fainted away?”</p> - -<p>“Not quite that, Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“Great guns! What was he up against, chief?”</p> - -<p>“That’s the question,” said Nick. “He was seen -on the gravel walk a little later by a passing policeman, -who hastened to aid him. Wagner still was -unconscious, dead to the world, as he afterward expressed -it when revived by a physician. He had been -robbed of his money and all of his jewelry, and the -thief had disappeared, leaving absolutely no clew -to his identity.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[31]</span></p> - -<p>“He has not been traced, nor any of the jewelry?”</p> - -<p>“Neither.”</p> - -<p>“Is any one suspected?”</p> - -<p>“No.” Nick shook his head. “There have been -numerous other robberies of a like character, and -under similar circumstances, but in no case has any -of the stolen property been recovered, nor a clew -to the criminal been found. The police have been -at work for months on more than a score of such -cases.”</p> - -<p>“By Jove! that’s very peculiar,” Chick said thoughtfully. -“Is the description of the crook the same in -all cases?”</p> - -<p>“Far from it,” Carter replied. “They vary materially.”</p> - -<p>“There must be a gang at work, then.”</p> - -<p>“It appears so.”</p> - -<p>“Did the victim in each case experience the same -sensations as those described by Wagner?”</p> - -<p>“Very similar, though the circumstances were not -always the same. All agree, however, that they suddenly -became unconscious from an unknown cause, -while talking with a person who had accosted them -on one pretense or another. One stock broker was -robbed in that way while alone in his business office. -The police are all at sea, and the community is on -nettles as to who will be the next victim of the mysterious -and elusive plunderers. That’s why Gleason -sent secretly for me to aid him.”</p> - -<p>“How do you size it up, chief?” Patsy inquired. -“What do you make of it?”</p> - -<p>“Well, take the case of Wagner,” Carter replied. -“He is very much mystified by the breath of air he<span class="pagenum">[32]</span> -felt on his face. His assailant’s lips were closed -around a cigar, and Wagner is sure he could not have -exhaled the breath he suddenly felt.”</p> - -<p>“Surely not, chief, in that case,” said Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Don’t be so sure of it,” Carter returned. “When -a man confronts another and has a full-length cigar -between his teeth, the outer end of it may be very -near the other’s face.”</p> - -<p>“That’s true, chief, but what of it?”</p> - -<p>“Suppose it was not a cigar, but made to closely -resemble one?”</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz! I get you,” cried Patsy. “You mean -a tube through which one’s breath might be blown.”</p> - -<p>“I mean a tube, Patsy, which contained something -that may have been forced outward by the man’s -breath, and so directed that Wagner must have inhaled -it,” Carter explained.</p> - -<p>“I see.”</p> - -<p>“Just what it was, being powerful enough to immediately -overcome him, and how the tube was constructed -so that the user would not be affected by -its contents when ejecting it, are open questions.”</p> - -<p>“Do you really think that is how it was done?” -Chick inquired, a bit incredulous.</p> - -<p>“I certainly do,” nodded the detective.</p> - -<p>“Had Gleason thought of that device, or any of the -police?”</p> - -<p>“No, nor did I inform him,” said Carter, smiling -significantly. “Since we are about to investigate these -mysterious cases, which I have decided to do, we may -derive an advantage by not disclosing our suspicions.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” Chick agreed. “That’s good judgment. -It may be, chief, that the crook has discovered<span class="pagenum">[33]</span> -an odorless and very powerful narcotic gas; also various -methods by which he can craftily and quickly -administer it.”</p> - -<p>“Something of that nature, Chick, which also indicates -that he is a man of education, with a knowledge -of drugs and mechanics,” Carter pointed out. -“All this is what leads me to think there may be some -connection between these numerous strange robberies -and the mysterious killing of Gaston Todd this noon, -if an autopsy shows positively that he was murdered.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the case you mentioned?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I now will tell you about it.”</p> - -<p>The detective proceeded to do so, covering all of -the essential points, both during his observations in -the Waldmere Chambers and his call upon Frank -Paulding.</p> - -<p>“By Jove! this case does have a striking likeness -to the others,” Chick declared, after listening attentively. -“It may be a murder case, as you suspect.”</p> - -<p>“The similarity first led me to suspect it.”</p> - -<p>“Naturally.”</p> - -<p>“There are three other cases, too, about which Gleason -told me, that are fully as peculiar,” Carter added, -knocking the ashes from his cigar.</p> - -<p>“What are they, chief?” questioned Patsy.</p> - -<p>“They involve three girls, or, more properly, young -women, for all are about twenty,” said the detective. -“All were found unconscious in the grounds of the -local hospital.”</p> - -<p>“At the same time?”</p> - -<p>“No. There was an interval of several days between -them.”</p> - -<p>“Found when?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[34]</span></p> - -<p>“About midnight.”</p> - -<p>“Had they been robbed?”</p> - -<p>“No. There was no robbery in either case, nor -has it been learned that an outrage of any kind was -attempted,” Nick explained. “Each of the girls was -first taken to the police headquarters, I understand, -and afterward sent to the hospital, where one of the -physicians soon succeeded in reviving her. She then -was allowed to depart, after stating that she could -not account for her strange condition, nor remember -anything that had befallen her.”</p> - -<p>“By gracious, that is peculiar, chief, for fair,” declared -Patsy, gazing perplexedly.</p> - -<p>“More strange, perhaps, and somewhat significant, -is the fact that not one of these girls could afterward -be found by the police, when they tumbled to -a possibility that the three cases might have some relation -to the many mysterious robberies.”</p> - -<p>“Their names are not known?”</p> - -<p>“So Gleason states. It appears that they were not -learned by the hospital authorities.”</p> - -<p>“The whole business does seem strange, indeed,” -Chick said more gravely. “It looks as if we were -up against a very curious and complicated mess.”</p> - -<p>“And crooks of extraordinary craft and cunning,” -put in Patsy earnestly.</p> - -<p>“I agree with both of you,” said Nick, glancing -at his watch. “Come, we are due for a late lunch. I -will make further inquiries this afternoon, and then—well, -I will have decided by evening how we can -begin our work. The autopsy to-morrow may show -us the way.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[35]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">ANOTHER STRANGE CASE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The steeple bell of a church within a stone’s throw -of Hamilton Square struck twelve. The successive -strokes fell with monotonous reverberations on the -midnight air, breaking with solemn resonance the -quietude of that reputable residential section of Madison.</p> - -<p>For Hamilton Square, though not far from the -business district, was in an attractive part of the city, -to which the extensive tract of land had been donated -years before, in part for a public square and the remainder -for the site, park, and gardens of the now -locally famous Osgood Hospital, established by the -donor, and still largely supported by the income from -his bequests.</p> - -<p>The last stroke of the bell scarce had died away -to a customary stillness, when a burly policeman, one -James Donovan, appeared on one side of the square -flanking the hospital grounds, moving along near -the iron fence and pausing now and then to gaze -across the broad avenue at the opposite dwellings, -the most of which were shrouded in darkness.</p> - -<p>Presently, approaching a gate in the fence, he muttered -to himself:</p> - -<p>“I may as well have another look. It’s a hundred -to one there has been nothing doing, though, or I -would have heard it. This evidently isn’t one of the<span class="pagenum">[36]</span> -nights for their devilish doings. Hang it, I’m not -sure of it!”</p> - -<p>He had stopped short, taking out his electric lamp -and flashing the beam of light on the ornamental -gate. A padlock had been removed and was lying -on the gravel walk within. Nearly at his feet, discovered -after a brief search, was a piece of black -thread.</p> - -<p>“By thunder, I was wrong,” Donovan muttered, -gazing around and scowling perplexedly. “Have my -ears gone back on me? Has this scurvy trick been -turned again? Some one has been through this gate -since I tied the thread on it. I’ll darned soon find -out.”</p> - -<p>Quietly lifting the latch, Donovan opened the gate -and entered with quickened steps. He did not follow -the gravel walk, which led toward an end door -in a wing of the hospital some fifty yards away. Instead, -he strode straight across the broad lawn, -through the deeper gloom under the trees, until he -came to one, the drooping branches of which formed -a sort of arbor in a secluded part of the extensive -estate.</p> - -<p>There was an iron seat under it, and the policeman -flashed his light in that direction. It fell upon -a motionless figure in a huddled position on one end -of the seat—the figure of a young woman.</p> - -<p>“Another, by thunder, as sure as I’m a foot high,” -Donovan gasped audibly. “In spite of my vigilance, -too, and in the same place and condition as the others. -Sure, this beats me.”</p> - -<p>Donovan drew nearer and bent over the motionless -girl. She was about nineteen, with a slender,<span class="pagenum">[37]</span> -neatly clad figure, a dark skirt and Eton jacket. Her -head was bowed forward, and her hat was somewhat -awry. She was of dark complexion, but the ghastly -pallor of her cheeks caused the policeman to catch -his breath. He bowed over her, listening, and presently -could hear the faint breathing of the unconscious -girl.</p> - -<p>“By Jove, I feared for a moment she was gone,” -he said to himself, straightening up. “I’ll try to raise -the sergeant. He said he’d show up about midnight.”</p> - -<p>Donovan walked away toward the gate again and -blew his whistle, a shrill, sinister sound on the night -air. Thrice he had to sound it, and then he heard -a distant reply. Several moments later hurried footsteps -fell on the pavement, and an officer in plain -clothes appeared at the gate.</p> - -<p>“That you, Jim?” he called quietly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.” Donovan’s hand went to his helmet. -“I thought I might get you, Sergeant Brady, as you -said you’d drop around about this time.”</p> - -<p>“Something doing?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, the same old job.”</p> - -<p>“The devil you say! Have you seen no one, nor -heard anything?”</p> - -<p>“Not a soul, sir, nor a sound,” Donovan declared, -approaching the gate. “Faith, I think my eyes and -ears have gone to the bad. I was round here twenty -minutes ago. The padlock then was on the gate, -and this thread, tied so that the gate could not be -opened without breaking it, was just as I had fixed -it. It’s a cinch, now, that this is the gate the rascals -have been using. The chief thought, you know, that<span class="pagenum">[38]</span> -the padlock might have been taken off only for a -blind. The breaking of the thread settles it.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a clever scheme, Jim,” Brady said approvingly. -“Yes, yes, undoubtedly that’s the gate. -Another woman, you say?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, and on the same iron seat.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll have a look at her.”</p> - -<p>“This way, sergeant.”</p> - -<p>“The fourth in a fortnight.” Brady spoke with -a growl while he and his companion strode across -the lawn. “I don’t understand it. I’ll be hanged, -Jim, if I can make head or tail to a mystery of this -kind. I don’t see why it’s done, or who could quit -a winner.”</p> - -<p>“Faith, it’s as black as dock mud,” Donovan vouchsafed -grimly. “Here she is, sergeant, dead to the -world.”</p> - -<p>Brady stopped and gazed down at the inanimate -girl—the fourth who had been found on this same -seat, at the same time, and in the same condition, -within two weeks.</p> - -<p>“Humph!” Brady grunted, rubbing his furrowed -brow perplexedly. “Mystery is no name for it.”</p> - -<p>“Shall I send in an ambulance call?”</p> - -<p>“No. It’s another case for the hospital. There’s -nothing in taking her to headquarters and then bringing -her back here, as was done in the other three -cases.”</p> - -<p>“Sure, sergeant, that’s right.”</p> - -<p>“Go to that wing door and raise one of the attendants. -Tell him what’s up, Jim, and have him -bring out a litter. I’ll wait here until you return.”</p> - -<p>Donovan hurried away and vanished around a corner<span class="pagenum">[39]</span> -of the wing. He returned in about five minutes, -accompanied by one of the hospital attendants, bearing -a folded litter, which he hastened to open and -on which he and the policeman placed the girl.</p> - -<p>While they were doing so, Brady discovered a small -leather hand bag on the ground near the seat. He -picked it up and tossed it on the litter.</p> - -<p>“Go ahead,” he commanded, a bit gruffly. “Get -a move on. I’ll go with you.”</p> - -<p>His companions picked up their burden and obeyed. -They trooped across the grounds and around the -end of the wing, bringing up at a door over which -a red lantern was burning. It was opened by an orderly -within, and Donovan said familiarly:</p> - -<p>“Here’s another for you, Bill, of the same sort. -Faith, they seem to drop out of the sky.”</p> - -<p>“They more likely are sent up from the infernal -regions, judging from the character of the job,” returned -the orderly. “What’s the matter with you -guns, anyway, that tricks of this kind can be repeated -under your very eyes? Bring her this way.”</p> - -<p>He conducted them through a dimly lighted corridor -and into an adjoining room, in which there were -several unoccupied cots, on one of which Donovan -and the attendant placed the girl.</p> - -<p>The orderly turned to a wall telephone and summoned -a night nurse, who entered before he had -fairly hung up the receiver.</p> - -<p>“What physician is here, Agnes?” he asked curtly.</p> - -<p>“Doctor Green has been here since eight o’clock,” -said the nurse. “I just saw a light in Doctor Devoll’s -private room. I think he came in about ten minutes -ago.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[40]</span></p> - -<p>“Notify him,” said the orderly. “He can restore -her, most likely, since he was so successful in the -other three cases. Notify him at once.”</p> - -<p>The woman turned to the telephone to speak to -Doctor Devoll, while the orderly set about making a -few necessary preparations to receive him, apparently -disregarding the presence of the two policemen.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Brady, who had been gazing with a suspicious -frown at the girl on the cot, turned to the -attendant who had assisted in bringing her in.</p> - -<p>“Doctor Devoll is the head physician, isn’t he?” -he asked quietly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” said the attendant. “He runs the place.”</p> - -<p>“The big finger, eh?”</p> - -<p>“That’s what.”</p> - -<p>“I have heard he’s very skillful.”</p> - -<p>“None better, sir.”</p> - -<p>“I wonder——” Brady dropped his voice to a -whisper: “I wonder whether there’s a telephone I -can use on the quiet. I want to talk with Chief Gleason, -at headquarters.”</p> - -<p>“Sure,” the attendant nodded. “There’s one in the -operating room. No one is there now. I’ll show -you.”</p> - -<p>“Half a minute,” Brady muttered. Then, turning -to Donovan, he whispered: “Have an eye on the -girl, Jim, and keep your ears open when she revives. -Get me?”</p> - -<p>“Sure!”</p> - -<p>“I’ll return in time to leave with you.”</p> - -<p>Donovan nodded, and Brady immediately departed -with the attendant. Only five minutes had passed -when Doctor Devoll entered the room, bringing a<span class="pagenum">[41]</span> -leather medicine case and quickly approaching the cot -on which lay the inanimate girl, whose jacket and -the front of her silk shirt waist had been opened by -the nurse.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll presented quite a striking picture, -when he paused and gazed down at her in the bright -light of an electric bulb. He was close upon sixty -and of medium height, but very slender. His thinness -was accentuated by a tight-fitting black frock -coat, the skirts of which hung to his knees. His -head was almost entirely bald. All that remained to -show that he was a son of Esau was a fringe of close-cut, -gray hair around the base of his skull, and a -single silver-white tuft above his high forehead.</p> - -<p>He was smoothly shaven, his features wasted and -wan, his thin lips of a dull, grayish tint, instead of -a wholesome red, as if the blood in his veins had -lost its crimson hue. His nose was long, his eyes a -cold blue and wonderfully penetrating. As he stood -there with his slender hands behind him, his fingers -interlocked, there was something really quite sinister -in his aspect. He looked not unlike a bird of prey -brooding over his victim.</p> - -<p>This was immediately dispelled, however, when he -looked up at the nurse and said, with a remarkably -soft and ingratiating voice:</p> - -<p>“She appears to be in the same condition, Agnes, -as the others. She was found on the same seat, did -I understand you to say?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, doctor.” The nurse bowed to him across -the narrow cot. “This policeman discovered her. -He had her brought in, sir, instead of taking her to -the station house, as before.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[42]</span></p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll turned and eyed Donovan narrowly -for a moment; then suavely inquired:</p> - -<p>“Is your beat in this locality?”</p> - -<p>“It is, sir,” said Donovan respectfully. “I’m the -night patrolman, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Are you the officer who previously found the other -girls who were brought here under similar circumstances?”</p> - -<p>“I am, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see any one to-night, or hear anything, -that might shed a ray of light on this mystery?”</p> - -<p>“I did not, sir,” said Donovan. “I’m all in the -dark. I’m blessed if I can fathom how and when -the girl went there. I had my eyes open all the evening -because of the other cases, but how——”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, no doubt.” Doctor Devoll checked him -with a deprecatory gesture. “I must apply for more -night men in this district, if these extraordinary episodes -are to continue. The cause must be found and -the culprits discovered. That is, of course, if it’s a -case for the police.”</p> - -<p>“She may be a drug fiend, sir, or perhaps——”</p> - -<p>“It is useless to speculate,” Doctor Devoll interrupted. -“I could learn nothing from the others. I -will try this one.”</p> - -<p>He opened his medicine case while speaking, taking -from it a small sponge and a slender vial filled -with an amber-colored fluid, a few drops of which -he poured on the sponge. Then he held it with -his long, lean fingers near the nostrils of the unconscious -girl.</p> - -<p>The effect appeared almost magical. A tinge of -color instantly dispelled her ghastly paleness. She<span class="pagenum">[43]</span> -caught her breath with a gasp and a convulsive heave, -as if some potent stimulant had suddenly filled her -lungs, and Doctor Devoll quickly drew away the -sponge and replaced it in his case, hastily closing it.</p> - -<p>He scarcely had done so when, with a low moan, -the girl opened her eyes and stared around, then at -her observers, with the mute wonderment of one -awakening amid strange surroundings and in view -of unfamiliar faces. They seemed to alarm and -further stimulate her, for she started up, gasping -amazedly:</p> - -<p>“Where—where am I? Who are you? What has -happened?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t be alarmed, my girl.” Doctor Devoll’s thin -face took on an assuring smile. “You are in no danger. -You are in the casualty ward of the Osgood -Hospital.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[44]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">DOCTOR DEVOLL.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Patrolman Donovan drew a little nearer to the cot, -that nothing said or done should escape him. The -orderly had departed, and the announcement by the -physician seemed to surprise and further mystify the -reviving girl.</p> - -<p>“A hospital—in a hospital?” she repeated perplexedly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, you were brought here by this policeman, -who found you on a seat in the hospital grounds,” -Doctor Devoll informed her. “You appeared to have -fainted or to have been drugged.”</p> - -<p>“I cannot believe that I fainted,” said the girl. “I -don’t understand it. It seems to me as if I had just -awakened from a deep sleep.” She gazed around, -still dazed and deeply puzzled; then asked abruptly: -“What time is it?”</p> - -<p>“It is after midnight, nearly one o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“One o’clock! Oh, I must go home! I must go -home!”</p> - -<p>She started up from the cot, and stood beside it. -She appeared to have regained her strength. Her -color had returned, her eyes were normal, though -expressive of mingled uncertainty and dread.</p> - -<p>“Do you feel quite well again?” Doctor Devoll -asked, with sharper scrutiny. “Are you able to go -home?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[45]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, perfectly able. I must go home; I must -go at once.”</p> - -<p>“Before leaving you must give me a few particulars -about yourself,” interposed the physician. “Where -were you when you were overcome? Tell me what -you last remember.”</p> - -<p>“I am not sure,” she replied, with a manifest effort -to comply. “I went to the Alhambra, a moving-picture -theater. I had come out and was walking along -Main Street when I——”</p> - -<p>She stopped short, glancing apprehensively at the -policeman. A deep flush suddenly mantled her cheeks. -She hesitated, obviously embarrassed and somewhat -frightened, and Doctor Devoll asked somewhat -sharply:</p> - -<p>“Why did you stop? What were you about to -say?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know—nothing more, sir, I think,” she -faltered. “I have told you all I know—all I can remember.”</p> - -<p>Donovan suspected that she was lying, but he did -not venture to interfere, and Doctor Devoll said quite -sternly:</p> - -<p>“Don’t try to conceal anything, my girl. What -happened to you in Main Street? Can’t you remember?”</p> - -<p>“Only that I was there, sir; nothing more,” she -insisted. “I was alone and on my way home when -suddenly everything became a blank. I don’t know -what followed, what I did, or where I went. I remember -nothing more until I awoke in this place and -saw you bending over me. I am telling the truth, -sir, and——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[46]</span></p> - -<p>“Oh, I don’t question your honesty, my girl,” Doctor -Devoll interposed less austerely. “What is your -name?”</p> - -<p>“Mabel Smith, sir,” she admitted, after a moment.</p> - -<p>“Where do you live?”</p> - -<p>“I board at No. 81 Flint Street with Mrs. Morton, -a widow. I must go home. She will be very anxious -about me and may—did I have anything when -I was brought in here? I mean my purse.” She -digressed abruptly; then stopped again, with a somewhat -guilty expression in her troubled eyes.</p> - -<p>There was a small table near the foot of the cot, -on which the nurse had placed the girl’s hat and a -small, knit purse. The physician glanced at them, -replying:</p> - -<p>“Here is your purse, Miss Smith. Was there anything -else?”</p> - -<p>“I—I think I had a small leather bag,” she replied.</p> - -<p>“That appears to be missing.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not sure,” she quickly added. “I don’t know -positively that I had it with me. If I did, sir, I -suppose I must have dropped it.”</p> - -<p>Of the three men who had brought her in from -the seat on which Donovan had found her, Sergeant -Brady was the only one who had seen the small leather -bag, which he had picked up from the ground and -placed on the litter. But Sergeant Brady then was -absent with the attendant, and no further search was -made for the missing bag, for the girl said indifferently:</p> - -<p>“It don’t matter, sir. I may not have had it. May -I go home? I really must. You have no right to detain -me here.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[47]</span></p> - -<p>Donovan did not hear what then passed between -Doctor Devoll and his mysteriously afflicted patient. -The ward door had been opened, and Sergeant Brady -beckoned to the policeman and drew him into the corridor, -closing the door.</p> - -<p>“Well, what has she said for herself, Jim?” he -inquired, gazing grimly at the policeman.</p> - -<p>“Faith, it’s the same old story, sergeant,” Donovan -replied significantly. “She can’t tell what happened to -her. She don’t know enough to last her overnight.”</p> - -<p>“Humph!” Brady grunted. “I suspected as much.”</p> - -<p>“She seems to be on the level, though.”</p> - -<p>“Level be hanged!” Brady spoke with a derisive -snarl. “None of them was on the level, Jim, or we -would have been able to trace them and find some -solution of the mystery. Not one of them could be -found after she left the hospital.”</p> - -<p>“That’s true, sergeant. Sure, it does seem a bit -strange.”</p> - -<p>“I got Chief Gleason on the phone by calling up -his house. He had gone home from headquarters. -I reported the case to him, as he directed, and—say -nothing about this, mind you.”</p> - -<p>“Not a word, sergeant.”</p> - -<p>“It’s not known by many that the big dick is in town, -and he don’t want it known at present,” Brady impressively -explained. “Nicholas Carter is at the Wilton -House under the name of Blaisdell.”</p> - -<p>“Faith, is that so?” Donovan’s face lighted. “Sure, -he can dig out the truth, sergeant, if any man can.”</p> - -<p>“Gleason said he would telephone to him at once -and send him here to size up the case,” Brady added. -“He ought to show up within twenty minutes. You<span class="pagenum">[48]</span> -return to your beat. I’ll stay here and detain the -girl until Carter comes.”</p> - -<p>“All right, sergeant.”</p> - -<p>“You can leave by that door through which we -came in. Go ahead. We’ll not want more of you -to-night.”</p> - -<p>Donovan touched his helmet and hurried away.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Brady gazed after him for a moment; -then turned and entered the wardroom, when an ominous -frown instantly settled on his face.</p> - -<p>Miss Mabel Smith had departed.</p> - -<p>There remained only the nurse, Agnes, then engaged -in putting the narrow cot in order. Brady -strode toward her, asking roughly:</p> - -<p>“Where’s that girl? Not gone, has she?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir. She went with Doctor Devoll, sir, -through the corridor leading to the front office,” said -the nurse, pointing to a door at the opposite end of -the wardroom.</p> - -<p>“When? How long ago?” Brady demanded.</p> - -<p>“Not more than two or three minutes. You might -overtake them, sir, if you hurry. I’ll show you the -way.”</p> - -<p>“Do so. I want the girl detained here.”</p> - -<p>The nurse hurriedly led the way, Brady striding -after her. They passed through a long corridor leading -to the main part of the building and entered a -brightly lighted office fronting on Hamilton Square.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll was alone there, closing a roll-top -desk.</p> - -<p>“Has that girl gone, doctor?” Brady demanded the -moment he entered.</p> - -<p>The physician’s brows fell slightly, and his cold<span class="pagenum">[49]</span> -blue eyes took on a sharper glint. He appeared to -resent the officer’s brusqueness. He no further betrayed -it, however, and said, with characteristic blandness:</p> - -<p>“She has, sergeant. Why do you ask?”</p> - -<p>“Because I wanted to detain her.”</p> - -<p>“Detain her? For what?” The physician gazed -more intently.</p> - -<p>“For what!” Brady echoed him derisively. “It -strikes me, Doctor Devoll, that this business has gone -far enough. This is the fourth girl brought here in -the same condition, under the same mysterious circumstances, -and allowed to depart before a thorough -investigation was made. Not hide nor hair of them -could afterward be found. She should have been -kept here until we could——”</p> - -<p>“Pardon me, sergeant,” Doctor Devoll checked him -with a gesture, “you overlook one fact.”</p> - -<p>“One fact?”</p> - -<p>“This is a hospital, not a police station. I am a -physician, not a detective. My duty is to care for -a patient, if necessary, but not to hold one in custody -after one has recovered. I have no right to do that. -The young lady insisted upon going home, and I -had no proper course but to let her go.”</p> - -<p>“All right, doctor, if you look at it in that way,” -said Brady, still frowning darkly.</p> - -<p>“There is no other way for me to look at it,” Doctor -Devoll said suavely. “As a matter of fact, however, -you can easily find and question the girl. I -learned her name and address, which I neglected doing -in the previous cases.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[50]</span></p> - -<p>“Ah, that’s better!” Brady declared. “Who is -she?”</p> - -<p>“Her name is Mabel Smith. She boards at No. -81 Flint Street.”</p> - -<p>“Good enough! The matter now can rest until -to-morrow,” said Brady. “May I use your telephone? -I wish to say a word to Mr. Blaisdell, at the Wilton -House.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[51]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">GROUNDS FOR SUSPICION.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Sergeant Brady got in communication with Nicholas -Carter that night just in time to prevent him -from visiting the hospital, following the telephone -talk he had with Chief Gleason, after the latter had -been notified of this fourth mysterious case.</p> - -<p>Carter had not quite finished his breakfast the following -morning, however, at which he was seated -with Chick and Patsy in a private dining room of the -Wilton House, when their waiter brought in a sealed -missive, which the detective opened and read. It -consisted of only two lines:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I want to see you. I am waiting in the hotel parlor.</p> - -<p class="p-1" style="padding-left:15em">“<span class="smcap">Brady</span>.”</p></div> - -<p>The detective thrust the note into his pocket and -waved the waiter from the room.</p> - -<p>“It’s from Sergeant Brady,” he then said to his -companions. “He is up in the parlor. There must -be something doing, or he would not have called so -early. I’ll drink my coffee and take him up to our -suite. You can join us there.”</p> - -<p>“It probably relates to that girl,” said Chick.</p> - -<p>“Very likely. He may want my advice or assistance.”</p> - -<p>“You haven’t forgotten the autopsy this morning, -chief, in that Todd case, have you?” Patsy reminded -him inquiringly. “You said you wanted to be there.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[52]</span></p> - -<p>“No, I’ve not forgotten it, Patsy,” said his chief, -rising. “I’ll be there all right, after learning what -Brady has on his mind.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll be with you again in five minutes,” Chick -remarked, as the detective was leaving.</p> - -<p>Carter found Brady at the parlor door, and he at -once conducted him to his suite on the floor above, -where he produced a box of cigars and invited him -to be seated.</p> - -<p>“I slipped in through the side door and sent my -note by your waiter, after learning that you were at -breakfast,” Brady informed him while lighting his -cigar. “If it were known that a police sergeant was -calling upon you, your identity might be suspected.”</p> - -<p>“Possibly,” Carter admitted. “You did the right -thing, Brady, at all events. What’s on your mind?”</p> - -<p>“Gleason sent me. It’s about that girl. I could -not telephone any of the particulars to you last night, -for Doctor Devoll was in the office and heard all I -was saying. He might have suspected that I was -talking with a detective.</p> - -<p>“So I merely told you that the girl had gone and -that it would be useless for you to follow the suggestion -made you. I referred, of course, to Chief -Gleason’s communication.”</p> - -<p>“I understood you.”</p> - -<p>“This morning, however, I have made other discoveries,” -Brady added. “They shed still a worse -light on the case.”</p> - -<p>“Did the circumstances last night differ materially -from those of the three other cases about which Gleason -informed me?” the detective inquired.</p> - -<p>“No, they were almost identical.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[53]</span></p> - -<p>“You need not state them, then. What more have -you discovered?”</p> - -<p>Brady told him what Donovan had seen and heard, -nevertheless, and he then added, replying:</p> - -<p>“Doctor Devoll asked the girl for her name and -address in this case. She said it was Mabel Smith -and that she boarded at No. 81 Flint Street. I have -been there this morning. The house is occupied by -a man with whom I am well acquainted, and who is -entirely reliable. He knows no girl named Mabel -Smith. She gave Doctor Devoll a fictitious name.”</p> - -<p>“I see,” Carter nodded. “That is somewhat significant.”</p> - -<p>“I also learned from Donovan, who was present -when the girl revived, that she claimed to have had -a small leather bag. I happen to know that she had, -for I picked it up from the ground near the seat on -which she was found. I placed it on the litter on -which she was taken into the hospital, and I know -it was there when she was taken into the ward.”</p> - -<p>“Couldn’t it be found?”</p> - -<p>“No. Since learning that she gave a false name, -and, thinking the bag might contain something that -would reveal her identity, I have been to the hospital -in search of it.”</p> - -<p>“Whom did you see or question?”</p> - -<p>“The night nurse and the orderly. Both appear -to be trustworthy. They deny having seen the bag. -The attendant could not have taken it, for he went -with me to the operating room and did not return. -It’s absurd, of course, to suppose Doctor Devoll took -it, and there remains only the girl herself.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[54]</span></p> - -<p>“Did she have any opportunity to get possession -of it without being seen?” Carter inquired.</p> - -<p>“I asked about that, and was told that she was not -seen to find it,” said Brady. “It is barely possible -that she did, nevertheless, and that it contained something -which she did not wish Doctor Devoll to see.”</p> - -<p>“Very possibly,” the detective allowed.</p> - -<p>“Otherwise, she would have admitted having found -it.”</p> - -<p>“That’s reasonable, sergeant.”</p> - -<p>“That’s how I size it up,” Brady added. “It seems -to me the only plausible explanation. What I can’t -fathom, however, is why these girls are repeatedly -found unconscious in the hospital grounds, and why -this last one lied in order to hide her identity. Why -were they all so anxious to get away and avoid publicity?”</p> - -<p>Nicholas Carter did not express his views. He did -not care to indulge in vain speculations. As a matter -of fact, moreover, he was nearly as puzzled as -the police sergeant by the quite extraordinary circumstances. -He looked up from a figure in the Wilton -carpet, at which he had been thoughtfully gazing, -and asked:</p> - -<p>“Have any charges been made at headquarters -or a complaint of any kind that might even indirectly -relate to any of these cases?”</p> - -<p>“No, nothing of the kind,” said Brady confidently. -“I’m dead sure of that.”</p> - -<p>“Have the police tried in each case to trace and -identify the girl?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed, for all they were worth.”</p> - -<p>“But with no success at all?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[55]</span></p> - -<p>“None whatever. If we could hit upon any motive -for such a job, or see anything to have been gained -by it, we might get on the track of the crooks. For -the fact that all the girls told the same story, and -plainly enough had been drugged or rendered insensible -by some mysterious means, shows that there -must have been trickery of some kind.”</p> - -<p>“I agree with you, Brady, in that respect.”</p> - -<p>“Strange to say, nevertheless, the victims appeared -anxious only to leave the hospital as quickly as possible -and to bury themselves in obscurity.”</p> - -<p>“Have the newspapers reported the previous cases?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed, in display type.”</p> - -<p>“They must have been read by these girls, then, -and there must be some serious reason for their reticence,” -said Nick. “Very evidently, Brady, there is -something under the surface, something quite out -of the ordinary. Gleason wants me to look into this -last case?”</p> - -<p>“That’s just what he wants, Carter.”</p> - -<p>“Who is the chief director or head physician of -the Osgood Hospital?”</p> - -<p>“Doctor Devoll.”</p> - -<p>“He who looked after the girl last night, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. He ranks high among the local physicians. -He’s all right, too, I guess.”</p> - -<p>“No doubt,” the detective agreed. “Well, Brady. -I’ll look into the case. I am to see Chief Gleason -during this morning, and I then will have a talk with -him about it. I infer that you have nothing more -to tell me.”</p> - -<p>“No, nothing,” said Brady, rising to go. “You -have got all that I can hand you.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[56]</span></p> - -<p>Carter sat smoking and frowning at the carpet for -several moments after the sergeant had departed. The -several cases were so unusual, so exceedingly inexplicable, -that they interested him. Had there been -only one such case, only one girl found in the hospital -grounds, he would have considered it hardly -worthy of his serious attention; but four in such close -proximity to each other, and so much alike, plainly -proved that they were victims of some person or persons.</p> - -<p>His reflections were ended by the entrance of Chick -and Patsy only two or three minutes after Brady departed, -and he briefly told them what the sergeant -stated, both already being informed of the other circumstances.</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz!” said Patsy, after hearing him attentively. -“It sure is a curious puzzle, chief. What do -you make of it, and how are you going to tackle it?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t make much of it, Patsy, at present,” his -chief frankly admitted. “There must be a very potent -cause for the reticence of all four girls and for -their obvious wish to remain in the background.”</p> - -<p>“Sure thing. That goes without saying.”</p> - -<p>“It’s barely possible that they are in league with -crooks who were responsible for what befell them, -and that they do not dare to come forward and tell -the truth.”</p> - -<p>“Mebbe so, chief,” Patsy nodded.</p> - -<p>“On the other hand, the whole business may be the -work of some exceedingly keen and clever rascal who, -alone and with some ulterior object in view, has been -experimenting with these girls and paving the way to -a much more knavish project,” the detective added.<span class="pagenum">[57]</span> -“If that is correct, it’s a hundred to one that he is -the unknown crook who committed the mysterious -robberies mentioned by Gleason, and whom he is so -anxious to round up.”</p> - -<p>“By Jove, there may be something in that!” Chick -said quickly. “It appears to be the most probable -explanation.”</p> - -<p>“I think so, too.”</p> - -<p>“But what are your plans, chief?” asked Patsy -earnestly. “How are we to pick up a trail worth following?”</p> - -<p>“By finding that girl who said her name was Mabel -Smith,” the chief replied pointedly. “That must -be done, to begin with, and then we’ll go a step further.”</p> - -<p>“But how can we trace her?”</p> - -<p>“That’s up to you, Chick.”</p> - -<p>“Up to me, eh?”</p> - -<p>“It’s the task you must tackle this morning,” said -Carter. “We have a great deal to accomplish to-day, -and each must do his part. I wish to follow -up the Todd case, with Patsy to aid me. You had -better go to the hospital, Chick, and get after that -girl. I have no great faith in Brady’s discernment -and acumen. You could discover more in a minute, -Chick, than he would learn in a month of Sundays.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I’ll take it on, chief,” Chick said agreeably. -“I may perhaps pick up a thread. I’ll report when -we meet for lunch.”</p> - -<p>“In the meantime, Patsy, in anticipation of what -I expect an autopsy to reveal, I want you to visit the -office of Daly & Page, stock brokers, and see what -you quietly can learn about Gaston Todd,” the detective<span class="pagenum">[58]</span> -directed. “You are not known in Madison, -and your motive will not be suspected. You may -cover that, if you like, by pretending to be a newspaper -reporter.”</p> - -<p>“Enough said,” replied Patsy. “I’ve got you, -chief.”</p> - -<p>“Not entirely,” Nick rejoined. “Find out at just -what time Todd left the office yesterday, and whether -it was his customary time of going out in the middle -of the day. If not, make it a point to learn, if possible, -why he went out at an unusual time. He may -have received a letter, or a telephone call, or a communication -by messenger.”</p> - -<p>“I understand,” said Patsy. “Leave it to me.”</p> - -<p>“In other words,” said Carter, “I want to learn -why Todd went to the Waldmere Chambers about -noon, and why he was waiting in the corridor, where -Frank Paulding saw him.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll find out, chief, if possible.”</p> - -<p>“It may be necessary to take other steps later in -order to hit the right trail,” Carter said in conclusion. -“I will decide about that after learning what -the autopsy reveals. I’ll see the coroner and medical -examiner this morning.”</p> - -<p>“We may as well be off, then, and get in our work,” -said Chick.</p> - -<p>“The sooner the better,” the detective declared, -glancing at his watch. “It is now nine o’clock. We’ll -meet here again at one.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[59]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE YELLOW COUPON.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>It was half past nine when Chick sauntered across -Hamilton Square and sized up the buildings and -grounds of the Osgood Hospital. He had learned -from his chief the general lay of the land, so to speak, -and continued around the extensive park and grounds, -seeking the rear gate through which Mabel Smith, -so called, had either entered or been carried into the -place.</p> - -<p>He was not long in finding the gate, and he then -discovered a gardener at work near by with a lawn -mower. Entering with an air of cursory interest only, -he approached him and inquired:</p> - -<p>“Is there any objection to my looking around a -bit?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, I reckon not,” said the laborer.</p> - -<p>“I’ll not disturb anything.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, sir. Go as far as you like.”</p> - -<p>Chick sauntered up the gravel walk, and presently -discovered the iron seat on which the girl had been -found. He walked over to it across the lawn and -sat down, in seeming enjoyment of the shade tree -overhanging it, but in reality to make a careful inspection -of the surrounding ground.</p> - -<p>He could discover in the greensward at first only -the marks left by the feet of the two policemen, whose -heavy and lingering tread had obliterated any other -imprints that might have been there when they arrived<span class="pagenum">[60]</span> -upon the spot. As he was about to go, however, -he caught sight of a small piece of a yellow card -half hidden in the grass back of the seat. He leaned -over and picked it up.</p> - -<p>It was part of a theater ticket, the coupon for a -seat, and it was dated for the previous evening.</p> - -<p>“The Alhambra,” Chick read. “By Jove, that’s the -theater from which the girl said she had come. She -evidently did not lie from start to finish. H’m! This -may help.”</p> - -<p>He had detected a faint aroma from the coupon, -and he held it nearer to his nostrils.</p> - -<p>“Violet perfumery, but of an inferior quality,” he -said to himself. “That indicates that she’s a girl of -only moderate means, who cannot afford an expensive -extract. She carried the ticket in a bag with her -handkerchief, which was scented. This may start me -on the right scent, too, and I’ll proceed to follow it up.”</p> - -<p>Placing the coupon in his notebook, he sauntered -back across the lawn and passed out through the gate. -He then saw that there was a narrow court beyond -a row of dwellings on the opposite side of the street, -which evidently was an outlet into the streets beyond.</p> - -<p>Crossing over, he walked in that direction, and as -he was passing the third house from the court he saw -a polished brass plate on the vestibule door:</p> - -<p>“Gordon Barclay. Artist.”</p> - -<p>Chick stopped short and gazed up at the door.</p> - -<p>“By Jove, this must be Don Barclay,” he muttered. -“It’s not likely that there are two artists by that name. -I’ve not seen him for years. I’ll take a chance that -I’m right and will meet an old friend.”</p> - -<p>He mounted the steps and rang the bell. A butler<span class="pagenum">[61]</span> -admitted him and vanished with his card on a -silver tray. Presently, with hurried steps that evinced -a very genuine eagerness, a well-built, handsome man -in a velvet jacket rushed into the room, with eyes -and cheeks aglow and his hands extended in cordial -greeting.</p> - -<p>“Holy smoke, Chick Carter! The one and only -Chick himself!” he shouted. “Gracious, but I’m glad -to see you! How the dickens came you here? You’re -not after me, are you?”</p> - -<p>Chick laughed, and returned the speaker’s cordial -greeting.</p> - -<p>“No, indeed, Don, nothing like that,” he replied. -“I’m in Madison on other business. I was passing this -house only by chance, and I saw your door plate.”</p> - -<p>“Thank Heaven, you didn’t overlook it!”</p> - -<p>“And it occurred to me that we have not met for -three years——”</p> - -<p>“Four, you rascal!” Barclay cut in boisterously. -“It was on a boxing night at the Hudson Athletic -Club. I remember it perfectly.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right, Don.”</p> - -<p>“Sure, Chick, it’s right. By Jove, you’re a sight for -sore eyes! Come to the dining room and we’ll fire -a ball. Then I’ll take you up to my studio and show -you where I’m winning fame and fortune by slinging -paint. That’s on the top floor. We’ll have a -smoke and a good old-fashioned chat. By gracious, -I’m glad to see you!”</p> - -<p>There was no doubting it. It stuck out all over the -genial, vivacious artist, and for nearly an hour Chick -complied with his wishes and responded to his running -fire of questions. Then, during a lull in their<span class="pagenum">[62]</span> -conversation, he turned it upon the matter more seriously -engaging him.</p> - -<p>“Now, Don, a word about my mission in Madison,” -said he, dropping the end of his cigar on a tray. “I -know you may be trusted to say nothing about it.”</p> - -<p>“Not a word, Chick,” Barclay assured him. “Come -on with it.”</p> - -<p>“You read the newspapers, I suppose.”</p> - -<p>“Only the headlines,” laughed the artist. “The details -give me a confounded headache.”</p> - -<p>“You may not know about it, then,” said Chick. -“I’m here to help clear up quite a sensational mystery -in this immediate locality.”</p> - -<p>“Thunder! You don’t say so. Why, I thought -the old fogies who dwell in this locality were too slow -and sedate to get into anything more sensational than -the death column.”</p> - -<p>“I will confide the case to you.”</p> - -<p>He did so briefly, merely stating the main features -of the previous night, and a look of mingled surprise -and amusement then appeared in the artist’s eyes.</p> - -<p>“Well, by gracious, that’s jolly funny!” he declared, -drawing up in his chair.</p> - -<p>“Funny! What do you mean?” Chick inquired.</p> - -<p>“Why, it’s like this,” Barclay proceeded to explain. -“I use this top floor for my studio, where I get the -best light. I was at work here quite late last night. -It must have been nearly midnight. Here, come this -way. Come to the window.”</p> - -<p>Chick arose and accompanied him to a broad window -overlooking most of the square, including the -hospital building and grounds. Only a small part<span class="pagenum">[63]</span> -of the grounds was hidden from view by the building -itself.</p> - -<p>“Last night, just after I finished my work, I looked -out here for a breath of fresh air,” Barclay resumed. -“It was quite dark down below, but I caught sight of -a motor cab, one of the noiseless type that is run by -electricity, for it moved without a sound. I followed -it with my eyes, having nothing better to do, and I -saw it stop at a gate leading into the hospital grounds.”</p> - -<p>“That rear gate beyond the west wing?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, the same.” Barclay turned and nodded. “Do -you suppose it figured in the case you mentioned?”</p> - -<p>“I would not be surprised,” Chick said a bit grimly. -“Continue. What more did you see?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing very definite,” Barclay said. “I was not -watching the cab suspiciously or with a very lively -interest, though it struck me as being rather singular -that it stopped at that gate, instead of in front of the -hospital, or at a house on this side of the street, if the -occupants were going there.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see any one enter the cab or leave it?”</p> - -<p>“I did not. Notice that the trees obstruct the view -somewhat, and the lamps are all on this side. I am -sure, however, that no one crossed the street,” Barclay -quickly added. “I would have seen him in that -case. Obviously, therefore, if any one left the cab, -he must have gone into the hospital grounds.”</p> - -<p>“That is what I suspect,” said Chick. “Which -way did the cab go when departing?”</p> - -<p>“Straight on and around the square. I know it did -not return for ten minutes at least, if at all, for I -stood here smoking as long as that.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[64]</span></p> - -<p>“You saw no one, then, nor heard anything?”</p> - -<p>“No, neither.”</p> - -<p>“From which direction did the cab come?”</p> - -<p>“Through the court at the end of this block,” said -Barclay, pointing. “It leads out into Belmont Street.”</p> - -<p>“You think it was an electric cab?”</p> - -<p>“I’m almost sure of that.”</p> - -<p>“How long did it remain at the gate?”</p> - -<p>“Not more than a couple of minutes,” said Barclay. -“Do you really think it figures in your affair?”</p> - -<p>“As a matter of fact, Don, I think there is hardly -any doubt of it,” Chick said seriously. “In a way, -however, it serves only to increase the mystery.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t quite see your point.”</p> - -<p>“My point is this,” Chick explained. “Why did -the person, or persons, responsible for this curious -affair go to the trouble to bring the victim, if she was -a victim, and place her on a seat in the hospital -grounds? She could have been left in many places -with much less danger of detection. In the court -itself or a dark doorway. It surely is a singular -mystery.”</p> - -<p>Barclay puckered his brows thoughtfully, but he -could suggest no theory for the circumstances. Moreover, -he could not give the detective any additional -information.</p> - -<p>Declining an invitation to remain to dinner, Chick -remained only to warn the artist to say nothing about -the affair, and he then bade him farewell and departed. -He did not retrace his steps. Instead, he -sauntered through the court mentioned, which was -only wide enough for a single vehicle, and he presently -found himself in Belmont Street, a quiet residential<span class="pagenum">[65]</span> -avenue, with a traffic-filled thoroughfare to be seen in -the distance.</p> - -<p>“By Jove, it looks very much as if I am hitting -the right trail,” Chick said to himself, now shaping -a course toward the business section. “If the girl -left the Alhambra when the show ended, it then must -have been about eleven o’clock, and if she lost consciousness -while walking homeward through Main -Street, it’s a safe gamble that she did not go far in -her abnormal condition. She may have been picked -up by the cab, therefore, and brought this way and -through the court just as Barclay was gazing from -his window. It would have taken only a couple of -minutes to place the girl on the seat and move on, -as he stated, which would show plainly that one or -more men had a hand in the job. But what was the -object? That’s the question. By Jove, I’ll head for -the Alhambra and see what I can learn.”</p> - -<p>He arrived at the moving-picture house ten minutes -later. He found the manager, Mr. Hewitt, in the -ticket office with one of his sellers. Addressing him -through the lattice window, at the same time tendering -the yellow coupon, he inquired:</p> - -<p>“Do you know, or have you any way of learning, -who occupied this seat in your theater last evening?”</p> - -<p>Hewitt gazed at him a bit sharply through his -glasses; then shook his head and tossed the coupon -aside, saying indifferently:</p> - -<p>“I don’t think so.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t think so?”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I said.”</p> - -<p>“Are you the manager?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[66]</span></p> - -<p>Chick did not fancy being treated in that way. He -pressed a little nearer to the window, and said, with -sinister intonation:</p> - -<p>“You take a tip from me, Mr. Manager, and have -another think. Make it a more serious one this time.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean by that?” frowned Hewitt.</p> - -<p>“Just what I say,” Chick replied, turning the lap -of his vest and displaying his detective’s badge.</p> - -<p>Hewitt started perceptibly, and flushed deeply.</p> - -<p>“Oh, that’s different; very different,” he said in -tones of hasty apology. “I did not suppose it was a -matter of any importance.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t waste my time or encroach upon that of -others with unimportant matters,” Chick replied -coldly. “Have a look at the coupon now, and give -me the information I want, if possible. Can you tell -who occupied the seat?”</p> - -<p>“Well, really, sir, I hardly think so,” Hewitt now -said regretfully. “In a theater of this size——”</p> - -<p>“Stop a moment, sir,” interrupted his assistant, who -was also inspecting the coupon. “This was torn from -a ticket sold by telephone and held until called for. -Here is a mark of my indelible pencil on the back -of it.”</p> - -<p>“Do you write the patron’s name on the back of a -ticket when it is to be held till called for?” asked -Chick.</p> - -<p>“Yes, certainly. But only the tail of the last letter -happened to fall on the coupon,” said the assistant. -“It contains no part of the name. See for -yourself.”</p> - -<p>“Very true,” Chick admitted. “But what has become -of that part of the ticket taken at the door?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[67]</span></p> - -<p>“The stubs?”</p> - -<p>“If that’s what you call them. Have they been -destroyed? No two coupons are torn off exactly -alike. We might find the ticket that this coupon perfectly -matches, as well as these pencil lines, that would -give us the name of the purchaser.”</p> - -<p>“By Jove, sir, that’s as true as gospel!” Hewitt declared. -“No, the stubs have not been destroyed. I -threw them into my wastebasket last evening after -making up the house. They still are there.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s have a look at them.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, sir, and I’ll assist you,” Hewitt readily -assented. “Open the door, Jim, for the gentleman -to enter. Walk into my private office, Mr.——”</p> - -<p>“Chickering,” said Chick dryly.</p> - -<p>“We’ll very soon examine them, Mr. Chickering,” -Hewitt added, pulling a wastebasket from under his -desk. “Take a seat. We need to examine only the -yellow stubs and those having a name on them, and -that may be quickly done.”</p> - -<p>It was not in Chick’s nature to nurse resentment, -and he now met the much more gracious manager -halfway. Less than fifty of the stubs had been inspected -and compared with the coupon when the desired -one was found. There could be no mistaking -it, and on the back of it was written the name: “Nellie -Fielding.”</p> - -<p>Hewitt called in his assistant and questioned him, -showing him the ticket.</p> - -<p>“That’s your writing, Jim,” said he. “Do you -remember selling the woman the ticket, or——”</p> - -<p>“Remember—sure thing,” interrupted the other.<span class="pagenum">[68]</span> -“She comes here every week. I know her well by -sight and where she works.”</p> - -<p>“Very good,” said Chick, suppressing his elation. -“Where is she employed?”</p> - -<p>“She’s a waitress in Boyden’s restaurant, in Middle -Street. You’ll find her there at any hour of the -day.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” Chick bowed, with a glance from one -to the other. “I’m obliged to both of you.”</p> - -<p>He lingered only to warn them not to communicate -with the girl; then he shook hands with both and hurried -from the theater.</p> - -<p>“Now, by Jove, there’ll be something doing,” he -said to himself, much as if he had thus far been idle. -“I’ll mighty soon find out why the milk is in the -coconut.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[69]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">SUSPICIONS VERIFIED.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nicholas Carter and his assistants were never slow -in beginning to weave a net in which to catch a culprit -when the evidence and circumstances in a case convinced -them that a crime had been committed.</p> - -<p>Patsy Garvan, while Chick was engaged as described, -was nearly as successful as the latter in picking -up the first strands with which the net might -be formed. Hastening to the brokerage office of Daly -& Page, he introduced himself to the latter, the former -then having gone to the local stock exchange, and -requested a few facts concerning the history and character -of Mr. Gaston Todd, whose very sudden death -had greatly shocked his many friends in Madison.</p> - -<p>“He was a fine fellow,” Page glibly informed him. -“Genial, honest, and capable, devoted to our interests, -and always at his desk in business hours. That’s -pretty good, isn’t it? That’s all we require of a man.”</p> - -<p>“That would seem to fill the bill, sir,” Patsy observed -a bit dryly.</p> - -<p>“It does,” said the broker. “And what such a man -does out of business hours, of what his habits and -deportment consist, are of little importance to us. -Todd served us faithfully for ten years. We shall -miss him. We shall, indeed!”</p> - -<p>“He died very suddenly,” said Patsy. “Had you -any idea that he was afflicted with any ailment?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[70]</span></p> - -<p>“No, not the slightest. His death came like a bolt -from the blue.”</p> - -<p>“Was he regular in his habits?”</p> - -<p>“Very.”</p> - -<p>“I understand that he left here about twelve o’clock. -Did he usually go out at that time?”</p> - -<p>“Well, no, he did not.” Page gazed more sharply -at his questioner. “He usually lunched at one o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“He may have had some mission to attend to for -the firm, or——”</p> - -<p>“No, nothing of that kind. He was our cashier, -and his duty kept him here. You raise a point, young -man, that has not occurred to me. By the way, -Archie,” Page called to a clerk who had served in -Todd’s place when the latter was absent, “come here -a moment. Do you know why Todd went out an -hour earlier than usual yesterday?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m not sure, sir,” replied the clerk. “I think -it was because of a telephone message.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know from whom?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir. I know only that he was called to the -telephone just before noon. When he returned he -asked me to take his place in the cage, saying that he -was going out for a few minutes. That’s all I know -about it.”</p> - -<p>That was all of any importance that Patsy was able -to learn, but it was sufficient to send him posthaste to -the office of the telephone exchange. There he stated -his mission to the manager, who conducted him into -a room where three girl operators were seated at a -large switchboard.</p> - -<p>“Look at your record sheets for yesterday,” said -the manager, addressing them. “Which of you made<span class="pagenum">[71]</span> -a connection for Daly & Page, 442 West, just before -twelve o’clock?”</p> - -<p>One of the girls replied in a few minutes, after inspecting -a large sheet of paper taken from a drawer:</p> - -<p>“I did, sir, and I now remember it distinctly,” she -said. “It was the last I made before going to lunch.”</p> - -<p>“Is there any way of learning who made the call?” -Patsy inquired.</p> - -<p>“Only by ringing up Daly & Page and asking them,” -said the manager.</p> - -<p>“They do not know,” said Patsy. “The call was not -for the firm.”</p> - -<p>“It was for a man named Todd,” put in the operator.</p> - -<p>“How did you learn that?”</p> - -<p>“I heard a few words that were said before I removed -my receiver,” explained the girl. “The man -who rang up the number said he wanted to talk with -Mr. Todd, and half a minute later I heard him ask: -‘Is that you, Todd?’”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure it was a man’s voice?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, positively.”</p> - -<p>“Did you hear him say anything more?”</p> - -<p>“I heard Todd reply in the affirmative. The other -then said, as near as I can remember, that he was -Todd’s running mate who was talking, and that Todd -must go at once to the Waldmere Chambers and wait -in the second-floor corridor until the speaker could -join him.”</p> - -<p>“That was all?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir. I heard the last while I was removing -the receiver. It is only by chance that I remember -it. His calling himself Todd’s running mate, however,<span class="pagenum">[72]</span> -sounded so singular to me that I listened for a -moment longer. That is all I can tell you.”</p> - -<p>Patsy thanked her, also the manager, and departed.</p> - -<p>It then was about the time when Nick Carter entered -the Madison mortuary, to which all that remained -of Gaston Todd had been taken, and where the -autopsy was to be performed. It was finished, in -fact, or all that then could be done, when Nick entered, -and he found only Coroner Kane and Doctor -Marvin, the district medical examiner, in the superintendent’s -office. He scarce had arrived there, however, -when Chief Gleason followed him in from the -street.</p> - -<p>Nick already had introduced himself to the others, -with whom an appointment for him had been made -by the chief, and, after a few conventional preliminaries, -he brought up the business engaging them.</p> - -<p>“Well, what’s the verdict, Doctor Marvin?” he inquired. -“You say you have made a thorough examination -of the body.”</p> - -<p>“Not quite,” corrected the physician, glancing at -a leather bag on the floor. “There are parts of the -body of which I wish to make a microscopic examination -and subject to chemical analysis. I do say, however, -that you should have been a physician, Mr. Carter, -despite the fact that you would be badly missed -in your present vocation.”</p> - -<p>“You mean, I infer, that you wonder why I so -quickly suspected that Todd did not die from natural -causes,” said the detective.</p> - -<p>“Exactly. On what do you base your suspicion?”</p> - -<p>“On several facts, doctor, which are hardly worthy -of mention,” Nick said indifferently. “The surrounding<span class="pagenum">[73]</span> -circumstances, Todd’s outward indications of good -health, a lingering expression denoting mingled fright -and horror, evinced also by an unusual dilation of his -pupils—these, together with a singular abnormal appearance -of the skin near the lips and nostrils. But -the result of your own examination is much more -material,” he abruptly digressed. “What is your opinion?”</p> - -<p>“The same as your own,” said Doctor Marvin more -gravely.</p> - -<p>“You found——”</p> - -<p>“That there was absolutely no organic disease. His -vital organs were apparently in a perfectly healthy condition. -I can discover no natural cause for Todd’s -sudden death.”</p> - -<p>“Did you notice the singular condition I have mentioned?” -Nick inquired.</p> - -<p>“I did,” said the physician. “I detect it, or a somewhat -similar condition, in the tissues of the lungs. -They have a curious, withered or cauterized appearance.”</p> - -<p>“Have you any opinion as to the cause?”</p> - -<p>“I would say it was caused by inhaling some very -powerful corrosive gas, possibly of a deadly nature, -though from what it was derived or how administered -I cannot imagine, even if I am right. I am going to -submit them to tests, however, also the blood, that -may enable me to form a more definite opinion and -solve the problem.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think there is any problem, doctor, or any -doubt, to put it more properly, that Gaston Todd died -an unnatural death?”</p> - -<p>“No, not the slightest, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[74]</span></p> - -<p>“Do you think it the result of a crime?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I think the circumstances warrant very serious -suspicions,” Doctor Marvin said gravely.</p> - -<p>“So do I,” Nick declared. “As a matter of fact, -gentlemen, I feel reasonably sure that Gaston Todd -was, with some strange and atrocious means, most -foully murdered.”</p> - -<p>“We agree with you,” Coroner Kane now asserted. -“There are other circumstances which warrant that -suspicion.”</p> - -<p>“You mean?”</p> - -<p>“They involve a young man known to have had feelings -of bitter enmity for Todd, with whom he had an -angry altercation night before last and who was seen -leaving the Waldmere Chambers only a minute or two -before Todd was found dead on the corridor floor.”</p> - -<p>“Do you refer to Frank Paulding?” the detective inquired.</p> - -<p>“Yes. How did you learn about him, Mr. Carter?” -inquired the coroner, with a look of surprise.</p> - -<p>“Chief Gleason spoke of him to me and mentioned -their unfriendly relations,” Nick explained, but he said -nothing about his interview with Paulding. “He was -seen leaving the Waldmere Chambers, you say?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. We have found two witnesses and the time -is definitely fixed. Though they were not seen to -meet, we are reasonably sure that they did, and that -Paulding hurried out of the building and up the -street immediately afterward.”</p> - -<p>“All that does appear suspicious,” Nick agreed, not -without an object. “Have you questioned Paulding?” -he added, turning to Chief Gleason.</p> - -<p>“No, not yet,” replied the latter. “I have followed<span class="pagenum">[75]</span> -your advice and waited until after the autopsy. I have -had Paulding under espionage since last evening.”</p> - -<p>“A wise precaution, chief.”</p> - -<p>“What do you now advise?” Gleason added. “It -strikes me——”</p> - -<p>“If the circumstances are incriminating, as you -say,” Nick interrupted, “I think it will be wise to arrest -Paulding and hold him until after Doctor Marvin’s -further investigations. If we can prove positively -that Todd was murdered, we may build up a -strong case against the lawyer and possibly force a -confession from him.”</p> - -<p>“I already have decided on that step, Mr. Carter,” -said the coroner. “See to it, Gleason. Have Paulding -arrested as soon as possible, chief, and held on suspicion.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[76]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE DEEPER MYSTERY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nick Carter returned to the Wilton House at one -o’clock. He found Chick and Patsy waiting for him, -both of whom quickly told him what they had learned -that morning, and then heard his own brief report of -the inquest.</p> - -<p>“By Jove, you were right!” Chick then said seriously. -“It now is a cinch that Todd was murdered.”</p> - -<p>“I felt reasonably sure of it from the first,” the detective -replied.</p> - -<p>“But who killed him?” put in Patsy. “That’s the -question. You say you are sure, chief, that Paulding -did not do it.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, absolutely.”</p> - -<p>“What’s your game, then? Why did you frame up -a deal with him, telling him he might not be suspected -and afterward advise having him arrested?”</p> - -<p>“Superficially, Patsy, that does appear quite inconsistent,” -said Nick, smiling. “In reality, however, I -called on Paulding only to get his measure and convince -myself of his innocence. I want him arrested, -nevertheless, in order that Todd’s assassin, as to whose -identity and motive we are entirely in the dark, may -think the police are sure they have the right man. -That will relieve him of fears that otherwise would -put him on his guard. We then can get in our work -with much less difficulty.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[77]</span></p> - -<p>“There is something in that, chief, all right,” Patsy -quickly allowed.</p> - -<p>“It’s up to us to find the right man, however, and -now a word about your report,” Nick added. “From -what little the telephone girl heard, it is very evident -that Todd was called to the Waldmere Chambers and -directed to wait in the corridor either by the man -who killed him or by a man in league with or acting -under the instructions of the assassin. In other words, -Todd was lured there only to be murdered.”</p> - -<p>“Plainly enough,” Chick agreed. “We can safely -bank on that.”</p> - -<p>“We know, too, that Paulding then was in the building -to confer with a client,” Carter continued. “Being -convinced of his innocence, I know it was not he who -telephoned to Todd.”</p> - -<p>“Surely not.”</p> - -<p>“The fact that he was there, however, is very significant.”</p> - -<p>“Of what, chief?” questioned Patsy.</p> - -<p>“He may have been seen by some person anxious -to kill Todd and who, knowing their unfriendly relations, -and that Paulding would presently leave, took -advantage of the situation to lure Todd there, taking -a chance that he could kill him unobserved by others -immediately after Paulding departed, believing that -the latter then would be suspected.”</p> - -<p>“That’s plausible,” Chick nodded.</p> - -<p>“And that’s why Todd was directed to wait in the -corridor,” Carter pointed out. “The assassin wanted -him to be there when Paulding left the building. The -fact that he was not seen by Paulding, however, and -that he could confidently plan such a crime, as well as<span class="pagenum">[78]</span> -commit it, without being seen or heard, shows that he -must have had several advantages. He may be a -tenant in the building. It would not be easy or discreet -for an outsider to have undertaken it.”</p> - -<p>“That’s true, by Jove, and quite suggestive.”</p> - -<p>“Furthermore, he evidently knew that Todd would -obey his instructions or his commands, which indicates -that he may have had a hold on him of some -kind. Otherwise, Todd might not have left his desk -in business hours to keep the appointment.”</p> - -<p>“True again, chief.”</p> - -<p>“He referred to himself as Todd’s running mate, -moreover, if the telephone girl heard correctly,” said -Nick. “Plainly, then, they have been intimately related -in some way, either in business or as friends, and -Todd naturally would not have apprehended anything -like assassination.”</p> - -<p>“Surely not, chief,” said Patsy.</p> - -<p>“We next must learn, therefore, with whom Todd -was specially friendly, and whom he has been visiting -in the Waldmere Chambers.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the stuff, chief, for fair.”</p> - -<p>“You set about it this afternoon, Patsy,” Carter -directed. “Now, Chick, concerning Nellie Fielding. -You have not seen her?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet,” said Chick. “It was nearly one o’clock -when I left the Alhambra, and I decided to report to -you and have a bite to eat before seeking the girl. -I warned Hewitt and his ticket seller not to communicate -with her.”</p> - -<p>“See her after lunch, then, and be governed by what -she says and how she appears,” Carter directed. “It<span class="pagenum">[79]</span> -may be wise to shadow her, in case she is playing a -deeper game than appears on the surface. If alarmed -by your inquiries, she may attempt to warn others.”</p> - -<p>“Possibly. I’ll keep an eye on her, chief, at all -events.”</p> - -<p>“There may be a connection between the several -cases, Todd’s murder and the mystery involving these -four girls,” Carter added. “I shall see Doctor Devoll -this afternoon. I want to know just what he -thinks about them, and the strange condition in which -they were found.”</p> - -<p>It was three o’clock when Chick approached Boyden’s -restaurant in Middle Street. A man of middle -age was standing in the doorway, whose interest in -the appearance of one of the adjoining windows denoted -that he was the proprietor. He walked out, and -was to leave in a moment, when Chick, without having -approached near enough to be seen from within, -paused and asked:</p> - -<p>“Are you Mr. Boyden?”</p> - -<p>“I am,” said the latter. “Were you looking for -me?”</p> - -<p>“I want to inquire about a girl in your employ. -It is in connection with some legal investigations, but -in which the girl figures only indirectly,” Chick blandly -explained. “Her name is Nellie Fielding.”</p> - -<p>“What do you wish to learn about her?” Boyden -questioned.</p> - -<p>“How long has she been working for you?”</p> - -<p>“About a year.”</p> - -<p>“Is she married?”</p> - -<p>“No, indeed. She is only nineteen, and is the only -support of a crippled sister.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[80]</span></p> - -<p>“That speaks well for her,” Chick remarked tentatively.</p> - -<p>“Not more so than she deserves,” Boyden quickly -assured him. “Nellie is a very good girl, none better, -sir, as far as that goes. She has no means beyond -what she earns, but she is strictly honest and reliable.”</p> - -<p>“Her character and habits are good?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed, or she would not be in my employ.”</p> - -<p>“I want to talk with her for a few moments.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead. You’ll find her at the office counter. -She acts as my cashier when I am out. I have an appointment, -or I would go in and introduce you.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, but that is not necessary,” said Chick. -“I want only a few words with her.”</p> - -<p>Boyden bowed and departed without replying, and -Chick turned toward the restaurant door. The information -he had received was all to the girl’s credit. -It denoted that evil and deception were entirely foreign -to her nature. Chick knew that she had lied to -Doctor Devoll, nevertheless, and he was determined -to learn for what reason.</p> - -<p>There were only a few scattered patrons in the restaurant -at that hour, and he found Nellie Fielding -at leisure, standing behind a small counter on which -were a cash register and a cigar case. He approached -and bought some cigars from her, at once favorably -impressed with her neat appearance and modest bearing.</p> - -<p>“You are Miss Fielding, I believe,” he remarked -while paying her.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” she replied, smiling at him over the cash -register. “That is my name.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[81]</span></p> - -<p>“There is a little matter about which I wish to question -you,” said Chick. “I refer to what occurred last -evening when you—there, don’t be alarmed!” he -quickly digressed. “There is nothing for you to fear, -Miss Fielding, if you have done nothing wrong, and -I feel quite sure that you have not.”</p> - -<p>She had turned very pale, with a frightened expression -leaping up in her eyes. She shrank from him, -trembling perceptibly, until his hasty assurance somewhat -relieved her.</p> - -<p>“No, no, I have done nothing wrong, sir,” she protested, -with quite pathetic fervor. “How did you -know—how did you learn about it? I did only what -I—oh, sir, I could see nothing else to do! I—I wanted -to avoid publicity.”</p> - -<p>“Compose yourself,” Chick said quietly. “I can -see quite plainly that you were more sinned against -than sinner. You have nothing to fear from me, Miss -Fielding, if you tell me the truth, and I think there -will be no need for any publicity.”</p> - -<p>“Are you a policeman?” she asked tremulously.</p> - -<p>“I am a detective,” Chick admitted. “You must not -mention it to others, however, or the fact that I have -questioned you. There have been other cases very -like your own, Miss Fielding, and I am quietly investigating -them. You must tell me the truth, therefore, -and I think I can safely assure you that it will be -only to your advantage. Will you do so?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes,” she replied, much relieved by Chick’s -kindly voice and manner. “As a matter of fact, sir, -I really have nothing to conceal. I am anxious only -to avoid publicity.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[82]</span></p> - -<p>“That is why you gave Doctor Devoll a fictitious -name?” Chick asked, smiling.</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes,” Nellie admitted, coloring deeply. “But -I had one other reason also.”</p> - -<p>“What was that?”</p> - -<p>“I will tell you just what occurred. You then will -understand and perhaps will appreciate my feelings.”</p> - -<p>“I think so.” Chick bowed. “Tell me frankly. -I would be glad to befriend you in any way.”</p> - -<p>“It was like this, sir.” The girl leaned nearer to -him over the show case and spoke with lowered voice. -“I had been alone to the Alhambra, and the show was -an unusually long one. It was after eleven o’clock -when it ended. I came out with the crowd and turned -up Main Street to go home. I had walked only a -short distance, not more than a block, and the sidewalk -still was quite crowded, when I felt something -touch my hand. I turned quickly and glanced at the -nearest person, but none seemed to have any interest -in me or to be the one who had left it.”</p> - -<p>“Left what?” Chick inquired curiously.</p> - -<p>“The leather bag.” Miss Fielding gazed at him -more intently, as if really glad to have found some -one in whom she could confide and depend upon for -advice. “The leather bag—it had been placed in my -hand by some person. That is to say, sir, I now -think that it was, though I then was not quite sure -of it.”</p> - -<p>“Why so? Explain,” said Chick attentively.</p> - -<p>“Well, sir, there were many people passing in each -direction at the time, and it all occurred so quickly -and was so very singular that I was quite confused. -But there was the leather bag in my right hand, and<span class="pagenum">[83]</span> -I thought at first that I might accidentally have torn -it from the belt or the long neck chain of some passing -woman. I could see no woman near me, however, -and I now feel sure that the bag was quickly and -stealthily placed in my hand.”</p> - -<p>“That was, indeed, a strange experience,” said -Chick. “What did you do about it? What followed?”</p> - -<p>“I looked for some one from whom I could have -accidentally taken it or who might have given it to -me,” Nellie continued. “As I already have said, however, -no one appeared to have any interest in me, and -there was no woman near me.”</p> - -<p>“Was it a woman’s hand bag or a purse?”</p> - -<p>“It was more like a small purse, one that could -be easily held in one hand,” Nellie explained. “I felt -the shape and heard the clink of coins in it, moreover, -which made me think it was a purse. And then I—oh, -sir, I’m only a poor girl, dependent upon what I -earn to support myself and a crippled sister—I thought -I had come into possession of some money. I did -wrong. I was impelled to keep it. I yielded to temptation. -I——”</p> - -<p>“All that was perfectly natural, Miss Fielding, under -the circumstances,” Chick kindly interposed when -tears suddenly appeared in her blue eyes. “You cannot -be consistently blamed. Tell me what you did and -what followed?”</p> - -<p>“When I saw that I was not observed, or so it then -appeared, I concealed the bag under my coat and hurried -on for a short distance, until I could safely look -into it and learn what it contained. I did so under<span class="pagenum">[84]</span> -a lamp on a corner, when well away from the crowd -that had left the theater.”</p> - -<p>“What did you find in the bag?” Chick inquired.</p> - -<p>“It contained a small handkerchief, some gold coins, -and a diamond ring. Oh, how it glittered!” she exclaimed, -with quiet enthusiasm. “I gasped with -amazement when I saw it. I bent my head nearer to -peer into the bag, and then—oh, what a strange feeling -came over me!”</p> - -<p>“Explain,” said Chick. “Describe it.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know that I can,” Miss Fielding replied. -“I never felt so before. I seemed to be losing myself, -so to speak, and everything suddenly grew dim.”</p> - -<p>“Did you feel ill or——”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, not at all. The sensation was only momentary, -as when one suddenly faints. Then all became -dark. I don’t know what I did or what followed. -I knew nothing more, sir, until I revived on a cot -in the hospital and saw the physician and the nurse -bending over me. That is all I know about it, sir, all -I can tell you.”</p> - -<p>Chick had been watching her intently, and he was -sure that she had told the truth. It was a strange -story, nevertheless, a remarkable experience, and he -began to rack his brain for an explanation.</p> - -<p>“I believe all you have said, Miss Fielding,” he assured -her. “Have you any idea what overcame you?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir,” said she earnestly. “Not the slightest -idea. It is terribly mysterious.”</p> - -<p>“Did it occur immediately after you opened the -bag?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, almost immediately; surely within two -or three seconds.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[85]</span></p> - -<p>“When you bent nearer to look into the bag?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Had you removed the handkerchief?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir. The gold coins and ring were on top -of it.”</p> - -<p>“Had you detected any odor from it, that of perfumery -or——”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, nothing,” Nellie interposed. “I would -have done so, perhaps, if there had been any, for I -held it quite near my face.”</p> - -<p>“That is the very point,” said Chick, smiling. “I -now suspect that the handkerchief was impregnated -with some odorless, but very powerful drug, which instantly -affected you. Naturally, in your surprise, you -would have inhaled it freely, and I think that is how -you were so quickly overcome.”</p> - -<p>“That may explain it,” Miss Fielding admitted. -“But it all was very, very strange.”</p> - -<p>“Can you recall anything that immediately followed?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, absolutely nothing.”</p> - -<p>“But you can tell me just where it occurred?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes,” Nellie nodded quickly. “It was on the -corner of Main and Maple Streets. There is an all-night -lunch cart nearly opposite. I remember seeing -it, and that is why I am sure of the precise location.”</p> - -<p>“Very good,” said Chick, smiling again. “Now tell -me, Miss Fielding, why you asked for the leather bag -before leaving the hospital. You claimed to have -missed it.”</p> - -<p>“I did, sir,” she readily admitted. “I suddenly -remembered it and thought I would take it and try to<span class="pagenum">[86]</span> -find the owner. I did not think of its having been the -cause of my trouble.”</p> - -<p>“But why did you not explain the circumstances to -Doctor Devoll and insist upon searching for the bag? -You afterward said you were not sure you had it.”</p> - -<p>“Well, sir, it suddenly occurred to me that I might -be suspected of stealing it,” Nellie explained, blushing -again. “That thought alarmed me, and I was anxious -only to leave the hospital and go home as quickly as -possible. That is why, too, I gave the physician a -false name and address. I wanted to wash my hands -of the whole affair and avoid any publicity.”</p> - -<p>“Very good. I don’t much blame you,” Chick -laughed, with a nod of approval. “I guess you have -told me a straight story, Miss Fielding.”</p> - -<p>“I have told you the truth, sir,” she said earnestly. -“I hope nothing more will——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, there is nothing for you to fear,” Chick hastened -to assure her. “Say nothing about it to others -or about me, and you probably will hear no more of it. -If you do learn anything more, however, write for me -to call and see you. A line to John Blaisdell, Wilton -House, will reach me.”</p> - -<p>Miss Fielding promised to comply, and wrote the -name on a sheet of paper.</p> - -<p>Chick said a few more words to reassure her, and -he then departed and hastened to the corner of Main -and Maple Streets, where the girl had so mysteriously -lost consciousness. He saw at a glance that the surroundings, -aside from the lunch cart a few rods away, -would have been favorable at midnight for the knavish -trick that he now was sure had been turned.</p> - -<p>Crossing over, he found the proprietor of the lunch<span class="pagenum">[87]</span> -cart alone, and he called him to the door, a shrewd, -keen-eyed Irish chap in the twenties.</p> - -<p>“I’m looking into a job that was pulled off about -twelve o’clock night before last,” Chick informed him. -“Did you happen to see a girl standing alone on the -opposite corner about that time?”</p> - -<p>“Faith, sir, I did,” nodded the other quickly. “I -was here at my door, sir, hoping to hook onto some -customers from the theater. The girl stopped under -the lamp and was looking at something.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the one,” said Chick. “Do you know how -long she remained there?”</p> - -<p>“Not more than a couple of minutes. Then a man -joined her and a motor cab showed up. They got -into it and rode away.”</p> - -<p>“With the cabman?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Can you describe either man?” asked Chick.</p> - -<p>“Faith, I don’t think so,” was the reply. “I didn’t -notice them closely, not thinking of anything wrong. -Besides, the cabman didn’t leave his seat. The other -was about medium size, I’d say, and wore a dark suit. -I would not swear to it, but I think he had a dark -beard, too.”</p> - -<p>“Quite likely,” Chick said dryly. “Do you know -from which direction he came?”</p> - -<p>“Up the street, sir. I reckoned that he was following -the girl, and that she was waiting for him. That’s -how it struck me.”</p> - -<p>“Did the cab come from the same direction?”</p> - -<p>“It did. I supposed the man had called it.”</p> - -<p>“Did the girl go with him willingly?”</p> - -<p>“She sure did, sir, for all I could see. The man<span class="pagenum">[88]</span> -took her arm and helped her in, and then they rode -away. That’s all there was to it.”</p> - -<p>Chick saw that this man could tell him nothing more -definite, and he left him, to believe, as he had said, -that there was nothing more to it.</p> - -<p>“All the same, by Jove, the mystery seems only the -deeper,” he said to himself while walking away. “Why -was Nellie Fielding, as well as three girls before her, -temporarily abducted and left unconscious in the hospital -grounds? Neither was subjected to any further -harm, any personal outrage, and robbery surely was -not the motive. What was it, then? What could be -gained? Why were such chances repeatedly taken? -There must have been something to gain, but I’ll be -hanged if I can fathom what. Deeper mystery is -right. There must be a big game or a most knavish -one, somewhere under the surface.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[89]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE ANGLE OF REFLECTION.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Doctor David Devoll, whose will and word were -law in the Osgood Hospital, gazed intently at the -card brought in by his personal attendant. He was -seated at a broad, flat desk in the middle of his private -room, a sanctuary into which few would have dared -to intrude after having once offended in that way.</p> - -<p>For of all the rules and regulations of this institution, -there was none more inflexible, none more rigorously -enforced, than that forbidding intrusion upon -the privacy of Doctor David Devoll.</p> - -<p>And when, perchance, it was violated, which was -very, very seldom, the unfortunate offender had cause -to long remember that suavity and smoothness in a -man may sometimes serve only to hide, like the sleek -coat of a leopard, very sharp claws and merciless teeth.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll rubbed the top of his bald head with -his slender hands, gazing at the card and muttering -the name inscribed on it.</p> - -<p>“Blaisdell—John Blaisdell—I do not place him. -Written with a pen, eh? Do you know the man, Shannon?”</p> - -<p>“Not from a side of leather.”</p> - -<p>“Not even by sight?”</p> - -<p>“Never laid eyes on him. He’s a new one to my -lamps.”</p> - -<p>Shannon’s terse replies seemed to issue with husky -quietude from the uppermost depths of his throat.<span class="pagenum">[90]</span> -They were neither refined nor respectful. They -smacked of closer relations than those of master and -servant, as also appeared in his confidential attitude -and air of assurance. For he was bowed over the -desk, with both hands spread upon it, a broad, compact, -muscular man of fifty, with the bullet head of a -pugilist and the strength of a bull. He was clad in -livery, nevertheless—a bottle-green jacket and trousers, -trimmed with black braid.</p> - -<p>“He stated, you say, that he has private business -with me.” Doctor Devoll gazed up from the card -with a sinister gleam in his cold blue eyes.</p> - -<p>“That’s what he said.”</p> - -<p>“But not to what it relates?”</p> - -<p>“Not he!” Shannon grinned. “He ducked my question, -as if it were a right swing. When I have private -business with a man, says he, I don’t confide it to his -servant. That was how he countered.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll’s thin lips took on a smile that did -not improve his facial expression, usually very agreeable -and benign. He said deliberately:</p> - -<p>“You may show him in, Shannon. Wait. Don’t -let his business be too private, not too private, Shannon,” -he added significantly, pointing to a curtained -door. “Slip around there after admitting him and -wait until he goes. You may be needed.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll do better than that. If needed, Dave, I’ll be—here!”</p> - -<p>“Very good. Show him in.”</p> - -<p>Shannon straightened up, smoothed his bottle-green -jacket with his palms, and stalked with stilty stiffness -through the opposite door, closing it after him.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll reverted to the card.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[91]</span></p> - -<p>“Written with a pen,” he repeated, his eyes squinted -and gleaming. “But not on one of our office blanks. -Most men have a printed card or engraved. Written -with a pen. One might rightly infer from that, perhaps, -that his name is not—Blaisdell.”</p> - -<p>Obviously, Doctor Devoll was more than ordinarily -discerning.</p> - -<p>Shannon had, in the meantime, returned to the man -waiting in the hospital office. He then had all the earmarks -of a well-trained butler, thoroughly conscious -of his dignified functions.</p> - -<p>“Pardon the delay, sir,” he said sedately. “Doctor -Devoll was talking by telephone with a patient. He -will see you. This way, sir.”</p> - -<p>Nick followed him through the main corridor, then -into a narrow diverging passageway, then down three -steps and through a second narrow entry, at the end -of which was the door of the physician’s private room. -Shannon knocked and then opened it.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Blaisdell, sir,” he announced.</p> - -<p>The detective entered and Doctor Devoll arose to -meet him, bowing and placing a chair.</p> - -<p>“Take a seat, Mr. Blaisdell,” he said blandly. “I’m -sorry to have kept you waiting. I was busy with the -telephone.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t mention it,” Nick replied. “I shall not take -much of your valuable time.”</p> - -<p>He sat down while speaking, and his trained eyes -quickly took in most of the details of the spacious, -handsomely furnished room. Two windows overlooked -the rear grounds. Each was entirely covered -with an interior, painted wire screen, which precluded -observation from outside, but through which one<span class="pagenum">[92]</span> -within could see plainly. There were roller shades -and shutters, also, that would insure privacy after the -lamps were lighted.</p> - -<p>The detective saw at once that he was in a rear -room in the main building. He could see the broad -sweep of the rear lawn, the back street in the near distance, -a gravel path leading out to it through the park, -evidently from a near rear door. He no sooner was -seated, moreover, than he saw something else—which -would have been seen and appreciated by only one detective -in a million.</p> - -<p>The broad, flat desk was between him and one of -the windows, the light from which struck the top of -the desk at an angle, causing a slight glare on its -smooth leather surface. Two spots that broke this -glare, however, apart from some books and papers -nearer the chair from which the physician had arisen, -instantly caught the detective’s eye.</p> - -<p>There was no mistaking the shape of them, nor -what had caused them. They were the broad outlines -of a man’s hands, outspread while he leaned over the -desk, and the moisture from which still lingered on -the smooth leather.</p> - -<p>“By Jove, I’ve hit a pair of liars!” thought Nick instantly, -though his strong, clean-cut face did not -change by so much as a shadow. “That fellow in livery -was leaning over the desk, with both hands spread -on it, directly opposite the chair from which this doctor -arose. The dampness from them has not yet dried -from the leather, nor would it have been imparted to -it unless the hands were there for several moments. -That’s an unusual and remarkably confidential attitude -for a servant. The telephone is in one corner and<span class="pagenum">[93]</span> -ten feet from the desk. I’ll wager, by Jove! that the -doctor was not using it, and that something else occasioned -the delay, possibly a conference concerning me -and my mission. Both lied about the telephone, as -sure as I’m a foot high, but for what reason?”</p> - -<p>Obviously, of course, these shrewd deductions were -mere impressions that flashed very swiftly through the -detective’s mind, rather than a process of deliberate -reasoning. Naturally, too, they instantly gave rise to -new and somewhat startling suspicions, which, with -characteristic self-control, Carter was careful to conceal.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll had pattered around his desk, in the -meantime, and was taking the chair from which he -had arisen.</p> - -<p>“I am not busy just now, Mr. Blaisdell,” he said. -“I can give you what time you want. What’s the -trouble? You don’t look like a man afflicted with any -physical ailment.”</p> - -<p>Nick laughed lightly and shook his head, sizing up -with augmented interest this bald, thin-featured, -smooth-spoken physician who, so singularly and unexpectedly, -had now incurred his distrust.</p> - -<p>“No, nothing of the kind,” he replied. “If all men -were as strong and healthy as I am, Doctor Devoll, -those of your profession would find it hard sledding.”</p> - -<p>“That is fortunate for you, at least,” smiled the -physician.</p> - -<p>“My business with you relates to another matter,” -the detective added.</p> - -<p>“Private business—or so my man informed me.”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[94]</span></p> - -<p>“Concerning what?” Doctor Devoll’s narrow eyes -took on a searching squint.</p> - -<p>“I want to ask you about the girl who was found -unconscious in the hospital grounds late last night,” -Nick explained. “More precisely, I want your opinion -of her condition and the cause of it, as well as of -the three previous cases very closely resembling it. -It strikes me——”</p> - -<p>“One moment, sir,” Doctor Devoll interrupted. -“Why are you specially interested in the case?”</p> - -<p>“Is that material?” Nick inquired, smiling.</p> - -<p>“Quite so. I am not in the habit of discussing my -cases with strangers. I want to know to whom I express -an opinion, and for what reason and by what -right it is asked.”</p> - -<p>“Otherwise, Doctor Devoll, you do not express it?” -queried the detective, noting a subtle ring in the other’s -voice. “Is that what I am to infer?”</p> - -<p>“Exactly.” Doctor Devoll nodded. “Reticence -would denote a covert motive on your part in seeking -my opinion. I would not stand for that for a moment. -I must be met halfway or I will not discuss a case -with any visitor.”</p> - -<p>“That seems to be a consistent position, I’m sure,” -Carter admitted. “I will tell you, therefore, why I -am interested in this case. It was brought to my notice -by Chief Gleason, of the police department, at -whose request I am investigating it.”</p> - -<p>“You are a detective, then.”</p> - -<p>“Well, merely to that extent,” Nick allowed evasively.</p> - -<p>“I see.” Doctor Devoll stroked his black frock coat<span class="pagenum">[95]</span> -and drew up in his chair. “Let me ask you one more -question, Mr. Blaisdell.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p>“Why is an investigation thought to be necessary?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you consider it wise?”</p> - -<p>“For the police to butt in?” Doctor Devoll said a -bit sharply. “I can’t say that I do.”</p> - -<p>“No?”</p> - -<p>“Why should they interfere? What was there in -either case that demands police investigation?” Doctor -Devoll curtly questioned. “A girl was overcome, -was addicted to a drug, or a dope of some kind, and -wandered into the hospital grounds. She was found -and brought in here. I revived her and she immediately -insisted upon going home. That’s all there was -to any one of the cases. Why, I repeat, do they require -police investigation?”</p> - -<p>“I cannot conceive, Doctor Devoll, that you have -any personal objection to an investigation,” Nick remarked -dryly, smiling again.</p> - -<p>A tinge of red leaped up in the physician’s cheeks. -A sharper gleam shot from his squinted eyes. He detected -a covert insinuation in his visitor’s tone. He -felt that he had said too much, perhaps, for he quickly -retorted:</p> - -<p>“Not the slightest objection, Mr. Blaisdell, not the -slightest objection. I merely fail to see why an investigation -is necessary. There are hundreds of dope -fiends in every large city, but in none of them have the -police a very great interest. Why their activity, then, -in these cases? What do they suspect?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you think that four such cases warrant suspicion?” -the detective blandly inquired.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[96]</span></p> - -<p>“Not more than the hundreds I have mentioned.”</p> - -<p>“But all were found in the hospital grounds,” Carter -pointed out suggestively.</p> - -<p>“What of that?” Doctor Devoll demanded. “A -coincidence. Nothing else. One may have been influenced -by having read of the others. There is no -accounting for the doings of a drug fiend.”</p> - -<p>“There is some truth in that,” Nick admitted.</p> - -<p>“Let it go at that, then,” said Doctor Devoll, with -a wave of his slender hands. “I wanted only to learn -your opinion, your grounds for suspicion. You now -are welcome to mine. I will answer any question you -care to ask.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” said the detective, who now was taking -a somewhat different course than he would have -shaped if he had detected nothing denoting duplicity -in the physician. “You think these girls were drug -fiends, do you?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know positively,” Doctor Devoll said -quickly. “I am not sure that the coma in which I -found them was the cause of a drug. There is a possibility, -of course, that the cause was a temporary -atrophy of the cerebral nerves.”</p> - -<p>“But you intimated to Sergeant Brady that they -were drugged,” Nick reminded him.</p> - -<p>“That was and still is what I suspect, but I am -not sure of it,” Doctor Devoll retorted. “I had not -time to look deeply into either case. My duty was to -restore my patient, which I succeeded in doing, and -each of them then insisted upon departing and going -home.”</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t you detain them?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[97]</span></p> - -<p>“I had no right to do so. One may leave here as -soon as able. This is not a police station.”</p> - -<p>“But why didn’t you question them about their -habits, Doctor Devoll, and insist upon knowing their -names?” the detective asked more pointedly.</p> - -<p>“I did so in the last case.”</p> - -<p>“Why not in the others? It strikes me——”</p> - -<p>“Stop a moment,” Doctor Devoll interrupted, lurching -forward in his chair. “I run this institution, Mr. -Blaisdell, and I’m not going to be bothered in this way -nor have my conduct picked to pieces by the police. -When another case turns up, I would advise your -having her taken to headquarters. You then can call -another physician. Get him to restore her. He may -know more than I.</p> - -<p>“You can hold the girl, charge her with something, -frame her up in any way you like, which is quite in a -line with police methods, and, perhaps, you can force -her to impart all the information you want. I know -no other way by which you can learn the truth.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll arose with the last, signifying that he -would not prolong the interview. Carter had let him -run on without interrupting, noting his impatience -and a more threatening shrillness in his voice. He -decided not to question him further. He arose and -took his hat, saying with ominous quietude:</p> - -<p>“There is another way, Doctor Devoll, and I shall -find it. I’m going to dig out the whole truth, not only -in these cases, but also in the sudden mysterious death -of Gaston Todd. There is, I now feel sure, quite a -close relation between all of these cases and the many -mysterious robberies that have recently been committed -in Madison. I want the whole truth, Doctor<span class="pagenum">[98]</span> -Devoll, and I’m out to get it. Take it from me—I’ll -find the way.”</p> - -<p>“I wish you much success.” Doctor Devoll’s thin -lips took on a rather sardonic smile. “I wish you -much and speedy success, Mr. Blaisdell. This way, sir, -if you are going. Call again. I shall be interested -to know how you succeed and to learn the true inwardness -of these mysteries. Ah, here is my man. Show -Mr. Blaisdell the way, Shannon, if you please. Call -again, sir; call again.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you. I think it highly probable,” said Carter, -with singular dryness.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll bowed, still smiling, and closed the -door, to which he had accompanied the detective.</p> - -<p>Nick Carter followed Shannon out by the way he -had entered, departing without so much as a word to -the burly attendant. There was a suspicious gleam in -the latter’s eyes, however, while he watched the departing -detective through one of the office windows. -Turning abruptly, as if hit with a sudden idea, he -closed the office door and then called up the police -headquarters by telephone.</p> - -<p>“Hello!” said he, with a voice very unlike his own. -“One of Carter’s assistants is talking from the Wilton -House. Do you know where I can find him?”</p> - -<p>A sergeant answered, one who happened to know -of Carter’s relations with the chief, but upon whom -the above inquiry made no impression and was not -afterward recalled.</p> - -<p>“I do not,” he replied. “He has not been here since -morning.”</p> - -<p>Shannon hung up the receiver; then arose and hurried -back to rejoin the physician.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[99]</span></p> - -<p>“I’m wise, Dave,” he announced, with an exultant -snarl. “I’ve nailed him.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll swung around from the fireplace, -near which he was standing.</p> - -<p>“Wise to what?” he demanded. “Do you mean -that you know him?”</p> - -<p>“You bet I know him. Brady, you remember, telephoned -to a man named Blaisdell last night, who is at -the Wilton House. It just struck me that Gleason has -employed outside detectives. There is just one crack -sleuth whom he most likely would want. I have -phoned to headquarters, saying I was his assistant and -asking if he was there. I was told that he was there -this morning. That does settle it. You have just -been talking, Dave, with the famous New York detective, -the worst ever—Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll started slightly and for a moment -appeared incredulous. Then his teeth met with a vicious -snap. His face changed as if he had been suddenly -turned to a devil incarnate.</p> - -<p>“You are sure of it, Shannon, sure of it?” he questioned, -with a sibilant hiss.</p> - -<p>“Dead sure, Dave,” Shannon insisted. “There’s -nothing to it.”</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter, eh? The worst ever, eh?” Doctor -Devoll gave way to a mirthless, derisive laugh. “We’ll -see about that. We’ll see about that, Shannon. He -shall find that he has met one worthy of his steel, one -who will balk, thwart, and laugh at him. Or, if need -be, Shannon, who will wipe him from the face of the -earth!”</p> - -<p>Shannon shrugged his broad shoulders and smiled -grimly. It was not the first time that he had heard<span class="pagenum">[100]</span> -such sentiments as these, and seen that same gleam -and glitter in the eyes of the man confronting him, -eyes with a glare like that of madness.</p> - -<p>“You will not quit, then?” he said inquiringly.</p> - -<p>“Quit!” Doctor Devoll sneered scornfully. “Only -curs and cowards quit, Shannon, and throw up the -sponge. Sit down at my desk. Sit down and write -what I dictate. Your hand will never be suspected.”</p> - -<p>Shannon obeyed him without a protest. He was -accustomed to yielding to this man, to obeying him -without question. He sat down at the desk, taking the -pen and paper which the physician provided. Half -an hour had passed when Doctor Devoll ended his -dictation and gave the other his instructions.</p> - -<p>Shannon arose and went to change his livery for -street attire.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll, with face still reflecting his vicious -sentiments, gazed intently at his desk for several moments. -Then he started abruptly, having decided what -course he would shape, and hurriedly opened a safe -in one corner, taking from it a small rubber mask, -which he quickly adjusted over his mouth and nostrils. -Then he took from an inner compartment—a small -leather bag.</p> - -<p>Out of the latter he drew a crumpled handkerchief, -lady’s size, and hurriedly cast it with the bag into the -fireplace. A blue flame sprang up, hissing audibly, -denoting that the handkerchief was saturated with a -very volatile and inflammable substance of some kind. -The physician watched them burn, smiling sardonically; -then forced the charred remains deep among the -glowing embers.</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter, eh?” he muttered, relocking the mask<span class="pagenum">[101]</span> -in his safe. “He suspects me, does he? He’ll corner -me, will he? We shall see—we shall see!”</p> - -<p>When Shannon returned, he had a disguise in his -hand, which he was placing temporarily in his pocket.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll started up from his desk with two -sealed letters, which he had hurriedly written. He -gave them to his attendant, saying sharply, with eyes -gleaming again:</p> - -<p>“This to Toby Monk. This to Tim Hurst. Be -wary when leaving the other, Shannon, both wary and -watchful. Nick Carter, eh? We shall see, Shannon, -we shall see!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[102]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">NICK CARTER’S DEDUCTIONS.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>It was six o’clock when Nick Carter returned to -the Wilton House. Daylight was deepening to dusk. -The last editions of the local newspapers were out, -and the shrill voices of juvenile venders could be -heard from all directions. The detective glanced at -the papers, which in headline luridness proclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Leading Lawyer Suspected in Todd Murder! -Frank Paulding Arrested! Chief Gleason Sure of His -Man!”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter smiled faintly, but with a more threatening -gleam and glitter deep down in his eyes, when -these varied cries of the newsboys reached his ears. -He bought a paper from one, thrusting it into his -pocket, and entered the hotel.</p> - -<p>“Gleason has made good, all right,” he muttered -while seeking the elevator. “That will make it easier -for me, as well as all this, which is precisely what I -expected. But it’s up to me, by Jove! and must be -done quickly, or good night to my reputation.”</p> - -<p>He referred to what he had overheard while threading -his way through the unusual throng in the hotel -office. There was much excitement and only one matter -under discussion—the alleged murder, the mystery -shrouding it, the strange death of the victim, and -divers opinions regarding the suspected man.</p> - -<p>The detective went up to his suite, where, as he expected, -he found Chick and Patsy waiting for him, the -former eager to report what he had learned from<span class="pagenum">[103]</span> -Nellie Fielding. It took him only a few moments, -and apparently, as Chick had reasoned, it seemed only -to deepen the mystery. It brought a look of grim satisfaction, -however, to the face of the listening detective.</p> - -<p>“I cannot see that it sheds any light on the case,” -Chick added perplexedly.</p> - -<p>“It does, Chick, nevertheless,” Carter said confidently.</p> - -<p>“Does it dovetail with something you have discovered?”</p> - -<p>“You may judge for yourself. I’ll tell you what -I saw and learned during my call on Doctor Devoll.”</p> - -<p>He proceeded to do so, but the look of perplexity -still lingered on Chick’s face, and Patsy appeared dubiously -puzzled.</p> - -<p>“It is somewhat significant, if you are right, chief, -that both Doctor Devoll and his man lied to you,” -Chick said thoughtfully. “But I don’t see that what -the physician said to you or the position he took cuts -any ice.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t, eh?” returned Carter, smiling grimly. -“It cuts quite thick ice, Chick.”</p> - -<p>“Why so? I don’t get you.”</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz, chief, nor do I,” put in Patsy. “What -do you mean? Come across with it.”</p> - -<p>“First, a word about the girl, Nellie Fielding, and -what befell her,” said Carter. “It probably is precisely -what befell the others, and all were victims of -the same crook and his assistant. Just what game -he was playing and with what object remains to be -learned.”</p> - -<p>“But——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[104]</span></p> - -<p>“Wait a bit!” Carter cut in. “You’ll get me presently. -Nellie Fielding evidently told you the truth. -The mysterious bag was deftly slipped into her hand. -She did what the others did, when she could discover -no owner for it. She kept it until well away from the -crowd, then opened it to see what it contained. As -you have inferred, Chick, something in the bag, probably -that with which the handkerchief was saturated, -immediately overcame her. A very powerful and mysterious -gas may have been liberated from the bag, and -it naturally would have been inhaled by the girl when -she peered into it.”</p> - -<p>“That seemed to me the most plausible theory,” said -Chick.</p> - -<p>“It has become rather more than a theory,” Carter -replied. “I now am almost sure of it.”</p> - -<p>“For other reasons?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. To continue, it is safe to assume that the -girl was constantly watched. The moment she lost -herself, for she certainly lost consciousness to some -extent, at least, she was taken away by two men and -placed on the seat in the hospital grounds, then wholly -unconscious, where Policeman Donovan found her.”</p> - -<p>“Barclay was right, then,” said Chick. “That was -the cab seen by the artist.”</p> - -<p>“Undoubtedly.”</p> - -<p>“But why was the girl taken into the hospital -grounds?”</p> - -<p>“That’s one point,” said Carter. “So that, when -discovered, she would surely be taken into the hospital—where -Doctor Devoll would be the one to treat -her.”</p> - -<p>“You think——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[105]</span></p> - -<p>“One moment. Don’t force me ahead of my story. -These circumstances require careful and thorough -analysis.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, then.”</p> - -<p>“Bear in mind that Doctor Devoll treated all four -of these cases. He treated them successfully. They -did not appear to baffle him, or even mystify him, I -suspect. Bear in mind, too, that he did not detain the -girls, did not question them closely, or seek to learn -their names, even, with the exception of Nellie Fielding. -Remember, too, that the mysterious leather bag, -which Sergeant Brady knows was taken into the wardroom, -could not be found. Take it from me—Doctor -Devoll was the one who got away with it.”</p> - -<p>“By Jove! all that does appear deucedly suspicious,” -Chick now declared. “It may explain, too, Devoll’s -attitude this afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly, chief, is right,” cried Patsy. “Gee! things -are beginning to brighten up.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s go a step farther,” Carter continued. “All -of the mysterious robberies and holdups during the -past three months, which we were called here to investigate, -were of a very similar character, and all -bore a striking likeness to what befell Nellie Fielding. -The victims invariably were found unconscious -after the crime, though afterward were quite easily -restored, and all told the same story—that of being -confronted by a person who, in some mysterious way, -caused them to immediately lose consciousness and -then deliberately robbed them.”</p> - -<p>“You think all of these cases, then, were the work -of the same gang of crooks.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[106]</span></p> - -<p>“That is precisely what I think,” Carter said more -forcibly. “I am convinced of it by their similarity and -the mysterious means employed, which show plainly -that the knave back of the whole business is an exceedingly -capable and well-informed rascal. He must -be an expert in drugs, or have discovered some chemical -compound the quality and effect of which are not -known by other physicians and scientists.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suspect that Doctor Devoll is the criminal?” -Chick inquired.</p> - -<p>“I do not like his looks, his conduct in these cases, -or the position he took when I questioned him.”</p> - -<p>“But it seems really improbable that a man of his -prominence and profession would be engaged in such -knavery,” Chick argued.</p> - -<p>“That’s what every one would say, and it would -be deucedly difficult to convince them of his guilt,” -Carter replied. “That could be done only by producing -positive evidence of it.”</p> - -<p>“Very true.”</p> - -<p>“It may be equally difficult to find that evidence,” -Carter added. “It must be found, nevertheless, assuming -that I am right. In no other way can we -make good.”</p> - -<p>“True again,” Chick admitted.</p> - -<p>“I was very careful, therefore, not to betray that -I suspected him. I pretended to swallow all that he -handed out, and let it go at that. One word more, -now, and I will have covered all of the ground. That -relates to the Todd murder.”</p> - -<p>“What about it?”</p> - -<p>“The mystery is as to how and with what means it<span class="pagenum">[107]</span> -was committed. You know what the autopsy revealed——”</p> - -<p>“Next to nothing,” put in Patsy.</p> - -<p>“That’s the very point,” said Nick. “Chemical tests -may reveal the presence of poison. Doctor Marvin -thinks, however, and I am of the same opinion, that -Todd was killed with some kind of poisonous gas.”</p> - -<p>“Great Scott! that seems next to impossible,” Chick -declared. “Consider the time, the public place, and all -of the circumstances. Todd was telephoned to come -to the Waldmere Chambers and wait in the corridor. -It was done at a moment’s notice, so to speak, with a -view to incriminating Frank Paulding, if your suspicions -are correct. How in thunder could a poisonous -gas be administered to a man under such conditions?”</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz! it does look like an utter impossibility, -chief,” said Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Or the work of an exceedingly bold and accomplished -crook, the same crook who committed these -other mysterious crimes,” Carter insisted. “Their -similarity convinces me, as I have said, that all were -the work of the same man and same gang.”</p> - -<p>“That much does seem probable,” Chick allowed. -“There is no getting around it.”</p> - -<p>“And it’s up to us to get after them and find the -evidence needed to identify and convict them,” Carter -said flatly. “Now, Patsy, what have you learned? -Is there any man who might properly term himself -Todd’s running mate? That’s what the telephone girl -heard.”</p> - -<p>“I have not been able to find one, chief,” Patsy reported.<span class="pagenum">[108]</span> -“There seems to be no man with whom he -was specially friendly.”</p> - -<p>“Nor any tenant in the Waldmere Chambers whom -he was in the habit of visiting?”</p> - -<p>“Not that I could learn,” Patsy again replied in the -negative. “I questioned the janitor and several others. -Not one of them had ever seen Todd in the building. -So far as I could learn, chief, he never visited the -Waldmere Chambers.”</p> - -<p>“All the more reason, then, for suspecting that he -was lured there that day only to be killed.”</p> - -<p>“But I have learned one fact, chief,” Patsy added.</p> - -<p>“What is that?”</p> - -<p>“Todd had a suite here in the Wilton House for the -past two years. About a month ago, however, he -changed his quarters to the Studley. That is an -apartment house in Dale Street. His suite is on the -second floor.”</p> - -<p>“He may have had some secret motive for the -change,” Carter said thoughtfully. “The hotel may -have been too public a place for something in which -he was secretly engaged. We must look into that. No -investigation in his apartments has yet been made.”</p> - -<p>“We had better make one, then,” Chick suggested.</p> - -<p>“I was coming to that. You go there this evening -and see what you can find. Search for letters, papers, -or anything that might shed a ray of light on -the case.”</p> - -<p>“Leave it to me,” Chick nodded. “I’ll go through -his suite with a fine-tooth comb.”</p> - -<p>“Accomplish it secretly, however, if possible,” Carter -quickly directed. “I don’t want our doings and -designs suspected by the miscreants back of this<span class="pagenum">[109]</span> -knavery. I want to keep them in the dark as long -as possible.”</p> - -<p>“Leave it to me. I’ll turn the trick without being -seen,” Chick predicted confidently.</p> - -<p>“In the meantime, Patsy, you go at once to the -Osgood Hospital and watch for any move by Doctor -Devoll,” said Nick, abruptly turning to him. “My -visit may, if my suspicions are warranted, alarm him -into taking steps that would clinch them. Shadow -him, if he goes out, and watch him constantly.”</p> - -<p>“Enough said, chief,” cried Patsy, springing up to -get his hat. “He’ll be a good one, indeed, if he gets -by me with a move of any kind. I’ll soon have my -lamps on him.”</p> - -<p>Patsy did not wait for an answer. He was out -and away almost as soon as the last was said.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[110]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE MAN WITH A MASK.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nick Carter met with a surprise when he went down -to dine with Chick, after the hurried departure of -Patsy Garvan. The office clerk, seeing them going -to the dining room, took a letter from a rack and -beckoned to the detective, saying, when he approached:</p> - -<p>“This appears to be for you, Mr. Blaisdell.”</p> - -<p>Nick took it and glanced at the pen-written address—Mr. -John Blaisdell, Wilton House.</p> - -<p>He saw that it was not stamped, however, and -wondered who had left a letter for him, instead of -seeking a personal interview. Much more to his surprise, -upon removing the inclosed sheet, he found that -it bore no signature and was addressed, not fictitiously, -but to—Mr. Nicholas Carter.</p> - -<p>“What’s the meaning of this?” he muttered, frowning. -“Has it leaked out that I am in Madison?”</p> - -<p>He lingered in the office and read the letter, while -Chick approached and joined him, noting his ominous -expression. For the letter read as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Mr. Nicholas Carter</span>: You may fool others with -a false name, but not the writer. He is not so easily -blinded. Your identity is known, also your mission, -but you are barking up the wrong tree and are booked -for failure. You will make the mistake of your life, -a fatal mistake, if you remain here and persist in the -work you have undertaken. It will cost you what -man holds most dear—your life.</p> - -<p>“I am very well aware, Carter, that you are not<span class="pagenum">[111]</span> -easily influenced by threats, and ordinarily ignore -them. I want to impress it upon you, therefore, that -I am not an ordinary person, and that I invariably do -what I threaten.</p> - -<p>“You will doubt my ability to do so. Your abnormal -bump of conceit will cause you to think you -can protect yourself and avert your impending fate. -Disabuse yourself of that idea. You cannot possibly -escape me.</p> - -<p>“On the other hand, Carter, I do not wish to wipe -you off the map unless you force me to do so. Don’t -make it imperative. Don’t fly into the face of fate. -Your safety lies in returning to New York and minding -your own business. Madison is too small for -both of us.</p> - -<p>“Lest you underestimate your danger and disregard -this warning, however, and that I may be spared needless -bloodshed, if possible, I will try to convince you -that I am right, that I am vastly your superior, and -that I hold your life in my hand. You are said to be -a past master of the art of detecting and preventing -crime.</p> - -<p>“On Thursday evening next an elaborate reception -and ball are to be held by the National Guards. Mrs. -Mortimer Thurlow will be among the guests. She is -very wealthy. She owns a superb rope of pearls. It -is worth eighty thousand dollars. She will wear it -that evening.</p> - -<p>“I am going to steal it.</p> - -<p>“I invite you to prevent me.</p> - -<p>“If you succeed, you will have convinced me that -you are capable of guarding yourself from the fate I -have threatened.</p> - -<p>“If you fail—you should be wise enough to realize -your peril and take my advice. I repeat it. Lose not -a moment in leaving Madison—or you will return to -New York in a coffin.”</p></div> - -<p>Nick Carter’s brows knitted closer while he read this<span class="pagenum">[112]</span> -threatening letter. He had turned so that Chick might -also read it, and the latter muttered, when both had -finished:</p> - -<p>“Great guns! Who the devil wrote that?”</p> - -<p>“It comes suspiciously soon after my call on Doctor -Devoll,” Nick said pointedly.</p> - -<p>“Do you think he sent it?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, of course, nor do I care.”</p> - -<p>“It’s an infernal bluff.”</p> - -<p>“Less a bluff than you suppose,” corrected Carter, -a bit grimly. “The writer means what he says.”</p> - -<p>“That he will kill you?”</p> - -<p>“If I give him a chance or don’t kill him.”</p> - -<p>“You will ignore it, and——”</p> - -<p>“And accept his challenge—surely!” Nick cut in. -“Wait one moment. I want to question Burton.”</p> - -<p>They had remained near the office inclosure, to -which he now turned and called the clerk, asking -quietly:</p> - -<p>“Who brought this letter, Mr. Burton? I see it is -not stamped.”</p> - -<p>Burton laughed a bit oddly and shook his head.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, Mr. Blaisdell,” he replied. “I found -it on the cigar case. I was somewhat mystified when -I saw it, for I had sold two men some cigars only a -moment before, and the letter was not there.”</p> - -<p>“One of them left it there, perhaps,” Nick suggested, -intending to get a description of the men, in -that case.</p> - -<p>“Impossible.” Burton spoke decidedly. “They -walked away before I closed the show case, and I saw -them leaving the house.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see any one else near the show case?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[113]</span></p> - -<p>“Not a person. I discovered the letter, nevertheless, -within a couple of minutes.”</p> - -<p>“How long ago?”</p> - -<p>“Not more than five minutes. I was intending to -send the letter up to your room. I hope the delay -is of no consequence,” Burton added.</p> - -<p>“None whatever,” Carter assured him. “Come, -Chick, we’ll go in to dinner.”</p> - -<p>“It’s plain enough that some one slipped in here -and seized an opportunity to leave the letter without -being seen,” Chick remarked.</p> - -<p>“That’s about the size of it.”</p> - -<p>“Will you do anything more about it?”</p> - -<p>“Not at present.”</p> - -<p>“Or change your plans?”</p> - -<p>“Not an iota,” said Carter decidedly. “I am not -to be intimidated by threats. I may decide, however, -to attend the ball of the National Guards. If Mrs. -Mortimer Thurlow wears her rope of pearls, and the -writer of this letter attempts to steal it, he will end -with having it stuffed down his knavish throat. Vastly -my superior, eh? We’ll see about that.”</p> - -<p>The detective thrust the threatening letter into his -pocket with the last, obviously averse to further discussing -it, and the subject was abruptly dropped.</p> - -<p>None could have sized up the letter more correctly -or more keenly have realized its full significance. -Carter knew that his identity had been discovered by -the very crooks he was seeking, by the evil genius directing -them, in spite of his precautions to prevent it. -He knew that a ball had been set rolling which, urged -on by the mysterious criminal forces back of it, would -tax his utmost powers to successfully oppose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[114]</span></p> - -<p>It was about eight o’clock when Chick left the hotel, -suitably clad and well equipped for the stealthy work -assigned him. A brisk walk of about ten minutes took -him to Dale Street, in a desirable residential section, -and presently the lofty brick walls and numerous -lighted windows of the Studley, a somewhat exclusive -apartment house, loomed up on the opposite side.</p> - -<p>He paused and viewed it briefly, noting that a narrow -court flanked one end of the building. He saw -that there was no public office, also that the broad, -main entrance and vestibule were brightly lighted.</p> - -<p>“A suite on the second floor,” he said to himself. -“The windows don’t appeal to me. It ought not to -be very difficult to get into an unoccupied suite without -being seen. I believe it can be more easily done -from within than without. I’ll have a look.”</p> - -<p>Crossing over, he entered the vestibule and consulted -the tiny placards under the numerous electric -bells, on one of which he presently found the number -of Todd’s suite. At the same moment he heard the -heavy inner door opened, and two fashionably clad -women came out.</p> - -<p>“Pardon!” Chick approached them, instantly seizing -the opportunity presented. “If you will be so -kind, it will save me from using my key.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly.” One of the women smiled, while she -prevented the door from closing.</p> - -<p>The other eyed Chick a bit sharply, but he bowed -and murmured a word of thanks; then passed both -and entered, as complacently as if he owned the house.</p> - -<p>“Very opportune,” he muttered dryly. “They -would think me a crook, all right, if they were to see -the key I intended to use. Without having seen it, in<span class="pagenum">[115]</span> -fact, one appeared to have a vague impression that I -had no legitimate business here. I must contrive to -avoid other eyes.”</p> - -<p>He had closed the door and was gazing up a broad, -dimly lighted stairway while indulging in these reflections. -He could hear no sound from the corridor of -the second floor. He stole up noiselessly and found -it deserted.</p> - -<p>Glancing at the numbers on the nearest doors, he -quickly learned in which direction he must turn, and -he brought up within a minute at the door he was seeking—that -of the suite lately occupied by the murdered -man. It adjoined a diverging corridor, and its windows -overlooked the narrow court mentioned.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, for so fate sometimes brings opposing -forces together, and often with disastrous results, -a man moving with the stealth of an evil shadow, -which any chance observer would surely have thought -him, had entered the narrow court and paused under -one of the several small platforms some ten feet above -the ground, each the base of a rise of iron stairs forming -a fire escape.</p> - -<p>This man was clad from head to foot in black. It -seemed to mingle with the almost ebon gloom in the -court. He lingered only briefly. He quickly fastened -a black mask on his bearded face; then took a coiled -rope from under his coat. He cast it deftly around a -corner standard of the platform railing, up both -lengths of which he then drew himself, with the wiry -strength and agility of an ape. Kneeling on the platform, -he quickly drew up the rope and laid it aside; -then turned to crouch with a thin strip of steel at the -near window.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[116]</span></p> - -<p>It was at precisely the same moment that Chick -Carter, alone in the corridor, set to work with a picklock -to open the door of the suite. It took him about -a minute. The bolt of the lock was shot back with a -sharp, metallic sound—just as the fastening of the -window was forced aside with an audible snap.</p> - -<p>Each sound was mingled with the other. Each -stealthy intruder heard only that which he had caused. -The window was noiselessly raised, moreover, just as -Chick entered and quietly closed the door.</p> - -<p>He had stepped into a handsomely furnished parlor. -The other had entered a dining room. Between -the two rooms was an open door, with a drawn portière. -The feet of both men fell noiselessly on the -carpets and rugs.</p> - -<p>Chick moved toward the middle of the room and -took out his electric lamp. Its beam of light leaped -outward—just as the portière was drawn and a second -beam of light appeared.</p> - -<p>The two lenses were illumined at the same moment; -in fact, confronting one another like two startled, suddenly -opened eyes, with a glare that completely dispelled -the gloom.</p> - -<p>Two more astonished men seldom met. For an instant -the sudden glare blinded both.</p> - -<p>Chick’s first thought was that he had flashed the -light upon a panel mirror, reflecting it and himself. -On the instant, however, he saw the door, the black-clad -figure, the masked face and the glittering eyes -gleaming through it.</p> - -<p>“Great guns!” he gasped involuntarily. “Who are -you?”</p> - -<p>“Who are you?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[117]</span></p> - -<p>The question was echoed with icy composure by the -man backed by the swaying portière. His voice came -with a sinister, metallic ring through his black mask. -He did not stir from his position or move foot or -finger.</p> - -<p>Chick watched him to be sure of it. If a gun was to -be drawn, he was resolved to be the first to draw it. -He kept the glare of his searchlight on him, distinctly -revealing him, while the masked unknown used his -with like effect, but neither reached for a weapon. It -impressed Chick as one of the most singular and sensational -situations in which he had ever figured with -a solitary man.</p> - -<p>“What are you doing here?” he demanded.</p> - -<p>“What are you doing?” demanded the other.</p> - -<p>“That doesn’t answer my question.”</p> - -<p>“Nor have you answered mine.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t intend to answer yours,” Chick said sternly.</p> - -<p>“Nor I yours,” the masked man retorted coldly.</p> - -<p>Chick felt almost inclined to laugh. He would have -done so, if the case engaging him had been a less serious -one, his mission less important, and with no occasion -to conceal his visit. He frowned, instead, however, -and shaped another course.</p> - -<p>“You’d better change your mind,” he advised. “If -you don’t——”</p> - -<p>“Hold on,” snapped the “mask.” “Don’t you reach -for a gun. I can pull one as quickly as you and shoot -as straight. You keep your empty hand in sight or -you’ll be a dead one.”</p> - -<p>“You do the same, then,” Chick said sharply.</p> - -<p>“That’s what I’m doing.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[118]</span></p> - -<p>“Watch your step, then, and see that you don’t slip.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll watch you, all right. You can bet on that.”</p> - -<p>“You talk like a crook,” said Chick tentatively.</p> - -<p>“You’ve got nothing on me in that respect,” the -mask retorted dryly. “You sneaked in here like a -thief.”</p> - -<p>“But I’m not a thief—nor are you.”</p> - -<p>“Is that so?”</p> - -<p>“Not of the ordinary type. I’m hit with the truth.”</p> - -<p>“That beats being hit with a club. What’s the big -idea?”</p> - -<p>“I know, now, why you are here.”</p> - -<p>“Solomon had nothing on you, then.”</p> - -<p>“Not much.”</p> - -<p>“Come on with it. What’s the brainy hunch?”</p> - -<p>“You are one of the gang that killed Gaston Todd,” -Chick again said sternly, and the shot was not entirely -a random one. “You have come here to search -his rooms, and to see whether he has left evidence -that might expose you. You are here to find it and -get away with it.”</p> - -<p>“You’re a real Willie Wisewinker,” the masked man -said with a sneer, and a threatening hiss crept into his -voice. “But you have got nothing on me. I know -you, too, all right. You are one of the Nick Carter -bunch, out to cut a wide swath in Madison, if your -tools don’t go dull. You state only your own mission. -You are here to search for evidence, hoping -to find and get away with it unsuspected—but you -have slipped a cog. You’ll not search for it, much less -get it.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, I will,” said Chick, who now had decided -how he best could end the situation and quietly accomplish<span class="pagenum">[119]</span> -his object. “I’m going to get it, all right—and -get you.”</p> - -<p>“Get me, eh?” The masked man laughed icily. -“You have as good a chance of getting me as a hailstone -would have on a red-hot stove.”</p> - -<p>“That so?”</p> - -<p>“I know so.”</p> - -<p>“Why so confident?” Chick was edging nearer the -man by imperceptible degrees. “You must have pals -in the next room.”</p> - -<p>“No, no pals,” sneered the other. “I don’t need -any.”</p> - -<p>“You’re game to play a lone hand, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Bet you! I’m the gamest ever.”</p> - -<p>“Nevertheless, I shall get you.”</p> - -<p>“Not much! You have not a look in, not even the -ghost of a chance. You have not——”</p> - -<p>“Haven’t I? We’ll see.”</p> - -<p>Scarce six feet divided the two men, and Chick had -steadied himself for a lightninglike leap. He felt sure -that he could quickly overcome the unknown man, despite -his brazen assurance, if he could grapple with -him before a revolver could be drawn, the discharge -of which he wished to prevent, knowing it would -alarm the house and be contrary to his chief’s instructions.</p> - -<p>He leaped while he spoke, and covered the distance -with a single bound, dropping his searchlight.</p> - -<p>The masked man dropped his, venting a wolfish -snarl, and on the instant the two men were grappling -in close embrace in the almost inky darkness.</p> - -<p>Chick aimed to seize and confine both arms of his -antagonist, but in the sudden gloom he missed them.<span class="pagenum">[120]</span> -The masked man had instantly raised both above his -head, and the detective’s muscular arms closed only -around his black-clad figure.</p> - -<p>It was a lithe, wiry figure, one that Chick felt sure -he could crush and bend at will in his viselike embrace. -Contrary to what he expected, however, and which he -lurched to one side to avoid, no blow was dealt, no fist -fell upon his head, no fierce fingers sought his throat.</p> - -<p>Instead, the hands of the masked man dropped -quickly and found those of the detective.</p> - -<p>Then Chick felt a wire touch each wrist. Instantly -ten million needles seemed to have been thrust full -length into him. He tingled from head to foot with -excruciating pain. His every muscle relaxed as if palsied. -He gasped, tried vainly to shriek, and then the -darkness of the room was turned to that of utter oblivion—and -the masked man dropped him, as inert -as a bag of sand, on the carpeted floor.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[121]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A MARATHON PURSUIT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Patsy Garvan arrived at the Osgood Hospital soon -after six o’clock that evening, more than two hours -before Chick encountered the masked man in Gaston -Todd’s apartments.</p> - -<p>It then was dark, the sky clouded, with no stars -to reveal his stealthy movements to chance observers. -Only the scattered street lamps and the numerous -lighted windows of the great building, with those of -a few more distant dwellings, relieved the prevailing -gloom. It was even darker in the deserted grounds, -and Patsy took advantage of the trees and shrubbery, -entering the extensive estate near one corner, and -stealing quickly around the west wing toward a rear -part of the main building in which the private room -of Doctor David Devoll was located.</p> - -<p>Patsy knew from Carter’s description, nevertheless, -where to find him, and he presently paused near -the rear door and the gravel walk leading out to the -back street.</p> - -<p>“I must find out, to begin with, whether the blooming -sawbones is here,” he said to himself. “There are -the two windows of his room, all right, but there’s no -sign of a light. It looks very much as if he were -absent.”</p> - -<p>Hugging the wall, and stealing closer, nevertheless, -he cautiously crouched under the nearer of the two -windows and tried to peer into the room. He then<span class="pagenum">[122]</span> -found that the roller shade was lowered and an interior -shutter carefully closed, but through a chink -below them he could see the reflection of a dim light -on the varnished sill.</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz! he makes dead sure that no outsider -can see what’s doing in there,” thought Patsy. “He -may be in some other part of the hospital, since only -a dim light is burning. I’ll have to stick round till -I can get an eye on him.”</p> - -<p>As a matter of fact, however, Patsy had arrived -there in the nick of time. The light in the room was -suddenly extinguished. Half a minute later the sound -of a turning knob, that of the rear door, broke the -outside stillness, and, as quick as a flash, Patsy dropped -flat on the ground close to the building.</p> - -<p>He scarce had taken this precaution when the door -was opened and the physician came out. Though -Patsy never had seen him, Nick Carter had described -him carefully and there was no mistaking him. His -slender figure, invariably clad in a black frock coat, -which accentuated his leanness, was one very easily -identified. His smooth-shaven face was dimly discernible -through the darkness, while a considerable portion -of his bald, white skull could be seen in vivid -contrast under his tall, black hat.</p> - -<p>“Gee! I’m playing lucky, after all,” thought Patsy, -cautiously watching him. “That’s my man, all right, -and he’s bound off. The chief was right in thinking -he would make a move of some kind.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll had paused to lock the door with a -key taken from his pocket. He did not so much as -glance toward the window under which Patsy was -lying, as flat as he could make himself on the damp<span class="pagenum">[123]</span> -greensward. With his head and shoulders thrust forward -and his hands clasped behind him, an habitual -attitude when he was walking, Doctor Devoll proceeded -down the gravel walk toward the rear gate.</p> - -<p>At that moment, too, Patsy caught sight of an approaching -motor car in the back street. Its lamps -shone through the trees, and he could see that it was -slowing down to stop at the gate.</p> - -<p>“By Jove! I may not be as lucky as I thought,” -he muttered apprehensively. “If he leaves in that car -it will be a racking stunt for me to keep track of it. -I’ll make a bid to do so, all the same.”</p> - -<p>Rising noiselessly, he now darted after the physician, -stealing from tree to tree, and seeking a point -from which he could get the license number of the -car, and also a look at its driver. He saw him quite -plainly a moment later, a powerful man wearing a -slouch hat and with the collar of his overcoat turned -up, partly hiding his face, a face that immediately increased -Patsy’s suspicion.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll paused and said a few words to him; -then entered the car and disappeared, for its leather -curtains were on and completely hid the interior. Then -the chauffeur threw in the clutch and the car moved -away.</p> - -<p>Patsy Garvan appreciated the difficulties confronting -him, but he did not let them daunt him. Running -diagonally across the gloomy grounds, he vaulted the -low iron fence immediately after the car had passed -that point, so near that he could easily read the rear -number plate. He fixed the number in his mind; then -darted stealthily after the car, which was entering the<span class="pagenum">[124]</span> -narrow court through which Chick had passed that -morning.</p> - -<p>Sprinting after it at top speed, though at a discreet -distance behind and in the deeper gloom near the buildings, -Patsy followed the car into Belmont Street and -saw that it had turned toward a more brightly lighted -business section in the distance. He could see a passing -trolley car, also several slowly moving wagons, -all of which was somewhat encouraging.</p> - -<p>“They’ll have to slow down in that quarter,” he -muttered, already breathing hard from his exertions. -“That must be Main Street. It’s just the time when -the business thoroughfares are blocked with homeward-bound -teams. I may be able, after all, to keep -my quarry in sight. I must contrive in some way to -find out where this baldheaded suspect is going.”</p> - -<p>It appeared like a hopeless pursuit, nevertheless, -for the motor car was speeding much more rapidly -through Belmont Street and leaving Patsy farther and -farther behind, in spite of his utmost exertions. Suddenly, -too, it turned down a street running parallel -with Main Street, evidently seeking a less-congested -way.</p> - -<p>Patsy rushed on all the while, hoping to arrive at -the corner in time to keep the car in view, but he was -booked for failure. He paused, panting for breath, -and gazed vainly up and down the street. The only -vehicle to be seen was an approaching wagon nearly -a block away. Sprinting on to meet it, determined not -to be thwarted, Patsy shouted to the driver:</p> - -<p>“Did a motor car pass you half a minute ago?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” cried the teamster. “Some one stolen it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Patsy took the quickest and surest way<span class="pagenum">[125]</span> -to get the information he wanted. “Which way did -it go?”</p> - -<p>“Through the next street to the right, toward Main -Street. You’ll have to fly, kid, to catch it.”</p> - -<p>Patsy rushed on again, scarce waiting for the last, -but again he was marked for failure. He arrived at -the corner too late to see the car. Only the moving -people and vehicles in the electric glare in Main Street, -then only a block away, met his anxious gaze.</p> - -<p>“I’ll keep on, by thunder!” he muttered, instantly -resuming the pursuit. “It may have been held up for -a moment. It must have turned to the left, too, or it -would have gone direct if intending to cross Main -Street. I’ll not quit, by gracious! while there’s a -ghost of a chance to overtake it.”</p> - -<p>Patsy’s grit was good, but his quest proved vain -again, and he had no alternative but to end the futile -pursuit. He gazed with bitter disappointment up and -down the broad thoroughfare, still walking briskly -in the direction in which he knew the motor car had -gone, and, though he was not then aware of it, he -presently came to a crosstown street and trolley line -within a stone’s throw of the Waldmere Chambers.</p> - -<p>Then, as he was about to return to the hotel to report -to his chief, the gloom of disappointment was -suddenly dispelled. The motor car was passing rapidly -through the crosstown street. There was no mistaking -it—the same number plate, the same muffled -driver, the same closely curtained tonneau, yet in -which Patsy caught a mere momentary glimpse of a -solitary figure.</p> - -<p>“Holy smoke! I’m in luck again,” he said to himself, -with a thrill of elation. “The doctor must have<span class="pagenum">[126]</span> -stopped somewhere and now is off in a new direction. -This looks like soft walking, for fair, if they will only -follow the trolley line.”</p> - -<p>An electric car going in the same direction was passing, -and Patsy quickly boarded it, joining the motorman -on the front platform. Slipping him a bank note, -he said confidentially:</p> - -<p>“Don’t ask any questions, but help me to keep that -motor car in sight. Do you get me?”</p> - -<p>The motorman glanced at him with a look of surprise; -then thrust the bank note into his pocket and -grinned.</p> - -<p>“Sure I get you,” he replied. “No questions, eh? -That’s good enough for me, though they do say money -talks. I’ll do the best I can for you.”</p> - -<p>The automobile then was fifty yards in advance, but -the trolley car was unobstructed and rapidly gaining -speed through a street running straight toward an -outskirt of the city.</p> - -<p>“Good for you,” replied Patsy. “Only a mutt would -expect more.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll keep it in sight, all right, unless I get the bell -too often. But we’re not carrying many this trip.”</p> - -<p>“Where do you run?”</p> - -<p>“To Ashville, six miles from here. But we hit the -suburbs soon; then can cut loose, if necessary. Do -you know where the buzz wagon is going?”</p> - -<p>“If I did, I would not bother you,” smiled Patsy. -“I have reasons for wanting to find out, if possible. -Did you see the driver when he slipped in ahead of -you?”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t notice him.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t know who owns the car, then?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[127]</span></p> - -<p>“I don’t, but you can find out from the number.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve got that in my head, all right,” Patsy nodded. -“I’ll look him up later.”</p> - -<p>The motorman glanced at him again, and wondered -at his interest in a car and persons whom he -did not know or even their destination. He kept the -trolley car moving rapidly, nevertheless, and, in spite -of an occasional stop to drop or pick up passengers, -he lost but little on the somber black touring car, the -tail light of which gleamed like a sanguinary eye -through the gloom in the near distance.</p> - -<p>A mile run took them into the suburbs, beyond -which was a stretch of almost open country, and Patsy -then had the satisfaction of seeing that the trolley -car was gaining on the other.</p> - -<p>Through this open country and into a belt of woods -the trolley car boomed on, and when nearly three -miles out it sped over the brow of a hill, and Patsy -quickly saw the lights of scattered dwellings amid -clumps of trees in the distance.</p> - -<p>“What place is that?” he inquired of the motorman.</p> - -<p>“Only a small settlement. There’s a stone quarry -over the hill on the left, and the workmen live in -those houses. That one off to the right is in a side -road running to Lakeville, where there’s pretty good -fishing and gunning in the season. It’s a road house -run by a man named Leary. I guess that’s where your -buzz wagon is going. It’s taking that road.”</p> - -<p>Patsy had an eye on it all the while, and saw that -the time had come for him to leave the trolley car. He -thanked the motorman again; then added:</p> - -<p>“Slow down when near that road and let me drop<span class="pagenum">[128]</span> -off without stopping. I don’t want a certain party to -hear the car stop. He might think he had been followed.”</p> - -<p>“I’m on,” said the motorman, laughing. “You -know your business, all right.”</p> - -<p>“I ought to,” smiled Patsy. “I was tutored by the -best in the business.”</p> - -<p>“I guess not,” said the motorman incredulously. -“There’s only one best—Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“So I have heard.”</p> - -<p>“Now’s your chance. So long, and good luck.”</p> - -<p>Patsy slipped through the folding door and sprang -down in the road, then darted to the shelter of a wall, -while the trolley car again sped on and presently -crossed the diverging road and approached the settlement -beyond it.</p> - -<p>A hundred yards to the right the lights of the road -house could be seen through the trees, also the brighter -glare from the motor car, then slowly approaching it.</p> - -<p>Patsy leaped over the wall; then hurried across a -strip of meadowland, quickly reaching a point from -which, sheltered by some shrubbery, he could plainly -see the broad driveway and front veranda of the old -and somewhat weather-beaten house.</p> - -<p>The automobile had stopped near the rise of steps. -The chauffeur was springing down to open the door. -Patsy could see him distinctly in the light from the -deserted veranda.</p> - -<p>“This bald-headed doctor may have legitimate business -out here,” he muttered, frowning grimly at the -mere thought of it and the possibility that his own -desperate efforts might prove futile. “If the chief’s -suspicions have feet to stand on, however, it’s a thousand<span class="pagenum">[129]</span> -to one that Doctor Devoll’s mission is a very different -and probably a very lawless one. It’s up to me -to clinch it and find out just what’s doing. If he’s -here to confer with others, or frame up a job, I’ll -find some way to overhear him——Thundering guns! -Am I in wrong, in dead wrong, after all?”</p> - -<p>Patsy felt a chill of disappointment and his heart -sank like lead. The door of the motor car had been -opened. The solitary occupant, and Patsy could -plainly see there was no other, was stepping down -upon the driveway. He was an elderly man with gray -hair and beard, with a compact, apparently muscular -figure, clad in a plaid woolen suit and soft felt hat—utterly -unlike the long frock coat and tall black hat -of the suspected physician.</p> - -<p>“In wrong, in dead wrong!” Patsy repeated, quite -crushed with sudden dismay. “That’s not my quarry—not -Doctor Devoll. He’s too straight, too erect, -too square and stocky, for Doctor Devoll. I’ve gone -lame, for fair, as lame as an army mule. That chauffeur -must have dropped the physician and picked up -another passenger.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[130]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">PROFESSOR KARL GRAFF.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Patsy Garvan’s disappointment was as deep and bitter -as one could imagine. He scarce could contain it, -in fact, and his first impulse was to bolt from his concealment -and demand of the chauffeur where he had -left Doctor David Devoll.</p> - -<p>Brief reflection, however, convinced Patsy that that -would be a fatal mistake, that the chauffeur might be -in league with the physician, after all, and that this -stranger who had unexpectedly alighted from the -motor car might also be one of Doctor Devoll’s confederates, -sent by him to his road house on a mission -which he had thought it indiscreet to personally -undertake.</p> - -<p>“I’ll hold my horses,” thought Patsy, with hopes -reviving. “There may be something doing, after all, -that will set me right. I’ll wait and see. He seems to -be giving that driver important instructions.”</p> - -<p>The two men had been talking quietly in the driveway, -too low for Patsy to hear so much as a single -word, but the elderly man now turned abruptly up -the steps and peered into the hall for a moment, and -then entered the house.</p> - -<p>The chauffeur closed the door of the car, then turned -and shot a searching glance in each direction, causing -Patsy to crouch lower in his concealment.</p> - -<p>Presently, approaching the corner, the driver gazed -toward the rear of the house, then started abruptly<span class="pagenum">[131]</span> -and walked completely around it, returning to the -same corner and taking a position from which he could -continue to watch the side windows, also the driveway -leading to the stable yard, on that side of the -house nearest to Patsy.</p> - -<p>It was a situation that now precluded any move -on Patsy’s part. To approach any of the windows, -or even to steal away and seek an advantage elsewhere, -was out of the question. Detection would be inevitable. -He had no alternative but to lie low.</p> - -<p>Minutes passed, and the chauffeur continued to wait -and watch, scarcely stirring from his position—all of -which convinced Patsy that his suspicions were correct, -that the elderly man was holding a conference -with some one and that the chauffeur was guarding -against spies outside.</p> - -<p>That he was right appeared in what occurred when -the elderly man entered the house. He met no one -in the hall, save an aged black cat, and he quickly entered -a side room, in which a solitary man was waiting -with an empty whisky glass on the table near which -he was seated.</p> - -<p>He was a tall man, close upon forty, very well clad, -having dark eyes and complexion, but a rather weak -cast of features. He was smooth-shaven. A combination -false mustache and beard had been removed and -was lying on the table. He looked up when the -other entered, saying a bit irritably:</p> - -<p>“Well, you’re here, Graff, at last. What kept you? -I’ve been waiting half an hour.”</p> - -<p>“But not idle!”</p> - -<p>Graff spoke with a fiery gleam leaping up in his -eyes. He was the same Professor Graff, chemist, with<span class="pagenum">[132]</span> -an office and a laboratory in the Waldmere Chambers, -who had appeared in the corridor soon after the corpse -of Gaston Todd was found, and who had blandly asserted, -when questioned by Nick Carter, that he was -not a physician and that his opinion regarding the fatality -would be worthless.</p> - -<p>There was no blandness in his low voice just then, -however, nor any such quality.</p> - -<p>“But not idle!” he repeated, with a fierce, sibilant -hiss, pointing to the whisky glass and then dashing -it to atoms in the fireplace. “You cut that out, Dorson, -while doing business with me. Booze is a damned -bad partner. It has brought you where you are and -made you my tool. Cut it out—entirely! Obey me, -Dorson, or—God help you!”</p> - -<p>A resentful scowl appeared on Dorson’s face, which -was not without signs of past dissipation, but the -frown vanished quickly under the fiery rebuke of his -companion. He pulled himself up, nevertheless, and -said sullenly:</p> - -<p>“I’m not so sure, Graff, that I’ll consent to be your -tool.”</p> - -<p>“Not consent?” Professor Graff sneered icily. -“What are you saying? You have consented.”</p> - -<p>“I can revoke——”</p> - -<p>“Not with me!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not so sure.”</p> - -<p>“I am.” Graff’s voice was cold, but his eyes were -like balls of fire. “There will be no revocation. You -will not withdraw from our compact.”</p> - -<p>“What’s to prevent me?”</p> - -<p>“Fear. If not fear—this.”</p> - -<p>Professor Graff thrust his hand into his pocket and<span class="pagenum">[133]</span> -drew a singular weapon. It resembled an automatic -revolver, with a cylinderlike device attached to the -barrel. There was no trigger, however, but only a -small, round button, on which the finger of the chemist -lightly rested. He displayed the weapon in his -hand, his lips parting with a mocking smile, while -Dorson started slightly and gazed at it incredulously.</p> - -<p>“This will, if necessary, be our arbiter,” Graff -sneered. “I can end you with it in the hundredth -part of a second.”</p> - -<p>“You would not dare,” gasped Dorson. “You would -bring Leary and the bartender. You would be caught -red-handed.”</p> - -<p>“There would be no red hand, no bloodshed, no -sound,” Graff retorted. “It makes no noise, discharges -no bullet. But the effect is no less deadly. I -could leave you here as if you had fallen lifeless from -your chair, or as if—perdition! Are you still doubtful? -You shall see.”</p> - -<p>There was something even more terrible in the aspect -of this man at that moment than in his threatening -words. He swung around quickly and quietly -opened the door. The black cat he had seen in the -hall still was there. He stepped out and seized the -animal, then returned and tossed him to a corner of the -room, closing the door.</p> - -<p>The black cat was gazing with dilated yellow eyes -at the lowering chemist, as if surprised at such extraordinary -treatment.</p> - -<p>“Watch!” Graff snapped fiercely, with one swift -glance at his horrified companion.</p> - -<p>He extended his right hand and the strange weapon. -His piercing gaze leaped over the glistening barrel.<span class="pagenum">[134]</span> -His finger pressed the round button in the cylinder. -There was a quick, explosive puff, yet hardly audible, -but the black cat dropped in a crumpled heap, with his -yellow eyes gone dim and glassy. The animal was -dead, as crimp and shriveled as if the hot breath of a -withering blight had passed over him.</p> - -<p>Dorson caught his breath convulsively and tried -to speak, but his voice seemed to die in his throat.</p> - -<p>Professor Graff kicked the lifeless cat farther into -the corner, then sat down directly opposite his ghastly -companion, as unconcerned as if nothing had transpired. -He replaced the mysterious weapon in his -pocket, saying coldly, yet pointedly:</p> - -<p>“It is a very handy thing to have when circumstances -make it necessary.”</p> - -<p>“It is devilish!” Dorson found his voice, shuddering, -and wiped the sweat from his brow. “It is fiendish!”</p> - -<p>“But convincing?” queried Graff, with searching -scrutiny.</p> - -<p>“Convincing—yes!” Dorson shuddered again. -“Enough has been done and said, but I wish I never -had seen you, never conspired with you.”</p> - -<p>“But, having done so, there can be no revocation, -no retreat,” Graff said sternly. “I have seen signs of -it, Dorson, and I have to convince you.”</p> - -<p>“Enough has been done and said,” Dorson repeated, -pulling himself together.</p> - -<p>“Besides, there are other reasons,” Graff added. -“We are up against a tough proposition, one that is -hourly becoming more threatening; but of that a little -later. We’ll get right down to business.”</p> - -<p>“The windows——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[135]</span></p> - -<p>“Fear nothing. Toby Monk is watching them.”</p> - -<p>“The door——”</p> - -<p>“None can approach it unheard. I have the ears of -a rat.”</p> - -<p>“Be quick, then,” said Dorson more calmly. “The -sooner we leave here, Graff, the better.”</p> - -<p>“Your identity has not been discovered?” questioned -the chemist quickly.</p> - -<p>“No, no, nothing of that kind. It is not even suspected.”</p> - -<p>“Nor will I be seen,” Graff said confidently. “I’ll -make sure of that, and have guarded against other -contingencies. Toby is disguised. His car bears a -false number. None will learn of our rendezvous, nor -even suspect it. Now, Dorson, have you brought the -invitations?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, two of them,” said Dorson, producing two -sealed envelopes and placing them on the table.</p> - -<p>“Good!” Graff seized them and put them in his -pocket. “From whom did you get them?”</p> - -<p>“I stole them from those with which my aunt, Mrs. -Thurlow, was supplied to dispose of,” replied Dorson. -“She is one of the sponsors for the affair, and that -was the only way to get them without disclosing the -names of the persons who are to use them. No one -will be admitted without a card bearing his name. -It’s an exclusive affair. Fictitious names can be inscribed -on these.”</p> - -<p>“Capital!” Graff nodded, smiling maliciously. -“What if your aunt misses them?”</p> - -<p>“She will think she mislaid them, and can easily -explain to the managers. Her word is good.”</p> - -<p>“None better,” Graff dryly admitted.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[136]</span></p> - -<p>“What more must be done?” Dorson questioned.</p> - -<p>“Take my final instructions.” Professor Graff drew -nearer the table and fixed his penetrating eyes on -those of his confederate. “You are in the social -swim, Dorson, and can execute them without incurring -the slightest suspicion.”</p> - -<p>“That was the agreement. You promised that no -harm should come to me.”</p> - -<p>“None will. Remember, too, that I promised you -ten thousand dollars for your share of the plunder. -That will more than pay your debts and set you on -your feet. It’s not a bad reward, Dorson, for a mere -bit of safe and important work.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the only inducement.” Dorson’s face was -haggard and clouded. “I’ll chuck everything, honor -and self-respect, in order to square myself. But what -is this safe and important work? What must I do?”</p> - -<p>Professor Graff took from his pocket a small celluloid -box with a close-fitting cover. He caressed -it fondly for a moment, with an abnormal gleam and -glitter in his narrow eyes, then leaned forward and -said impulsively:</p> - -<p>“Listen! You are to take this, but do not for your -life venture to open it before the fateful moment arrives. -The box is air-tight, but its cover can be easily -removed. It contains only a lady’s handkerchief.”</p> - -<p>“What am I to do with it?” Dorson asked, gazing -curiously at the smooth white box.</p> - -<p>“Take it to the reception,” Graff directed. “You -are familiar with the ballroom and its surroundings, -with the row of French windows that open upon the -west balcony roof near the porte-cochère.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[137]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, of course,” Dorson said impatiently. “I -know all that.”</p> - -<p>“Note me, then,” Graff continued. “I will be at -the ball to give you a signal. We must not be seen -together, however, nor in any way betray that we are -acquainted.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“Upon getting my signal, which you will receive -at an opportune moment when she is alone, you must -immediately join Mrs. Mortimer Thurlow, at the same -time stealthily opening the box and removing the -handkerchief.”</p> - -<p>“And then?”</p> - -<p>“Give it to her at once, without a moment’s delay, -and remark she dropped it,” said Graff. “She will -infer that it is her own. If not, she will at least raise -it toward her face to examine it. Step back a little, -meantime, covering your nostrils, that you may inhale -no appreciable quantity of that with which the handkerchief -is impregnated.”</p> - -<p>“What’s the stuff?” growled Dorson, brows knitting.</p> - -<p>“Do not be curious.” Professor Graff spoke with -a frown. “I have confederates, but to none do I confide -my secrets. Take my instructions—and obey -them.”</p> - -<p>“Well, what more?”</p> - -<p>“Watch the woman,” Graff continued. “Only her -eyes will change perceptibly. A fixed expression will -immediately appear, and her pupils will contract to -mere pin points. Take her arm, then, and lead her -out through the nearest French window.”</p> - -<p>“Suppose she refuses to go, or——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[138]</span></p> - -<p>“She will not refuse or do anything else,” Graff interrupted. -“She will go willingly and without a word -or a subsequent recollection of what occurs. Place -her in the nearest chair on the balcony. Get the handkerchief -and return it to the box, then hasten to the -ballroom and go after a glass of water. You can -afterward assert that she sent you for it and said -she felt faint. She will admit it, for she will remember -nothing and cannot consistently deny it.”</p> - -<p>“But the pearls?” Dorson questioned, eyes glowing. -“What of the rope of pearls?”</p> - -<p>“There will be no rope of pearls.” Graff’s teeth -met with a vicious snap. “All that must be done can -be done in a single minute. When help comes, when -you return, when the woman revives, though all occurs -within a minute, there will be no rope of pearls. It -will have been stolen—mysteriously stolen.”</p> - -<p>“But I may be suspected,” argued Dorson.</p> - -<p>“Absurd! You could not possibly steal and dispose -of it under the seeming conditions. The woman -will believe she was faint only for a moment. She -will not be sure it was then that she lost the pearls. -She is your aunt, moreover, and would refuse to -suspect you.”</p> - -<p>“But your infernal stuff may fail to work,” Dorson -suggested.</p> - -<p>“It will not fail. It cannot fail.” Graff spoke with -convincing assurance. “I have tested it upon no less -than four subjects, Dorson, to make sure of success -in this undertaking. There is nothing for you to fear, -absolutely nothing.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tackle it, then, and take the chance.” Dorson<span class="pagenum">[139]</span> -abruptly declared, thrusting the celluloid box into his -pocket. “Is there anything more?”</p> - -<p>Professor Graff hesitated for a moment, then shook -his head.</p> - -<p>“No, nothing for us to discuss,” he replied.</p> - -<p>“But you mentioned a tough proposition that you -would speak of presently. What did you mean by -that?” Dorson demanded suspiciously.</p> - -<p>“Only that an unexpected force is at work against -us, one that many would fear, and with which few -could successfully cope.” Graff’s voice took on a -more virulent intensity. “But I do not fear. I can -oppose and overcome it. My agents are already at -work. I have given warning, too, as I have warned -you, and if pressed too hard, if threats prove futile, -if the peril becomes really alarming—well, you see! -You have seen for yourself, Dorson, how I can overcome -it. There is always a way—always a way.”</p> - -<p>Graff had swung around in his chair and was pointing -to the lifeless black form in the corner.</p> - -<p>Dorson gazed at him, at his extended hand and -quivering fingers, at his drawn, bearded face, indescribably -malevolent, and with that terrible abnormal -gleam and glitter in his frowning eyes, and Dorson -felt, with blood chilled and flesh gone cold and -clammy, that he was gazing at a madman or a devil -incarnate.</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, I have seen enough, Graff, more than -enough,” he said hoarsely, lips twitching. “What -more need be said?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing more.” Professor Graff turned coldly -calm again. “You have my instructions. I know you<span class="pagenum">[140]</span> -will obey them. We must not meet again until after -the trick has been turned, and then only secretly.”</p> - -<p>“That suits me. Let’s be moving.”</p> - -<p>“How did you come out here?”</p> - -<p>“In a trolley car.”</p> - -<p>“You may return part way with me. I’ll drop you -before entering town. Resume your disguise, then -see whether the hall and veranda are deserted.”</p> - -<p>Dorson arose and hastened to obey. He returned in -a few seconds, saying quietly:</p> - -<p>“Come on. There’s no one around.”</p> - -<p>There was one still around, nevertheless, still lying -low amid the rank grass and shrubbery that had served -to conceal him.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[141]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">VAIN INQUIRIES.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Patsy Garvan had been waiting and watching about -fifteen minutes, the circumstances precluding any further -action, when he saw the two men come out of the -road house.</p> - -<p>They hurried down the steps and entered the motor -car. Toby Monk, the chauffeur, also saw them, -and ran to resume his seat at the wheel. They were -away within half a minute, departing with very significant -haste and returning to Madison at a rate of -speed precluding pursuit, but leaving Patsy gazing -with an ominous frown after the rear red light till -it vanished in the distance.</p> - -<p>“That does settle it,” he muttered grimly. “I’ve -lost track of them for a time, at least, in spite of anything -I can do. But I’ve got the number of that car, -all right, and I’ll identify them later as sure as there’s -juice in a lemon. I can find out, perhaps, by inquiring -of some one in the house. The third man may -hang out there, however, and I might get in wrong. -I think I can turn the trick at that, without incurring -suspicion,” he added to himself after a moment’s -thought. “I’ll take the chance, by gracious, let come -what may.”</p> - -<p>Leaving his concealment, he walked out to the driveway, -where, having made sure there were no observers, -he threw himself on one side in the sand and dirt -and ground the palm of his right hand into the gravel,<span class="pagenum">[142]</span> -a performance that might cause one to wonder what -advantage could be derived.</p> - -<p>Patsy knew, however, and he immediately arose -and entered the road house. Though the hall still -was unoccupied, he could hear the voices of men in -the rear rooms, also the clinking of glasses, and he -rightly inferred that there was a public bar in one of -the rooms. He hastened thither and entered, with -a pretense of brushing his soiled garments and with -an indignant frown on his face.</p> - -<p>“Say!” he exclaimed, approaching a bar on one -side of the room. “Who are the ginks that just left -here in a buzz wagon?”</p> - -<p>Three men were playing cards at a table in one -corner, evidently quarry workmen from the near settlement, -each with a mug of ale at his elbow. Back -of the bar stood a burly man in his shirt sleeves, with -a much-bloated and pimply face, the redeeming feature -of which was an expression of habitual good -nature. He gazed at Patsy and laughed, replying to -his impetuous question, but the three card players -merely glanced at him.</p> - -<p>“Buzz wagon, eh?” he said huskily. “I didn’t know -one was here.”</p> - -<p>“Well there was.”</p> - -<p>“Funny I didn’t hear it.”</p> - -<p>“I came near feeling it, all right,” grumbled Patsy, -displaying his soiled hand. “It came out to the road -as if shot from a gun. It nearly ran over me. I -fell down while dodging it, as you see, but I reckon -I was lucky to get away with that. You don’t know -them, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Mebbe ’twas the bloke who rang for the booze,<span class="pagenum">[143]</span> -Jim,” suggested one of the players, looking up. “Have -you forgotten him, Leary?”</p> - -<p>“The man who runs the house,” thought Patsy; -then, as if the identity of the visitors was of no great -consequence, he said agreeably: “I’ll have a mug of -ale. See what these gents will have and get in yourself.”</p> - -<p>The invitation was readily accepted by all, and -Patsy paid willingly, thus paving the way for further -inquiries.</p> - -<p>“I’m going to Madison,” he said, in reply to a question. -“I came from Ashville on the trolley line. How -soon can I hit another?”</p> - -<p>“Twelve minutes, if she shows up on time,” said -Leary, glancing at a nickel watch. “It might have -been the man in the side room. I’ll have a look.”</p> - -<p>“Twelve minutes, eh?” said Patsy, more quickly -drinking his ale when Leary swaggered out from the -bar and into the hall. “That’s not long. I don’t want -to miss it.”</p> - -<p>He added the last to warrant his following the burly -proprietor, who obviously was so void of distrust that -Patsy very soon decided that none of these men had -had any intercourse with the two visitors and very -probably knew neither of them.</p> - -<p>“No danger of missing it,” replied Leary, as they -approached the side room. “The motorman always -stops on the corner and rings his gong. He often -picks up a bunch from here.”</p> - -<p>“I see,” returned Patsy pleasantly. “I needn’t be -in any rush, then.”</p> - -<p>“No rush at all.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll have time for another drink?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[144]</span></p> - -<p>“Sure thing. Time enough for——Huh, I’m -blessed if Kelly wasn’t right! The bloke has gone.”</p> - -<p>Leary had knocked on the door, and then opened -it. He entered while speaking, Patsy following, and -again asking carelessly:</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you know the man? Was he a stranger -here?”</p> - -<p>“Sure he was.” Leary turned and gazed at him. -“I didn’t know him from a hole in the wall. He must -have known this room was for customers, though, -for he nailed it and rang for a drink.”</p> - -<p>“He must have been here before, then, or he -wouldn’t have known it,” said Patsy.</p> - -<p>“That’s right, too.” Leary nodded. “I brought -him the booze he ordered, and then he said he wanted -to wait for a friend and have a private talk with him. -He chucked me a buck for the booze and told me -to keep the change. That looked good to me and like -more coming, so I told him he could stay as long as -he liked, and would not be interrupted.”</p> - -<p>“I see,” said Patsy, now sure that Leary was telling -him the truth. “His friend came, all right, and -they went away together. There were three in the -car when——”</p> - -<p>“But where’s the booze glass?” cried Leary, who -now had turned toward the table. “That ought to be -here. They would not steal a whisky glass, unless——”</p> - -<p>“Stop a bit!” Patsy interrupted. “It was thrown -into the fireplace. Here are pieces of it, and—holy -smoke! This cat is dead!”</p> - -<p>Patsy had caught sight of it a moment before, and -he at first had thought the animal was asleep. A second<span class="pagenum">[145]</span> -look, however, evoked the last startling exclamation -and brought Leary to his knees near his lifeless -pet.</p> - -<p>“Good God! What’s the meaning of this?” he -growled, with a scowl, convincing Patsy of his sincerity. -“Dead as an iron bolt! What’s the meaning -of it?”</p> - -<p>“Has the cat been sick?” Patsy inquired.</p> - -<p>“Sick—no!” cried Leary. “There’s been nothing -the matter with him. He was getting a bit old, but -was well enough. Poor old Gimblet!” Leary added, -with genuine feeling.</p> - -<p>“Was he in this room when you were here?” asked -Patsy.</p> - -<p>“No. He was asleep in the hall.”</p> - -<p>“He may have wandered in here.”</p> - -<p>“How could he? The door was closed.”</p> - -<p>“H’m, is that so?” Patsy murmured, as puzzled -as the other and much more suspicious.</p> - -<p>“He’s dead, all right, as a smelt.” Leary now -turned the animal over. “But I’ll be hanged if I can -see why the booze glass was smashed or why the cat -should have died. Something must have killed him. -Say, you don’t s’pose they gave him poison in that -glass, then smashed it, do you?” he added, quickly -turning to Patsy. “If I thought that, I’d go after -those mongrels with a gun, by thunder, and stick till -I got them!”</p> - -<p>This possible fate was suggested to Leary by a -momentary expression that had passed over Patsy’s -face. He had detected a peculiar, shriveled appearance -in the fur on the cat’s breast and neck, and it -instantly recalled to his mind what his chief had said<span class="pagenum">[146]</span> -concerning the man found dead in the Waldmere -Chambers two days before.</p> - -<p>Patsy concealed his immediate misgivings, however, -but pretended to be impressed with Leary’s suggestions.</p> - -<p>“That may explain it, Mr. Leary, if they had any -reason for wanting to kill the cat,” he replied. “The -fellow you saw probably did not do it. More likely -the old man was the one who killed him.”</p> - -<p>“What old man?” Leary demanded, with a vengeful -glare in his eyes.</p> - -<p>“The one I saw in the motor car,” said Patsy, now -aiming only to identify him, if possible. “He’s quite -a stocky man, with gray hair and whiskers. He wore -a plaid suit and soft felt hat. His chauffeur was bigger -and broader, with dark hair and a pointed beard. -I got a look at them when they flew by me.”</p> - -<p>“I dunno any such men,” Leary earnestly protested. -“The whole business beats me to a frazzle.”</p> - -<p>“It does seem a bit strange,” Patsy allowed. “You’ll -find out later, perhaps. I reckon I’ll be getting a -move on, as I don’t want to miss that car. I’m sorry -you have lost the cat. I’ll drop in again, when I’m -returning to Ashville.”</p> - -<p>“All right, kid,” said Leary, brightening up and following -Patsy to the door. “If you see those two -blokes again, do me a favor, will you?”</p> - -<p>“What’s that, Mr. Leary?”</p> - -<p>“Get the truth out of them, if you have to get it -with a club.”</p> - -<p>“I will,” Patsy promptly assured him. “Take it -from me, Mr. Leary, I’ll get it—and all there is to -it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[147]</span></p> - -<p>“Good for you!” Leary shouted after him heartily.</p> - -<p>For Patsy already was hastening toward the road -leading out to the trolley line, something like a hundred -yards away. He had seen plainly that he could -learn nothing more at the road house. The negative -reports he had obtained, however, together with -the startling discovery he had made, convinced him -that his mission had not been a futile one.</p> - -<p>“Leary’s all right,” he said to himself while walking -on rapidly. “He told me all he knows and gave -it to me straight. That rendezvous had been agreed -upon and the road house selected for a safe place. But -who are they and what came off in there? Why was -the whisky glass broken and the cat killed? In view -of all of the circumstances, by Jove, there’s a mighty -strong similarity between that fatality and the killing -of Gaston Todd. It becomes doubly important now -to trace and identify these rascals, and I reckon I’m -in a fair way to accomplish it. All this, moreover, -seems to put Doctor Devoll in the background. That -is, if I size it all up correctly. I’ll hike back to the -Wilton House, by Jove, and report to the chief.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[148]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CRAFT AND FORESIGHT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nick Carter’s strong, clean-cut face took on a more -serious expression while he listened. It was half past -eight when Patsy returned, just as Nick was about -leaving the Wilton House, and only half an hour after -Chick set forth to search the apartments of Gaston -Todd.</p> - -<p>“That’s all, chief,” said Patsy, when ending his report. -“As far as I can see, it lets Doctor Devoll out -of the circle of suspicion and rings in another, no -less than three, in fact—the chauffeur, his elderly passenger, -and the man he met at the road house. For -I’ll wager my pile, chief, that the chauffeur knew there -was something doing and was acting as a sentinel.”</p> - -<p>“Are you absolutely sure that the elderly passenger -was not Doctor Devoll?” Nick inquired.</p> - -<p>“Reasonably sure, chief, at least,” said Patsy confidently. -“He is too solid and compact for Devoll, -more erect and with broader shoulders. Devoll is -somewhat bowed and very slim. He looks like a -string bean.”</p> - -<p>“He may have disguised himself while in the motor -car,” Nick suggested.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think so,” Patsy quickly objected. “He -would hardly have covered all of the features mentioned. -Besides, I could see the interior of the car -distinctly when the door was open, and I would have -seen his discarded hat and garments.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[149]</span></p> - -<p>“That does seem probable,” Carter thoughtfully -admitted. “Don’t you overlook one fact, however?”</p> - -<p>“What’s that, chief?”</p> - -<p>“That you saw Doctor Devoll leave the hospital -and ride away with the chauffeur. You could not -then have been mistaken as to the physician’s identity, -and the circumstances convince me that he is in -some way associated with the two men who met in -the road house.”</p> - -<p>“I think so, too, chief, as far as that goes,” said -Patsy.</p> - -<p>“It appears probable, too, that the chauffeur is one -of the gang,” Carter added. “Also that we are up -against more of a gang than I have suspected. I at -first was inclined to attribute the many mysterious -robberies here, as well as the killing of Gaston Todd, -to a single exceedingly crafty and accomplished -crook. I now believe, however, that he is the chief -director of a gang, instead of at work alone.”</p> - -<p>“That must be right, too,” nodded Patsy. “There’s -no getting around it.”</p> - -<p>“But here’s another point,” said Carter. “The -mysterious killing of Leary’s cat, whatever the motive -of it, and the similar strangeness in connection -with the murder of Todd denote that both were committed -by the same man or some of his gang.”</p> - -<p>“That’s how I size it up.”</p> - -<p>“You are sure, however, that neither of the men -at the road house was Doctor Devoll,” Nick continued. -“I may in that case be mistaken in thinking he -is the man behind the gun, the evil genius back of -the whole business. There may be another, and Doctor -Devoll only indirectly associated with him.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[150]</span></p> - -<p>“You mean the elderly man who took Doctor Devoll’s -place in the motor car?”</p> - -<p>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p>“Devoll may have sent him out to the road house -to meet that other fellow,” Patsy suggested.</p> - -<p>“Possibly,” said Nick. “It is more probable, however, -that Devoll informed him of my visit this afternoon -and of the threats I made. The other may have -become alarmed and set about thwarting my designs. -All this appears the more probable, Patsy, because -that threatening anonymous letter and all these very, -significant episodes have followed so quickly after my -call on Doctor Devoll.”</p> - -<p>“Right again, chief, as sure as I’m a foot high,” -Patsy declared. “It’s long odds, too, that the road-house -conference was held only to frame up a job -on you.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not so sure of that,” his chief replied. “They -may have met to plan the theft of Mrs. Mortimer -Thurlow’s pearls or to alter plans made before the -threatening letter was sent to me.”</p> - -<p>“Mebbe so,” Patsy allowed. “It’s a pity I couldn’t -overhear the discussion and see what came off.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll make use of what you have discovered, not -mourn over what was impossible,” said Carter dryly. -“We must now contrive to identify those three men. -All wore beards, you say?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Possibly, then, all were disguised. You have the -number of the motor car, however, and that may -help, barring trickery of some kind. Such crafty -rascals as these don’t often let a license number expose<span class="pagenum">[151]</span> -them. There is a possibility, nevertheless, that -they overlooked it.”</p> - -<p>“The chance is worth taking.”</p> - -<p>“Surely. You go over to the garage and see what -you can learn,” Carter directed, rising and taking his -hat. “I have other business in the meantime, and -will return about ten o’clock. Chick then will have -shown up perhaps and have something to report. Get -your information on the quiet, mind you.”</p> - -<p>“Trust me for that, chief,” said Patsy, as they were -leaving the room together.</p> - -<p>Nick Carter’s other business, or part of it, consisted -of keeping a promise he had made the previous -morning. He called at the city prison, confiding -his identity and mission to the warden, and -was promptly accorded an interview with Frank -Paulding in the warden’s private office.</p> - -<p>Nick did not expect, however, that Paulding would -have any information to impart. He called on him -only because of his promise and to say a few words -of encouragement to the suspected man, also to direct -him to maintain the negative position he had -taken.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I’ll continue to do so, Mr. Carter, as I agreed -with you yesterday morning,” Paulding assured him. -“It’s a bitter pill for an innocent man to swallow, -but I’ll not weaken. I’ll stick, sir, as long as I know -you are working for me.”</p> - -<p>“You may depend upon that,” the detective said -simply.</p> - -<p>“Thank Heaven, too, there is one rift in the clouds,” -Paulding added.</p> - -<p>“What is that?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[152]</span></p> - -<p>“A letter from Edna Thurlow. It came this morning. -She expresses her sympathy for me, her belief -that I am a victim of circumstances, and assures me -of her absolute faith in my innocence.”</p> - -<p>“Good for her!” said Carter, smiling. “It’s very -significant, too.”</p> - -<p>“Significant?”</p> - -<p>“Surely,” laughed the detective. “A girl writes -like that only to one she loves. You were not quite -sure of it, you remember. This ought to convince -you and really make it worth while to be suspected.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not sure but it does,” replied Paulding, brightening -up. “I do regret one restriction, however, that -you have imposed on me. It’s a thorn in my flesh.”</p> - -<p>“I know it,” said the detective tersely.</p> - -<p>“You know it? How the deuce can you know it? -You don’t know to what restriction I refer.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, I do.” Nick laughed again. “Though -not a lover, I know how lovers feel. You itch to relieve -Miss Thurlow’s anxiety by telling her of our -relations.”</p> - -<p>“By Jove, you’re a keen cuss, Carter!” Paulding -declared, now joining in the detective’s laugh. -“You’ve called the turn, all right, but itch doesn’t -express it. Really, I ache to do so.”</p> - -<p>“Well, stop aching,” Nick said dryly, rising to go. -“I shall see Miss Thurlow this evening, and will tell -her all that she needs to know.”</p> - -<p>“See her!” Paulding sprang up, eyes glowing. “Oh, -I say, then——”</p> - -<p>“No, no, don’t say it,” the detective cut in with -affected alarm. “I’ll not take any love messages to -her. I draw the line at that. I have passed that<span class="pagenum">[153]</span> -stage, you know, and would only make an awful mess -of it, to say nothing of making a fool of myself. I -will tell her enough, Paulding, however; so rest easy -with that until I can see you again.”</p> - -<p>Nick left him with a much lighter heart than when -he had entered, which was what he chiefly desired, -but his mission to the Thurlow residence was of -greater importance.</p> - -<p>It was nine o’clock when he arrived at the house, -one of the most costly and beautiful dwellings in Madison. -He was admitted by an elderly butler, who invited -him to a seat in a handsomely furnished reception -room.</p> - -<p>Nick had given him a card on which he had written -only his first name, stating that he called on important -business, and he had been waiting only a few -moments when a graceful, strikingly pretty girl in an -evening gown joined him, still with the card in her -hand.</p> - -<p>“Good evening,” she said agreeably, with an inquiring -look in her blue eyes. “I am Miss Thurlow, -Mr. Nicholas, but I infer that your business is with -my mother. She has gone up to her room, but I -have sent for her to come down. Your name does not -suggest any business which——”</p> - -<p>“It might, perhaps, if I had written my full name—Nicholas -Carter,” he interposed, bowing and smiling.</p> - -<p>“Nicholas Carter!” gasped Edna, staring at him. -“Not the famous New York detective?”</p> - -<p>“Well, yes, thanking you for the complimentary -adjective.”</p> - -<p>“Good heavens!” exclaimed Edna amazedly. “Are<span class="pagenum">[154]</span> -you a wizard? Do you ride on the wind? How did -you get here so quickly?”</p> - -<p>“Get here?” queried Carter, though he at once -guessed the truth. “You were expecting me then?”</p> - -<p>“Well, not so quickly, of course,” said the girl. -“But I telegraphed to you no less than an hour ago, -asking you to come immediately to Madison. I did -not suppose you could cover hundreds of miles in as -many seconds. I thought when the bell rang that -you had wired back, and this name on the card meant -nothing to me. Really, Mr. Carter, I am quite mystified.”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter laughed pleasantly, and replied:</p> - -<p>“I will presently explain. Why, may I ask, did you -send for me to come to Madison?”</p> - -<p>“I want you to investigate a very mysterious murder,” -Edna now earnestly explained. “A very dear -friend of mine is suspected and is under arrest. I -am sure he is innocent, however, absolutely sure; but -I can see no way to prove it. I want you to find a -way. Money is no object, Mr. Carter, for he is very -dear to me and——”</p> - -<p>“Pardon.” Nick checked her more gravely. “It -would be unkind for me to leave you in the dark and -let you continue to speak so feelingly. I know all -about your friend. I left him only a few minutes -ago. Like you, too, I know that he is innocent. I -already am at work to prove it, Miss Thurlow, and -Paulding has from the first been acting under my instructions.”</p> - -<p>It would be impossible to describe the expression -of astonishment on Edna Thurlow’s pretty face upon -hearing these disclosures, but before she could collect<span class="pagenum">[155]</span> -herself and reply a stately, very handsome, and -distinguished-looking woman entered from the hall, -saying quite graciously:</p> - -<p>“What was that I heard? Mr. Paulding acting -under your instructions, sir?”</p> - -<p>Carter turned and bowed, while Edna immediately -introduced her mother, hastily informing her of the -detective’s identity and his startling statements. The -detective then accepted an invitation to accompany -them to the library, where he not only dispelled their -perplexity, but also greatly relieved their anxiety by -telling them of his relations with Paulding and, in -a strictly confidential way, the nature of his mission.</p> - -<p>“As a matter of fact, however, I have called to -see you on other business, Mrs. Thurlow,” he said -a little later. “It is your intention, I have heard, to -attend the reception ball of the National Guards to-morrow -evening.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed, both of us,” Mrs. Thurlow replied. -“I am one of the sponsors and the director of the -ladies’ reception committee.”</p> - -<p>“Is it to be quite an elaborate affair?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mr. Carter, quite so.”</p> - -<p>“I understand that you own a very valuable rope of -pearls, which you intend wearing.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, surely.” Mrs. Thurlow regarded him with -a look of surprise. “When would I wear it, if not -on such an occasion? I wonder at your having heard -of my pearls, however.”</p> - -<p>“I have heard something more,” Carter informed -her. “I cannot honorably conceal the fact from you, -property of such value being in jeopardy, but I hope<span class="pagenum">[156]</span> -you will consent to act upon my advice and instructions.”</p> - -<p>“In jeopardy?” Mrs. Thurlow questioned, turning -pale. “What do you mean, Mr. Carter?”</p> - -<p>“I mean, Mrs. Thurlow, that an attempt will be -made to steal them.”</p> - -<p>“Good heavens!” gasped Edna. “How shocking, -mamma!”</p> - -<p>“Steal them?” Mrs. Thurlow smiled expressively. -“Well, well, that can be easily prevented. I will not -wear them.”</p> - -<p>“I thought you would say so,” Nick replied. “On -the contrary, however, I want you to wear them and -to conduct yourself precisely as if you knew nothing -about the danger, which I felt constrained to disclose. -Let me tell you the circumstances.”</p> - -<p>He then proceeded to do so, showing her the anonymous -letter, and then interrogating her about nearly -every feature of the complicated case. His inquiries -proved vain, however, for both Mrs. Thurlow and -her daughter were entirely in the dark as to the identity -and motives of the criminals involved.</p> - -<p>“But why, Mr. Carter, having informed me of the -danger, do you want me to wear the pearls?” Mrs. -Thurlow inquired. “That will be indiscreet, at least.”</p> - -<p>“Less so than you suppose,” the detective assured -her. “I will take every possible precaution to protect -them and prevent the theft. Your wearing them, -however, will give me an opportunity to identify and -capture these miscreants.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, I see!” Mrs. Thurlow exclaimed. “But do -you think you can accomplish it?”</p> - -<p>“I am very sure of it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[157]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, to tell the truth, Mr. Carter, I have great -confidence in you,” Mrs. Thurlow said earnestly. -“Your frankness in this matter, moreover, when you -could have had what you ask by leaving me in ignorance, -constrains me to take the risk. It would be -a benefit to rid this community of the knaves with -which it long has been infested, and I’ll take the chance -and do my part. I will wear the rope of pearls, Mr. -Carter.”</p> - -<p>“Good for you, mamma!” said Edna, with some enthusiasm. -“I’ll wager that Mr. Carter will make -good.”</p> - -<p>Nick smiled and thanked her; then added more seriously:</p> - -<p>“But you must conduct yourselves, both of you, -precisely as if ignorant of the circumstances. Do not -mention them to any person or the fact that I have -called here. Much may depend upon your doing exactly -what I direct.”</p> - -<p>“You may rely upon us to do so,” Mrs. Thurlow -assured him.</p> - -<p>“Very good,” said the detective. “Tell me, now, -who is to be your escort.”</p> - -<p>“My nephew, John Dorson.”</p> - -<p>“Jack will look after both of us, Mr. Carter, owing -to Mr. Paulding’s dreadful predicament,” Edna -added.</p> - -<p>“My instructions include him also,” Nick said, -though not then dreaming the actual need of it. “Do -not confide anything to Mr. Dorson. He might be -so vigilant and attentive to you, Mrs. Thurlow, that -the crooks would not attempt the theft. That would, -of course, preclude my catching them.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[158]</span></p> - -<p>“We will be governed accordingly,” Mrs. Thurlow -again assured him.</p> - -<p>Nick lingered only to add a few minor instructions. -It was after eleven o’clock when he returned to the -Wilton House, now feeling sure that he would outwit -the unknown crooks in any game they might attempt -to play and that more definite discoveries concerning -them would speedily be made.</p> - -<p>The detective had further proof of their craft and -sagacity, however, upon entering his suite. For he -found Patsy Garvan waiting for him, who had learned -that the automobile having the State license number -he had looked up was owned by one of the leading -bankers in the State, who dwelt more than a hundred -miles from Madison.</p> - -<p>“It could not have been his car that I saw,” declared -Patsy, after reporting the facts. “That’s a -cinch, chief, and it admits of only one conclusion. -That chauffeur had false number plates, or had altered -his own in some way.”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter’s brows knitted ominously, but he did -not comment upon this further evidence of knavish -foresight. Instead, he asked a bit abruptly:</p> - -<p>“Have you seen Chick?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet,” said Patsy. “He has not returned.”</p> - -<p>“That looks bad, too.” Nick spoke with a growl. -“It ought not to have taken him three hours to search -Todd’s apartments. It could have been done in half -that time. Can it be that anything has gone wrong -there also and that these rascals——Get your hat, -Patsy,” he abruptly digressed. “Get a move on and -go with me. We’ll have a look at Todd’s apartments.”</p> - -<p>It was nearly twelve o’clock when, having aroused<span class="pagenum">[159]</span> -the night manager of the Studley, they obtained admission -to the rooms of the murdered man and -switched on the electric light. The scene that met -their gaze brought a horrified ejaculation from the -manager and a cry of dismay from Patsy Garvan.</p> - -<p>Chick was lying where he had fallen, with his arms -extended, his right sleeve drawn up a little, and with -his face upturned in the bright light, as ghastly white -as the face of a dead man.</p> - -<p>The rooms were in shocking disorder. A roll-top -desk had been broken open and looted from top to -bottom. Table drawers, those of a bureau and chiffonier, -a trunk in the wardrobe closet—the contents -of all had been pulled out and scattered broadcast over -the floor. From end to end, in fact, the apartments -had been thoroughly searched.</p> - -<p>“By thunder, this was not Chick’s work!” cried -Carter, with features turning flinty. “We have been -balked again, balked by this gang of infernal——What -do you say, Patsy? He’s not dead, surely! I -can see that plainly.”</p> - -<p>Patsy then was crouching on the floor beside the -prostrate detective.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[160]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">NICK DECLARES HIMSELF.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nick Carter was right as to Chick’s condition. He -had seen at a glance that he was not dead. He quickly -noticed, too, the sleeve drawn up above his right wrist, -exposing part of the arm, and he immediately joined -Patsy and pointed to a tiny puncture in the white -skin.</p> - -<p>“He has been drugged,” said he, with an indignant -ring in his subdued voice. “That’s the prick of a -hypodermic needle.”</p> - -<p>“Surely,” muttered Patsy. “But how did they contrive -to get him and the——”</p> - -<p>“Don’t ask me how. It’s useless to speculate,” Carter -interrupted. “They shall pay dear for it, nevertheless, -take my word for that. Is there a physician -in the house, Mr. Vernon?” he added, turning to the -astonished manager.</p> - -<p>“Yes, there is,” was the hasty reply. “Doctor -Percy. His suite is on this floor.”</p> - -<p>“Bring him as quickly as possible,” the detective -directed. “Tell him that stimulants will be needed to -counteract a drug, but don’t create a stir or cause any -excitement. There is no occasion to arouse the house. -He soon can revive this man.”</p> - -<p>Carter had no doubt of it after a hasty examination, -and in a very few minutes Doctor Percy came -in and set to work over the unconscious detective,<span class="pagenum">[161]</span> -applying such restoratives as the case seemed to require.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, with Patsy at his elbow, Nick -made a thorough inspection of the several rooms. He -found a window in the bedroom unlocked, and on -the platform of the fire escape he discovered, with -the help of his search light, the faint tracks left by -the masked man whom Chick had encountered about -three hours before.</p> - -<p>“How it was done, Patsy, now is quite obvious,” -Carter said grimly. “Some one, probably more than -one, was here in advance of Carter or entered about -the same time. Chick was caught unawares, I think, -and overcome by the rascals.”</p> - -<p>“But how could they have anticipated his visit?” -questioned Patsy perplexedly.</p> - -<p>“They did not,” Nick replied. “They did, however, -anticipate something else.”</p> - -<p>“What was that?”</p> - -<p>“That I would search these rooms, Patsy, and the -same farsighted rascal who sent me the anonymous -letter undertook to get in his work ahead of me.”</p> - -<p>“By Jove, I guess that’s right, chief.”</p> - -<p>“He knew that I would seek for any evidence that -Todd might have left here, and he sent one or more -of his gang to prevent me from getting it. They -have succeeded, too, if Todd really left anything, for -they have cleaned up completely.”</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz! I should say so,” Patsy agreed. “They -didn’t miss nook or corner.”</p> - -<p>“It was the work of the same gang, but other members -of it than you saw at the road house,” Carter -added. “Their chief, or the director of these various<span class="pagenum">[162]</span> -steps, is certainly an infernally keen and farsighted -knave. He not only discovered my identity and presence -in Madison, but also has contrived to anticipate -and balk my every important move. But I’ll finally -get him and every mother’s son of them. We’ll not -rest until we have run down the entire gang and——Ah, -by Jove, that was Chick’s voice.”</p> - -<p>They had been briefly talking in the bedroom, from -which both hastened upon hearing the familiar voice, -and they found Chick propped up against a chair, with -his eyes open. He was responding rapidly to the -stimulants given him, and he soon was able to clearly -describe his encounter with the masked man.</p> - -<p>Not until the following morning, however, being -averse to discussing his suspicions in the presence of -Vernon and the physician, and knowing that no further -steps could be taken that night, did Carter express -his views on the subject. He then was at breakfast -with Patsy and Chick, the latter having entirely -recovered from the effects of the drug.</p> - -<p>“Your sudden collapse, Chick, and the sensations -preceding it admit of only one explanation,” said -Carter. “Your assailant was provided with a powerful -storage battery, so ingeniously contrived and -carried on his person that he could impart an overwhelming -shock to an antagonist without incurring -danger from the electric current.”</p> - -<p>“That’s how I size it up,” Chick agreed. “The -sensations were very convincing.”</p> - -<p>“It could be accomplished with an ingenious arrangement -of wires,” Carter added. “Having knocked -you out, so to speak, and knowing you soon would -throw off the effects of the brief shock, he immediately<span class="pagenum">[163]</span> -drugged you with a hypodermic injection, and -then proceeded to deliberately do what I had sent you -there to accomplish.”</p> - -<p>“He got the best of me, all right,” Chick admitted.</p> - -<p>“All this is very significant, however,” Carter said -more earnestly. “The ingenuity displayed, this use -of electricity, of drugs, of strange poisonous gas, -with a knowledge how it can be administered so as -to mysteriously cause death, as in Todd’s case, together -with the similar circumstances in the remarkable -robberies committed here, also in the cases of -the four girls found unconscious in the hospital -grounds—all evince a profound knowledge of such -things, that of the one man by whom all of these -crimes were devised and directed.”</p> - -<p>“I agree with you,” Chick nodded, laying aside his -napkin. “Only one man would probably be so well -informed and knavishly original.”</p> - -<p>“He is either a criminal genius or a madman whose -perverted mind has turned to crime for profit and -excitement. That man must be found, though we -turn heaven and earth to discover his identity.”</p> - -<p>Though he still had Doctor Devoll in mind as being -the one whom several minor circumstances had -led him to suspect, Carter did not once think of Professor -Karl Graff, whom he had seen only for a couple -of minutes when investigating the death of Gaston -Todd, and whose appearance and deportment were -in no degree impressive, to say nothing of inviting -suspicion.</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz!” Patsy exclaimed, replying. “It strikes -me, chief, that that motor car is a clew worth following. -We know that one of the two men at the road<span class="pagenum">[164]</span> -house killed Leary’s cat, and it’s dollars to fried rings -that he is the man we want to identify. In spite of -the false number plates used last night, I think I can -run down that car, if I go on a still hunt for it.”</p> - -<p>“Think you can, eh?” queried Carter tersely.</p> - -<p>“I sure do,” said Patsy confidently.</p> - -<p>“There are about a thousand cars of that type in -Madison. You’ll do good work, Patsy, if you round -up that particular one.”</p> - -<p>“Good work is my long suit, chief,” Patsy earnestly -argued. “You ought to know that.”</p> - -<p>“So I do, Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“Let me try, then. I’ll bet I can make good.”</p> - -<p>“Very well,” Carter abruptly decided. “Set to -work as soon as you like. In the meantime, Chick, I -will see Chief Gleason and get cards for to-night. I -want you to accompany me. If this master criminal, -whoever he is, can put one over on us and get away -with Mrs. Thurlow’s pearls, I’ll chuck my vocation -and start a peanut stand.”</p> - -<p>Nick arose from the table with the last, -all having finished their breakfast, and Patsy -was so eager to be off on the work he had -voluntarily assumed and the outcome of which -he had so confidently predicted that he hurried up -to their suite in advance of the others, getting such -articles as he required and leaving the house without -further instructions.</p> - -<p>Nick Carter sauntered into police headquarters -about ten o’clock that morning, and found Chief Gleason -in his private office.</p> - -<p>“Too busy to see me?” he inquired carelessly when<span class="pagenum">[165]</span> -the chief looked up and then swung quickly around -in his swivel chair.</p> - -<p>“Too busy? I should say not!” he exclaimed, with -a perceptible frown. “I was expecting to see you.”</p> - -<p>“That so?” queried Nick, while he drew up a chair.</p> - -<p>“Very much so,” Gleason said brusquely. “See -here, Carter, what are you putting over on me?”</p> - -<p>“Putting over on you?” Nick’s eyes narrowed -slightly.</p> - -<p>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t quite get you, Gleason.”</p> - -<p>“You ought to get me. Why haven’t I seen you -since yesterday morning? Why haven’t you reported? -In other words, Carter, what are you doing about this -Todd murder and these other cases?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, that’s it, is it?” said Nick, who had been wondering -what was coming. “I had begun to fear there -was something wrong. Putting over on you, eh? -Did you really expect me, Gleason, to run in here every -hour or two and report the progress of my work? -That’s not my way of doing business.”</p> - -<p>“I know, Carter; I know,” Gleason more quietly -protested, warned by a subtle ring in the detective’s -voice. “But we really have nothing on Paulding, nothing -at all definite, nothing that warrants holding him -in custody. It was upon your advice that we arrested -him.”</p> - -<p>“I guess you have made no mistake.”</p> - -<p>“But——”</p> - -<p>“He has not kicked against it, has he?”</p> - -<p>“No, no, not exactly, yet——”</p> - -<p>“Stop a moment,” Nick interrupted. “How long<span class="pagenum">[166]</span> -were you and your score of subordinates at work on -these mysterious crimes before you sent for me?”</p> - -<p>“Why, several months, as you know.”</p> - -<p>“And accomplished nothing.”</p> - -<p>“Why, nothing material.”</p> - -<p>“Several months and nothing accomplished,” said -Nick pointedly. “I have been in Madison only two -days, Gleason, yet you expect me to begin turning in -reports and possibly to have solved the problem that -has baffled you for months. Don’t be foolish, Gleason. -Rome was not built in a day.”</p> - -<p>“But you might at least keep me informed now and -then as to——”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense!” Nick cut in again. “I’ll report, Gleason, -when I have anything worth reporting, and not -until then. If that doesn’t satisfy the Madison chief -of police, I’ll chuck the whole business and hike back -to New York.”</p> - -<p>“No, no, don’t say that,” Chief Gleason quickly entreated. -“I may have been a bit impatient, Carter, -but only because of my anxiety concerning Paulding, -who really is a very decent fellow. I don’t want to -put him in wrong, you know.”</p> - -<p>“I am the one who has done the putting, Gleason, -and I will take all of the responsibility,” Nick replied. -“But do not be impatient or needlessly anxious. -There will be something doing sooner or later, -and you shall know all about it.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well, that ought to satisfy me, I suppose, -coming from you,” Gleason said more agreeably. “I -should have known better than to have questioned -your judgment. Have you discovered anything -worthy of mention?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[167]</span></p> - -<p>“Not yet, but I’m on the way,” the detective said -evasively. “I can tell you nothing definite at present. -Incidentally, however, I wish to attend the reception -and ball of the National Guards this evening. I suppose -you have been called upon to take the customary -precautions.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed,” Gleason quickly nodded. “Ten of -my men are to be there in plain clothes. It will be -a swell affair, with much costly jewelry worn, no -doubt, and we are taking unusual precautions.”</p> - -<p>“Quite right,” Carter said approvingly. “I want -you to get me two tickets and the necessary cards.”</p> - -<p>“I can give them to you now.” Gleason opened a -drawer in his desk. “I was supplied with a dozen, -but need only ten. Here are the other two.”</p> - -<p>“Good enough.” Nick slipped them into his pocket. -“Say nothing about my going, by the way, for I don’t -want that generally known. After this ball, Gleason, -I may have something to report,” he said significantly, -while he arose to go.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[168]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">PATSY ON THE TRAIL.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>“Good work is right. It sure will be some stunt -to find that particular car, as the chief said, but there’s -more than one way to kill a cat. I’ll find it, by gracious, -or lose a leg.”</p> - -<p>These were Patsy Garvan’s mental declarations -when he left the Wilton House at nine o’clock that -morning, not only determined to find the motor car -he had seen the previous night, but also to identify its -chauffeur and his two passengers.</p> - -<p>“I’ll go the whole hog,” he added to himself. “If -I discover the chauffeur, I’ll not quit till I have learned -who was with him. I’ll make good the limit, if I -make good at all.”</p> - -<p>His first visit proved futile, and he then consulted -a directory and noted the location of every public -garage. He then proceeded from one to another as -quickly as possible, searching each in the same way, -but with the same negative result.</p> - -<p>In only one was he questioned by the proprietor, -but Patsy was ready for him, and politely explained.</p> - -<p>“I am thinking of buying a car next month, sir, and -am merely having a look at these. I hope you have -no objection.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly not in that case,” was the reply. “Go -as far as you like.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll go far and go some, I reckon, before I hook -onto the right one,” thought Patsy, who then had<span class="pagenum">[169]</span> -been thus at work for several hours, stopping only -for lunch in a convenient restaurant. “The car might -be out, of course, even if I were to hit the right -garage, providing it is kept in a public one. I’ve got -to take the chance. I’ll stick, too, by ginger, till I -find it.”</p> - -<p>It was after three o’clock when he emerged from -the last garage on his list, and his face wore a look -of irrepressible disappointment, though his ardor and -determination had not waned.</p> - -<p>“Where next?” he asked himself. “The day is -two-thirds gone and I’m no better off than when I -started. It would be impossible to visit every private -garage. Nor could I identify that chauffeur in a passing -car if he was in disguise last night, or tell whether -the number plates have been removed or temporarily -changed by some means. If changed, by Jove, there’s -one way that might be done. There may be something -in this.”</p> - -<p>He was hit with a new idea, one that immediately -struck him as promising. He had in mind, of course, -that all of the license plates of that State were blue -and numbered with white figures. Returning to the -business section, from which his long search had taken -him, he again consulted a directory and made a list -of the paint stores, one of which he presently entered -and questioned the proprietor.</p> - -<p>His inquiries proved vain, however, and he hastened -to another. Not until close upon five o’clock -was he successful, when, accosting the proprietor of -a small shop in a side street, he began the same line -of inquiries.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[170]</span></p> - -<p>“Do you keep vaseline or a paste of any kind that -I could color with a pigment?”</p> - -<p>“I have vaseline in small jars. What color do you -want to make it?”</p> - -<p>“Prussian blue,” said Patsy, that being the body -color of the number plates.</p> - -<p>“You can mix the Prussian blue powder with the -vaseline all right?”</p> - -<p>“Making a paste that would stick for a time and -then wipe off easily?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, surely.”</p> - -<p>“Do you have many calls for Prussian blue?”</p> - -<p>“Not many. You are the second one within a week, -though,” said the proprietor. “Toby Monk bought -a box three or four days ago. That’s the second, -by the way, that he has bought within a month. He -uses it mebbe the same as you do.”</p> - -<p>“What’s his business? I’m an artist,” said Patsy, -lest these inquiries might reach the ears of the said -Toby Monk.</p> - -<p>“He’s a chauffeur,” replied the storekeeper. “He -owns a car and runs it as a jitney part of the time, -when he’s not driving for a man who frequently employs -him.”</p> - -<p>“What man is that?” inquired Patsy, suppressing -any betrayal of his elation.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know his name.”</p> - -<p>“Or where he lives?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“He’s a merchant, perhaps, or a doctor, or——”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know anything about him. Why are you -so anxious to know who and——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I’m not anxious,” Patsy cut in quickly. “I<span class="pagenum">[171]</span> -was only wondering how the fellow you spoke of -used the color. Give me one can of it, smallest size, -and a small jar of vaseline.”</p> - -<p>Patsy’s explanation was glibly made, and the storekeeper -appeared to attach no further significance to -his customer’s curiosity. He wrapped up the two articles, -and Patsy paid him and departed, afterward -tossing the package mentioned among some weeds in -a vacant lot.</p> - -<p>“Only a lunkhead would have questioned him further,” -he said to himself, now feeling almost sure -that he had hit the right trail. “Toby Monk, eh? I’ll -soon find out where he lives and what is generally -known about him. Bought Prussian blue twice, has -he? It’s a hundred to one that he has been using it -to temporarily blot out a figure with blue paste matching -the background of his number plate, or to so cover -part of one or more figures as to form others, apparently -giving the plate an entirely different number -when engaged in a job like that of last night. -Blue paste could be quickly wiped off after the job was -done. I’ll find out mighty soon whether I am right -and have nailed one of the suspects.”</p> - -<p>He hastened to a near drug store, and again resorted -to the city directory. He found that Toby -Monk lodged in Green Street, and thither he then -hastened.</p> - -<p>He learned, after a little roundabout questioning in -an opposite cigar store, that Toby Monk kept his car -in an unused stable about a block away, and that he -could usually be found between six and seven o’clock -in Foley’s saloon and restaurant in Prince Street, -where he often went for his beer and supper.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[172]</span></p> - -<p>It then was nearly six, with dusk beginning to -gather, and Patsy lost no time in seeking the stable -mentioned. It stood in the back yard of an inferior -wooden dwelling. The stable door was open, and the -car stood within, apparently the one he had pursued -the previous night, though he could not now see the -number plates.</p> - -<p>“I must make dead sure of it,” he said to himself, -after sauntering by the house and turning merely a -furtive gaze toward the stable. “Toby Monk may -be in this house, since his car is here, and I’d better -not venture through the yard. I’ll go round to the -next street and steal between those two houses back -of the stable. There may be a back window, and I -could easily climb the fence.”</p> - -<p>It took him about three minutes to reach the rear -of the stable, which he accomplished without being -seen, and he found the window he was seeking. He -found it unlocked, moreover, and within half a minute -he was crouching back of the touring car, inspecting -the number plate.</p> - -<p>It was as clean as a whistle, though the rest of the -car was quite dusty. Obviously it had been recently -wiped. Plainly, too, the number, 12674, could be apparently -changed to 2671, the very number he had -seen the previous night, by eliminating the 1 and the -loop of the 4 by covering them with the blue paste.</p> - -<p>“By Jove, this does settle it!” Patsy muttered, after -a brief inspection. “Here’s a smooch of dirty blue -grease, too, on the tire. Possibly I can find the——”</p> - -<p>Turning quickly, he discovered what he had in mind. -A wad of cotton waste soiled with greasy blue paste -had been tossed amid some rubbish in one corner.<span class="pagenum">[173]</span> -On a beam near by was an open can of Prussian blue -powder, and near it a tin box containing some of the -paste and a soiled brush.</p> - -<p>Patsy did not want more convincing evidence. He -stole out by the way he had entered, easily departing -unseen in the deepening dusk, and feeling reasonably -sure that Toby Monk then would be found -in the saloon mentioned.</p> - -<p>“I’ll have a look, at all events,” he said to himself. -“Toby was the chauffeur, all right, and through him -I may identify the others. Gee whiz! It’s lucky I -thought of that method to alter the number plate. It -put me on the right track. I’ll drop the chief a line -in the next letter box, lest I unexpectedly throw a -shoe, and then I’ll keep up my good work. I’ll be -hanged if I’ll quit a trail that’s just warming up.”</p> - -<p>It was half past six, and dusk had turned to darkness, -when Patsy approached Foley’s saloon in Prince -Street, within a block of police headquarters. It -was a restaurant and barroom of the better class, with -a corresponding patronage, and he paused briefly on -the opposite side to gaze through the broad plate-glass -windows.</p> - -<p>He could see nearly a score of men in the saloon, -some talking and drinking at the bar, others seated -in a row of side booths, and nearly as many in the -rear restaurant. He was unable to discover one so -like the chauffeur in height and figure as to be sure -of his identity, however, and he then decided to enter -and use his wits. Approaching the bar, he bought -a glass of beer and lingered to drink it moderately. -Taking a moment when one of the bartenders was -idle and near him, he inquired carelessly:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[174]</span></p> - -<p>“How far must I go to hit a jitney?”</p> - -<p>“Main Street, two blocks east,” said the bartender -tersely.</p> - -<p>“Don’t any of them go through this street?”</p> - -<p>“Sometimes, but not regular. Mebbe, though, -that——” The bartender stopped and looked searchingly -toward the restaurant, until his gaze fell upon -a man at one of the side tables. “Ah, there he is! -I thought he was there.”</p> - -<p>“Thought who was here?”</p> - -<p>“Toby Monk. He runs a jitney, but he is eating -his supper. His car may be outside.”</p> - -<p>“Where does he leave it?”</p> - -<p>“Just above here.”</p> - -<p>“There is no car out there,” said Patsy. “I just -came in and would have seen it.”</p> - -<p>“He’s put it up until later, then, as he often does -about this time.”</p> - -<p>“It don’t matter,” said Patsy. “The walking’s -good.”</p> - -<p>He turned away indifferently, and was pleased to -see that other customers then claimed the attention -of the bartender. Having carefully noted in which direction -he had gazed a moment before, Patsy easily -determined on which man his eyes had lingered, and -he now furtively sized him up—a well-built man in -the thirties, with a dark, smooth-shaven face, a square -jaw, and thin lips, having a downward curve that -gave him a sinister expression.</p> - -<p>But Patsy’s train of thought was cut short when -Toby Monk, rising abruptly from a seat at the table, -took his cap from a wall rack and strode out through -the saloon.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[175]</span></p> - -<p>At the same moment a burly, red-featured man -entered from the street, and the two met just within -the swinging doors and scarce six feet from that end -of the bar at which Patsy was standing. He saw -Toby Monk start slightly, as if surprised, and then -heard him exclaim, with inquiring scrutiny:</p> - -<p>“Hello! What’s up, Shannon?”</p> - -<p>“Shannon!” Patsy echoed the name mentally, with -a thrill of increasing elation. “That’s the name of -the attendant the chief saw in Doctor Devoll’s private -room. He answers his description, too. Gee -whiz, the net is tightening for fair! It now is a cinch -that Doctor Devoll is one of the gang, and very possible -the big finger.”</p> - -<p>Patsy missed nothing that was said while these -thoughts flashed through his mind. Shannon had -stopped short the moment he saw the chauffeur, to -whom he quickly replied, and with his gruff voice -only slightly subdued:</p> - -<p>“You’re wanted, Toby.”</p> - -<p>“Wanted by——”</p> - -<p>“You know,” Shannon cut in quickly. “I have -orders for you.”</p> - -<p>“What’s doing? Why did you come here after -me?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you on the way. This is no time or place. -Get a move on and go with me.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll go with you also if it’s all the same to you -two rascals—or whether it is or not,” thought Patsy -as he edged toward the door and followed the two -men to the street.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[176]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">BIRDS OF PREY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The trail picked up by Patsy Garvan was becoming -so hot, indeed, as he had expressed it, that he now -had absolutely no idea of quitting it. He followed -the two suspects through Prince Street, noting that -they were engaged in a subdued and very earnest discussion, -with Shannon doing most of the talking, but -Patsy did not venture to attempt overhearing them.</p> - -<p>“I could pick up only a word or two at the most, and -must take a chance of being seen and suspected,” he -rightly reasoned. “That would put them on their -guard and knock a further espionage on the head. I’d -better keep them in the dark and try to see what’s -coming off. If Shannon brought orders from some -one to this sinister-looking scamp, it’s long odds that -Doctor Devoll was the one. There sure is something -in the wind.”</p> - -<p>It soon was evident to him that the two men were -heading for the stable in which Toby Monk kept his -car, and he began to fear that he was booked for -the same difficulties he had had the previous night. -He felt quite sure of it, in fact, when both men entered -the stable and Toby Monk partly closed the -front door, precluding a view from the street.</p> - -<p>Presently, however, a feeble light from a smoky lantern -could be seen, and Patsy muttered perplexedly:</p> - -<p>“What do they want of that? They can’t be going -out with the car, after all, or a lantern would not<span class="pagenum">[177]</span> -be needed. They may have come here only to escape -observation while planning a job. I can very soon -find out by making use of the back window again.”</p> - -<p>He was on his way with the last thought. A couple -of minutes brought him to the back fence, over -which he climbed noiselessly, and then crept near -enough to see and hear through the dusty back window.</p> - -<p>Toby Monk was on his knees with a box of blue -paste and a brush, engaged in altering the figures on -the rear number plate of the touring car.</p> - -<p>Shannon was seated on a box near by, with his -brawny arms resting on his knees, while he grimly -watched the chauffeur’s artistic alterations.</p> - -<p>“You’d better let the top down, too, Toby,” he advised, -after a moment. “That will help.”</p> - -<p>“Mebbe so, Jim, since I’m never seen with it down,” -Monk replied. “I’ll drop it before leaving.”</p> - -<p>“Besides, it might be a bit in the way,” Shannon -pointedly added. “It’s easier to get into an open -car. This trick has got to be turned on the jump, mind -you.”</p> - -<p>“I know that, Jim, all right, and you can bet I’ll -do my part.”</p> - -<p>“Have I made it perfectly plain to you?”</p> - -<p>“As plain as twice two.”</p> - -<p>“The signal——”</p> - -<p>“There’s no need to repeat it, Jim,” Toby protested, -interrupting, much to Patsy’s disappointment. “I’ve -got the whole business down pat, so far as my part -in the job goes. You may tell his nibs he may bank -on that.”</p> - -<p>“The hour——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[178]</span></p> - -<p>“I know,” Monk again cut in impatiently. “You -need never repeat an order that he sends me. There’s -too much coming, Jim, for me to go lame.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be off, then, Toby, and tell him I found you,” -said Shannon, rising abruptly. “He’ll be waiting for -me by this time.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, then, and I’ll see you later.”</p> - -<p>“Sure thing, Toby, bar a slip-up of some kind,” -Shannon paused to add. “You know what we are -up against.”</p> - -<p>“Rats! Trust his nibs to get the best of that bunch. -No dicks can fool him. He’ll put something over on -them that they never heard of.”</p> - -<p>Shannon laughed grimly, picking his way around -the touring car, and left the dingy, dimly lighted stable.</p> - -<p>Patsy Garvan hesitated only for a moment. He remembered -the previous night. He knew that he might -find it utterly impossible to follow Toby Monk, who -evidently was soon going to use his car, and Patsy -immediately stole around the stable, taking advantage -of the darkness to dart back of the rear dwelling, -and in another moment he was stealthily following -Shannon up the street.</p> - -<p>“Going to tell his nibs, is he?” thought Patsy, with -ever-increasing elation. “If I don’t learn who is back -of this whole business, then there’ll be something -wrong with the cards. Get the best of the chief, will -he? I guess not!”</p> - -<p>He found it easy to shadow his unsuspecting -quarry. He trailed him to an outskirt of the business -section, where Shannon paused briefly in a gloomy -doorway and put on a disguise. Five minutes later,<span class="pagenum">[179]</span> -after looking sharply in each direction, he entered a -court flanking one end of a large stone building.</p> - -<p>“By gracious!” thought Patsy, gazing up at it. -“This is the Waldmere Chambers, the building in -which Todd was killed. Has the gang a headquarters -here, or is it where only the chief himself hangs -out? In either case, by Jove! I’m getting in right at -last.”</p> - -<p>Stealing nearer, he peered cautiously into the court. -Shannon had disappeared in the deeper darkness. Following -noiselessly, Patsy brought up at a solid wooden -gate about six feet high, and he then heard a door -closed and the snap of a lock. It told him plainly -enough that Doctor David Devoll’s burly attendant -had entered the building.</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz! I must not lose track of him,” Patsy -muttered under his breath. “I’ll take chances to guard -against that. Locked, by thunder!”</p> - -<p>Patsy had vainly tried to open the gate. He saw -that it closed an alley about five feet wide between -the rear of the Waldmere Chambers and the blank back -wall of another lofty building. He drew himself up -and looked over it. He could see a door some ten -feet away, and directly above it a single-lighted window, -the roller shade of which was drawn nearly to -the sill.</p> - -<p>“That’s a rear office on the second floor,” Patsy -rightly reasoned. “That door must open into a basement, -however, for the land slopes toward the front -of the building. By Jove! I must find out what’s doing.”</p> - -<p>Without a sound that could have been heard in -the office mentioned, he climbed over the gate and<span class="pagenum">[180]</span> -dropped upon the pavement in the alley, then picked -his way through the gloom toward the door. He -then found that it was an ordinary storm door, opening -outward and protecting an interior one, which -was securely locked.</p> - -<p>He listened vainly for any sound from within, also -at two ground-glass windows near by, evidently those -of a basement, then as dark as a pocket. Both were -securely fastened.</p> - -<p>“Gee! I’m no better off,” he said to himself. “If -I could get up to that lighted window, I might learn -whether Shannon is there, or—by gum! I have it. I -can both see and hear, all right, by standing on the -top of this outer door. It’s some stunt to get up there, -though, without being heard.”</p> - -<p>He demurred only briefly, seeing no other way to -accomplish his object. He opened the door, then hung -by his hands from the top for a moment, finding that -the hinges would support him. He then drew himself -up, working one leg over the outer corner, and -finally worming himself to a seat on the unsteady -perch. Twice he had swung against the building, but -met the wall noiselessly with his shoulder.</p> - -<p>Reaching up, he then could grasp the stone sill of -the lighted window. He drew himself up, hanging -clear of the door, then nearly closed it with his feet, -bringing it to a position directly under the window, -enabling him to stand in a crouching posture on it, -still grasping the stone sill.</p> - -<p>A beam of light from under the roller shade then -fell on Patsy’s grimly determined face. Voices from -within reached his ears. He peered into the room and<span class="pagenum">[181]</span> -saw, seated in opposite chairs, Jim Shannon and Professor -Karl Graff.</p> - -<p>“The man I trailed to Leary’s road house! The -man who killed the cat!” The thoughts flashed -swiftly through Patsy’s mind. “By gracious, it now -is a cinch! He’s the big finger of the gang. But who -the deuce is he?”</p> - -<p>Though puzzled as to his identity, Patsy read plainly -in Professor Graff’s gray-bearded face that he was -discussing something of serious importance. His narrow -eyes had a vicious gleam and glitter. He was -drawn forward in his chair, with his hands clenched -on his knees and his gaze riveted on Shannon’s dark -face, from which he had removed his disguise.</p> - -<p>“You made it clear to him, Jim, perfectly clear?” -Graff was asking. “There must be no mistake, no -delay.”</p> - -<p>“There’ll be none,” Shannon gruffly informed him. -“You can bank on that.”</p> - -<p>“The number plates——”</p> - -<p>“I left him changing them.”</p> - -<p>“The position he is to take with the car——”</p> - -<p>“He knows the very spot.”</p> - -<p>“The signal——”</p> - -<p>“Your flash light—he knows,” Shannon cut in -again. “He’ll be watching for it.”</p> - -<p>“And what he then must do?”</p> - -<p>“The whole business. He has it down pat from -A to Z.”</p> - -<p>Graff settled back in his chair. He appeared satisfied -with these forcible assurances. He fell to rubbing -his hands, his eyes gleaming with malicious triumph,<span class="pagenum">[182]</span> -a gleam and glitter so intense that Patsy Garvan -felt that he was gazing at a madman.</p> - -<p>“If he isn’t dippy, a pronounced victim of criminal -mania, I’m no judge of human faces,” he said to himself. -“Human be hanged! He has the look of a -devil, and all the makings of one, if I’m not mistaken.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll balk him, thwart him, turn this trick on him, -Shannon, in spite of all he can do,” Graff snapped -viciously after a moment. “Then, if he dares to remain -in Madison—well, God help him! His fate -will be on his own head. I have told him. I have -warned him.”</p> - -<p>“He means the chief,” thought Patsy. “This was -the rascal who sent him the letter, and he refers to -the theft of Mrs. Thurlow’s pearls. They’ve been -planning it, and that’s the job Toby Monk is booked -for to-night. If I can but learn the details of their -scheme, it will be soft walking for the chief to foil -their game and collar the entire gang. I’m on the -way, all right.”</p> - -<p>Patsy felt reasonably sure of it, indeed, and he was -missing nothing that passed between the two conspirators. -Shannon appeared oblivious to Graff’s display -of feeling, though he smiled a bit grimly and -said:</p> - -<p>“You can turn the dick down, all right, if need be, -and none would get wise. All I hope is that he won’t -be able to queer this job. There would be something -coming to us from it, a deal more than usual.”</p> - -<p>“It’s as sure as if you already had it in your pocket, -Shannon, if my instructions are carefully followed.”</p> - -<p>“They will be,” Shannon nodded. “What does Tim -Hurst think about it? Where does he fit in?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[183]</span></p> - -<p>“He’s to work the trick with me.”</p> - -<p>“Any one else?”</p> - -<p>“Only Dorson.”</p> - -<p>“Is it safe to rely upon him?”</p> - -<p>“There will be no safety for him if he disappoints -me,” Graff declared, with vicious asperity. “He knows -what it will cost and that he’ll pay the price. You -know what befell the one treacherous cur who dared -to defy me and threatened to expose——”</p> - -<p>“Enough of that,” Shannon cut in, with a growl. -“I don’t like to think of it, much less talk about it. -What has become of Hurst, anyway?”</p> - -<p>“I have not seen him since last night, after he -searched the rooms of that servile cur.” Graff spoke -with an ugly snarl. “He found papers that would -have exposed us, but they now are ashes only. Luckily, -too, he was in time to down one of the Nick Carter -gang, who otherwise would have found the same -and had us by the ears.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll get you all right, sooner or later,” thought -Patsy. “Tim Hurst, eh? The masked man whom -Chick encountered. Give us a little more time and -we’ll uncover all of these hidden faces.”</p> - -<p>“Downed him, did he?” queried Shannon. “He -must be a lightweight dick that Tim could down, for -all he’s quick and clever.”</p> - -<p>Professor Graff laughed for a moment as if much -tickled, but his mirth had qualities that sent a chill -down Patsy’s spine.</p> - -<p>“I had made it easy for him,” Graff replied, still -chuckling with evil pride. “He wore an unsuspected -weapon, an electrical device of mine that would overcome<span class="pagenum">[184]</span> -a horse. Let Tim alone to make good when -in a tight place.”</p> - -<p>“But it’s near seven,” Shannon growled, glancing -at the clock. “If he’s to work with you to-night——”</p> - -<p>“He’ll come,” Graff cut in quickly. “He’ll show up -on time. He’s due here now.”</p> - -<p>“Due here! Will he sneak in this way, or enter -from the front street? If he comes while I’m up -here——”</p> - -<p>Patsy caught his breath, scenting speedy trouble.</p> - -<p>A key had been thrust into the lock, and almost -instantly the gate was opened and hurriedly closed. -A slender, black-clad figure had entered the alley, a -thin-featured, keen-eyed man of about thirty, who -quickly jerked the key from the lock.</p> - -<p>Patsy had as quickly decided what he would do. -He knew he could not leap down from his unsteady -perch undetected and retreat farther into the alley. -He took, therefore, his only chance to escape observation, -knowing that he could not hold up the intruder -without alarming his confederates. Firmly -grasping the stone sill of the window, he drew up -his legs and raised his feet from the top of the door, -hoping the man would pass under him and enter without -seeing him.</p> - -<p>The ruse came near proving successful. Tim Hurst -strode quickly to the storm door and flung it open, then -fished out a key to the inner one. He had heard -nothing alarming nor seen the crimped figure hanging -close to the dark wall directly above him.</p> - -<p>Just then, however, a bit of cement broke from the -stone under Patsy’s rigid grasp, and it fell straight -down upon Hurst’s head. He drew back as if electrified,<span class="pagenum">[185]</span> -looking up, and as quick as a flash he guessed -the truth. On the instant, too, while he uttered a -short, sharp whistle, he leaped up and seized Patsy’s -legs, snarling fiercely:</p> - -<p>“Come down here! Let go, blast you, or——”</p> - -<p>Hurst was not given time to say more.</p> - -<p>Patsy heard Graff and Shannon spring up and rush -down a back stairway in response to the whistle, and -he realized that only quick work could save him. He -let go of the sill and dropped straight down upon -Hurst’s head and shoulders, worming quickly around -as he pitched over him, and trying to grapple him -around his arms and waist.</p> - -<p>The lithe and wiry rascal was alert, however, and -as quick of motion as a cat. He also twisted around -when Patsy fell, spreading his feet to steady himself, -and then, with a lightninglike lurch toward the building, -he brought Patsy’s head against the stone wall, a -blow that nearly cracked his skull and dazed him so -that he hardly knew what immediately followed.</p> - -<p>In a vague way, however, he realized that he was -being roughly handled, that Graff and Shannon had -rushed out into the alley, and that the three men were -hurriedly taking him into the building.</p> - -<p>He heard both doors closed and locked, then was -conscious of being placed roughly on a cold cement -floor, with two of the ruffians nearly crushing him in -the inky darkness. This was dispelled in a moment -by a glare of electric light, and the cobwebs then -had cleared from his brain sufficiently for him to size -up the surroundings.</p> - -<p>He saw at a glance that he was in a chemical laboratory, -a large, square room with shelved walls, laden<span class="pagenum">[186]</span> -with bottles, jars, carboys, and the like. A zinc-covered -table was littered with the customary articles -required by a chemist. There was a closet in one corner. -Near by was an open door, an adjoining entry, -and a narrow stairway leading up to the room in which -the two men had been seated.</p> - -<p>Patsy still was gazing around when Graft approached -him, commanding his two confederates to -bind him, which they quickly proceeded to do with -cords brought from the closet, while Tim Hurst hurriedly -stated where he discovered their captive.</p> - -<p>“Who are you? Who sent you here to play the -spy?” he fiercely questioned.</p> - -<p>Though he keenly realized that he was in wrong, -and that much of his good work might prove futile, -Patsy lost neither his head nor his nerve.</p> - -<p>“No one sent me,” he answered curtly. “I came -on my own hook.”</p> - -<p>“You lie!” Graff snapped harshly. “You are in -Nick Carter’s employ.”</p> - -<p>“By Heaven, I guess that’s right,” Shannon agreed, -with a snarl. “He’s one of the dicks.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll dick him! We’ll dick him all right when -the time comes,” Graff fiercely declared. “But not -now, not yet. The Thurlow pearls are of first importance, -and I have only time to prepare for that -job. We’ll settle with him later. Gag him, Shannon, -and lock him in the closet. You must wait here and -watch till we return. Make sure the whelp can’t -escape. I’ll fix him later. I’ll fix him.”</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz!” thought Patsy. “If he makes good -as he looks, I can see my finish.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[187]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">STOLEN PEARLS.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nick Carter wore a worried look at eight o’clock -that evening. Both he and Chick then were dressing -for the elaborate reception and ball tendered to -the local National Guards, generally admitted to be -the chief social event slated for that season in Madison, -and during which the unknown crook whom the -detectives were so anxious to identify had threatened -to commit the crime the latter were grimly determined -to prevent.</p> - -<p>Nick Carter’s anxiety, however, was not because -his life also had been threatened and might possibly -be taken, in case he became an insurmountable obstacle -to the designs of the mysterious and daring desperado. -He was thinking of Patsy Garvan, his prolonged absence, -the occasion for which he could not fathom, -knowing that Patsy ordinarily would have reported -by telephone, at least, in view of the work engaging -him, unless something very unexpected and equally -serious prevented him.</p> - -<p>The detective did not blind himself, moreover, to -the fact that his own designs had been repeatedly anticipated -and balked by the unknown knave or by -members of his gang, in spite of his own expeditious -work and the precautions he had taken. He realized -most keenly that he was up against a remarkably -crafty and resourceful scoundrel. He began to fear -that Patsy had fallen into his hands and, in spite of<span class="pagenum">[188]</span> -his confidence in his own skill and prowess, that he -also might be booked for failure and utterly unable -to prevent the threatened theft of Mrs. Mortimer -Thurlow’s pearls.</p> - -<p>“It would be perfectly easy to foil the rascals, if that -was all we wished to accomplish,” said the detective, -while he and Chick were discussing their plans. “But -that is not enough.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly not,” declared Chick. “We must take -advantage of the circumstances to discover their identity -and in some way contrive to arrest them.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly. We must allow them enough leeway, -therefore, to be sure they will attempt the crime,” -Carter pointed out. “They know what they are up -against and that we are out to get them. If we remain -too near to Mrs. Thurlow, as if ready to instantly -grab any one that lays a finger on her, there -will be nothing to it. The miscreants will throw -up the job.”</p> - -<p>“Surely,” Chick agreed. “No sane man would -attempt it under such conditions.”</p> - -<p>“The fact that we are carefully disguised, moreover, -would not deceive them. They would suspect -any men who constantly hung around within reach -of Mrs. Thurlow, and would very soon identify us. -We must give them enough leeway, therefore, as I -have said, to be sure they will make the attempt.”</p> - -<p>“I agree with you,” Chick nodded.</p> - -<p>“It goes without saying, nevertheless, that we must -be in a position to constantly watch the woman,” Carter -added. “Having no idea just when the theft may -be attempted, we must not lose sight of her for a moment.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[189]</span></p> - -<p>“What plan had we better adopt?”</p> - -<p>“We can lay no elaborate plan. It will be of advantage, -however, if we keep an eye on one another, -as well as on the woman, and contrive to keep her constantly -between us. That will enable us to head off -a thief in two directions, at least.”</p> - -<p>“I see the point.”</p> - -<p>“We must be alert, also, to detect any person whose -looks or actions warrant suspicion,” Carter continued. -“It is barely possible that one of us can discover the -crook before the theft is attempted.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll put you wise, chief, in that case, and you do -the same.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, of course.”</p> - -<p>“Her nephew is to be her escort, you say.”</p> - -<p>“Yes. His name is Dorson. He will accompany -both Mrs. Thurlow and her daughter, and we can -identify them when they arrive.”</p> - -<p>“And our work must begin at that moment.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly. Naturally, of course, Dorson will pay -considerable attention to Mrs. Thurlow, and I don’t -think his presence will deter the crooks, for I have -directed her to say nothing to him about expecting a -crime. There is no occasion for any one to suspect -him, of course, even though he is with her much of -the time.”</p> - -<p>The detective added the last while they were about -to leave. It was a perfectly natural supposition, of -course, that the man of whom he was speaking was -entirely trustworthy. He did not have a thought to -the contrary, and, therefore, he could not foresee the -fatal result of this misplaced confidence in Mr. John -Dorson.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[190]</span></p> - -<p>It was a brilliant scene upon which the two detectives -arrived soon after eight o’clock, which they knew -would be sufficiently early. The streets adjoining -the park in which the handsome new armory building -was situated, in the vast hall and drill room, on the -second floor of which the ball was to be held, were -crowded with costly, brightly lighted automobiles of -nearly every type, leaving as rapidly as possible a -throng of fashionably clad men and elaborately -gowned women, many lavishly adorned with radiant -gems and jewels.</p> - -<p>Fortune favored the detectives at first. They had -been waiting only a few minutes in the broad reception -hall on the ground floor, when Carter saw Mrs. -Thurlow and Edna arrive in company with a tall, -somewhat cadaverous man, who he knew must be Mr. -John Dorson.</p> - -<p>“There they are, Chick,” he said quietly. “The -woman has not weakened. She is doing her part, -indeed, to help us nail our man. She is wearing the -rope of pearls.”</p> - -<p>“Some pearls, too,” Chick muttered admiringly. -“By Jove! they warrant taking a desperate chance. -That tall fellow is Dorson, I suppose.”</p> - -<p>“Surely.”</p> - -<p>“He’s not very attractive. He has the look of a -rounder.”</p> - -<p>“Not as bad as that, I guess,” said Carter. “I think -Mrs. Thurlow would have told me. Step down that -way and keep an eye on her. We now must watch -her constantly.”</p> - -<p>Both had been standing in an alcove formed by the rise -of the broad, main stairway. The latter led up<span class="pagenum">[191]</span> -to a wide corridor flanking three sides of the ballroom, -which was accessible from each through several broad, -pillared doorways. In the end wall of the room was -a row of open French windows, leading out upon the -balcony roof of a wide veranda overlooking an avenue -through the park mentioned, in which numerous automobiles -already had gathered to await the end of the -festivities.</p> - -<p>One among them had arrived quite early and obtained -a position of special advantage, close to the -broad avenue and within easy view of the veranda and -balcony. It attracted no more attention than any of -the others, neither did the chauffeur, who sat motionless -at his wheel. None would have recognized his -bearded face, nor could the car have been traced from -the license number it then appeared to bear.</p> - -<p>It was to these conditions and surroundings that -Professor Karl Graff had referred while talking with -Dorson in the road house, and of which he and his -knavish confederates were prepared to take every -advantage.</p> - -<p>Chick slipped away from his chief, as the latter had -directed, and took a position from which he could -watch the door of a room to which Mrs. Thurlow -and Edna had gone to leave their outside garments, -while Dorson hastened to another to check his crush -hat and Inverness. Though his face was unusually -pale and grave, it wore no expression inviting suspicion.</p> - -<p>He returned in a few moments and rejoined Edna -Thurlow, departing with her through the throng in -the lower corridor and mingling with the stream of -wealth and fashion then seeking the ballroom.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[192]</span></p> - -<p>Mrs. Thurlow came out a little later and joined a -group of women acting as a reception committee, and -for nearly an hour she remained in the lower hall, -apparently undisturbed by the threats of which she -had been informed, and conducting herself precisely as -if ignorant of them, as Carter had directed.</p> - -<p>Both detectives, though they then were separated, -had an eye on her all the while and on the rope of lustrous -pearls adorning her shapely neck and perfect -shoulders. Neither could detect any person near her -inviting suspicion, however, and it really seemed improbable -that so daring a theft could be successfully -committed, in view of the fact that it had been predicted -and prevention audaciously invited.</p> - -<p>It was ten o’clock when Mrs. Thurlow went up to -the lavishly decorated ballroom. There, and in the -adjoining corridors, a throng of several hundred -guests were assembled. A dance then was in progress, -however, and the corridors were less crowded than -during the intervals between the dances.</p> - -<p>Carter and Chick met on the stairs while following -the woman quite closely, and Carter said a bit hurriedly, -noting the direction she was taking:</p> - -<p>“She’s going to that end of the hall overlooking the -balcony. I’ll follow her. You hurry around through -the corridor, so as to watch her from the opposite -side of the hall. We then will have her guarded from -both directions.”</p> - -<p>“Suppose she goes out on the balcony?”</p> - -<p>“Slip out through one of the other windows. You -must not lose sight of her.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve got you,” Chick muttered, as he turned at -the head of the stairs and hurried away.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[193]</span></p> - -<p>Carter followed the woman in the opposite direction, -admiring her outward composure and the nerve -she was displaying. He saw her enter the last of the -broad doors and thread her way by the throng of -dancers, finally halting near one of the windows leading -out to the balcony, where she was immediately -joined by a colonel of the Guards, in full-dress uniform, -and a lady, with whom he had been dancing.</p> - -<p>Carter paused in the broad doorway, with a quick -and searching glance in each direction. He caught -sight of Chick, just entering a door directly across the -broad, brightly lighted hall. He saw Edna Thurlow -amid the throng of dancers, and noticed that she was -pale and paying little attention to the remarks of her -partner. He saw, too, the tall form of Mr. John -Dorson, who then was standing alone near the second -window beyond that near which Mrs. Thurlow had -halted.</p> - -<p>Though none could know it save the miscreant who -had planned the daring job, the situation then was -one for which he had been waiting, the crucial moment -when conditions assured him of success, when -the avenue fronting the veranda was unobstructed, -when flight would be easy, when the throng in the -ballroom were absorbed in the dance, when the strains -of orchestral music drowned all other sounds, and -when the victim of his designs had paused at a time -and place that perfectly served his purpose.</p> - -<p>Two inconspicuous, bearded men in evening dress, -who had apparently been talking carelessly on the balcony, -suddenly separated.</p> - -<p>One of them glided quickly toward the window<span class="pagenum">[194]</span> -near which Mrs. Thurlow was standing, taking a position -close against the wall.</p> - -<p>The other moved in the opposite direction, stopping -short near the second window and taking a small -electric flash light from his pocket. Hooding it with -both hands, so that its glare might not be observed -by any of the persons then on the balcony, he lighted -the lens for a moment, so holding it that it could be -seen from the grounds, on which motionless motor -cars then were parked.</p> - -<p>The signal was answered almost instantly. The -lamps of one of the motionless motor cars shot a -quick glare outward over the avenue, and in another -moment it was moving moderately in that direction.</p> - -<p>The man with a searchlight turned quickly and entered -the French window. He passed directly back of -Dorson, and, without stopping, whispered hurriedly:</p> - -<p>“Now, Dorson, be quick! Get in your work!”</p> - -<p>Dorson started as if stung. He did not recognize -the bearded man, but there was no mistaking his voice, -that fierce, sibilant hiss that he had heard at the road -house—the threatening voice of Professor Karl Graff.</p> - -<p>Dorson instantly pulled himself together, nevertheless, -and nerved himself for what he had undertaken. -He took the celluloid box from his pocket, -concealing it in his hand, and removed the cover, at -the same time walking toward Mrs. Thurlow, at whom -he had been gazing when he heard Graff’s threatening -command.</p> - -<p>When nearly back of her, Dorson stooped to the -floor and pretended to pick up a handkerchief—which -he had deftly removed from the box, quickly replacing -the latter in his pocket.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[195]</span></p> - -<p>“Pardon me,” said he, stepping in front of her. -“You have dropped your handkerchief, Aunt Clara.”</p> - -<p>The colonel talking with her turned at once to his -partner, and they whirled away amid other dancing -couples.</p> - -<p>“My handkerchief, Jack?” Mrs. Thurlow took it, but -with a look of surprise.</p> - -<p>“I think so.” Dorson drew back a step and with -one hand covered his mouth and nostrils.</p> - -<p>“No, this is not mine. You are mistaken.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure, Aunt Clara? It was on the floor -behind you. I thought you had dropped it.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Thurlow bowed her head a little closer to examine -it, still much crumpled, unfolding it and seeking -an initial.</p> - -<p>“No, it is not mine, Jack,” she repeated. “It may -be marked, however, or—or——”</p> - -<p>Her voice suddenly died away to a whisper. She -looked up at Dorson, as if strangely dazed, and he -saw her eyes quickly taking on the vacant expression -that had been predicted, the pupils contracting to mere -pinpoints, abnormally bright, while her lips turned -from red to a dull gray.</p> - -<p>Though his every nerve was quivering with secret -terror, Dorson kept his head and continued to play his -part. He instantly took the woman’s arm, saying -quietly:</p> - -<p>“You are pale and look tired. Step out on the balcony -with me. The air will revive you.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Thurlow obeyed him as if in a trance or a victim -of an hypnotic spell. She walked out with him -through the French window. There was a large -wicker chair near by, and Dorson placed her in it, then<span class="pagenum">[196]</span> -whisked the fateful handkerchief from her fingers and -thrust it into his pocket. Then he hurried back into -the ballroom, through which he passed as if in haste -to obtain water, as he really was.</p> - -<p>The man lurking near the wall in the dim light -instantly approached the woman. Pausing beside her -chair, he bowed as if to converse with her. His keen, -black eyes shot one swift glance at a few persons on -a remote part of the balcony. None was observing -him. His deft hands quickly lifted the rope of pearls -and dropped it into his pocket. Then he took out a -small glass vial, poured the contents of it upon a -sponge, and held the latter to the woman’s nostrils for -a few seconds.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Thurlow gasped and caught her breath.</p> - -<p>The man accidentally dropped the vial and it rolled -out of sight. He did not wait to search for it, did not -dare to delay his departure. He walked quickly toward -a corner of the balcony, where the top of a vine-covered -trellis rose just above the railing.</p> - -<p>Toby Monk was at that moment passing the corner -with his motor car.</p> - -<p>Both Nick Carter and Chick had witnessed the episode -in the ballroom, and the same thought arose in -the minds of both—that Mrs. Thurlow was perfectly -safe while with her nephew.</p> - -<p>The moment that Dorson returned alone, however, -both detectives felt a quick thrill of suspicion, an instinctive -feeling that the fateful moment had arrived, -and both hurried toward the nearest of the French -windows, making their way as quickly as possible -through the maze of whirling dancers.</p> - -<p>Chick was the first to reach the balcony. Coming<span class="pagenum">[197]</span> -from the glare in the ballroom, he could not immediately -see the seated woman in the dim light outside. -He discovered her in a moment, however, and ran toward -her—just as his chief hurriedly approached from -the opposite direction.</p> - -<p>One glance at Mrs. Thurlow’s white face, at her vacant -eyes and lax figure, at the neck, then bare of its -lustrous adornment—one glance was enough.</p> - -<p>“By thunder, they’ve turned the trick!” Chick cried, -staring. “That man Dorson must——”</p> - -<p>Carter did not wait to hear him. He had swung -around like a flash, seeking the thief, knowing that -scarce a minute had passed since the woman left the -ballroom. The few persons then on the balcony had -not observed any disturbance, but the detective instantly -caught sight of the swaying top of the trellis -mentioned.</p> - -<p>He ran in that direction, reaching for his revolver, -but he arrived at the corner of the balcony rail only -in time to see a slender, black-clad figure leap into -a moving motor car, that instantly sped away down -the avenue—Tim Hurst, with the rope of pearls in his -pocket.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[198]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">WHERE THE TIDE TURNED.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nick Carter did not attempt to stop the fleeing -crooks. He saw that the avenue was unobstructed, -that the motor car already was attaining high speed, -that a shot from his revolver would probably be -wasted, and that pursuit was utterly out of the question. -He turned back and hastened to rejoin Chick—just -as Jack Dorson returned from the ballroom, -bringing a glass of water.</p> - -<p>Chick was the first to see him, and, having at once -suspected him of aiding the crooks, he impulsively -started to call him down.</p> - -<p>“See here!” he exclaimed. “What motive did you -have in bringing this woman——”</p> - -<p>“A glass of water! Presumably, of course, because -Mrs. Thurlow wanted it. She must have felt ill, for -she appears to have fainted.”</p> - -<p>Carter had cut in quickly with the interruption, but -with a blandness that at once told Chick that he did -not want his suspicions revealed to Dorson, and he -immediately permitted his chief to take the ribbons.</p> - -<p>The entire episode had transpired in far less time -than is required to describe it. Scarce three minutes -had passed since Professor Karl Graff, most skillfully -disguised, an art in which his proficiency soon will become -obvious, had seen the opportunity for which he -had been waiting.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Thurlow was beginning to recover, nevertheless,<span class="pagenum">[199]</span> -though still too dazed to realize what had occurred. -But the stimulant or counteracting agent held -to her nostrils by Tim Hurst, even while he robbed -her of her pearls, was rapidly reviving her—as rapidly -as in the case of the girl on a cot in the Osgood -Hospital.</p> - -<p>Nick had glanced in Dorson’s direction when interrupting -his assistant, and in the light shed through -the French window he caught sight of something glistening -back of Mrs. Thurlow’s chair. He picked it -up and slipped it into his pocket—the vial accidentally -dropped by Tim Hurst in his hasty departure.</p> - -<p>Though the stir had been noticed by a few of the -persons on the balcony, none supposed that a robbery -had been committed, and none had approached to aid -or interfere.</p> - -<p>Jack Dorson saw at a glance that the rope of pearls -was gone, however, and, with nerves now as tense as -bowstrings, he quickly took advantage of the detective’s -remarks, not for a moment dreaming that they -had been designedly made.</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, she said she felt faint,” he replied, holding -the glass of water to his aunt’s lips. “I noticed in -the ballroom that she was quite pale. I had picked -up her handkerchief, or one I supposed was hers.”</p> - -<p>“I happened to see you,” Carter nodded. “Wasn’t -it hers?”</p> - -<p>“She said not.”</p> - -<p>“It appears to be missing.”</p> - -<p>“She must have dropped it again.”</p> - -<p>“Very likely.”</p> - -<p>“I told her she had better come out in the air,” -Dorson was explaining very glibly, each moment feeling<span class="pagenum">[200]</span> -more sure of successfully hiding his guilt. “I -came with her and placed her in this chair, and she -then asked me to bring her some water.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly.” Carter agreed with him readily. “I -saw you returning hurriedly, and I thought there -might be something wrong. That’s why I came out -here.”</p> - -<p>“Good heavens!” Dorson now exclaimed, as if suddenly -alarmed. “There is something wrong. See? -Her rope of pearls is gone. She was wearing it when -I left her.”</p> - -<p>“It may have unclasped and fallen to the floor,” the -detective said quickly. “Look around. Try to find -it.”</p> - -<p>Dorson obeyed with alacrity, thinking it the most -consistent course for one anxious to appear entirely -innocent, and Chick hastened to assist him in the -search, now seeing plainly that his chief had some -covert object in the negative steps he was taking.</p> - -<p>Carter had seen, just as the theft of the pearls was -mentioned, that Mrs. Thurlow was sufficiently recovered -to appreciate the loss and also the mystifying -situation. She had started up in her chair, and was -feeling with frantic haste for the stolen treasure, when -Carter bent nearer and grasped her arm, unobserved -by the others.</p> - -<p>“Collect yourself and listen,” he whispered impressively. -“I am Nick Carter, disguised. The pearls are -gone, but that is part of the game I am playing. They -will be returned to you to-morrow. Say not a word -about me, not even to your nephew. I will return -the pearls to you to-morrow evening.”</p> - -<p>“But——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[201]</span></p> - -<p>“Don’t oppose me,” Carter forcibly insisted. “Do -only what I direct. All depends upon it. Tell Edna -not to mention me in the hearing of others. Pretend, -now, that you have been robbed and that I am a -stranger.”</p> - -<p>The scene that immediately followed, for Mrs. -Thurlow understood and yielded to him, was about -what he expected, and also what he wanted. Amid -the ensuing stir and confusion, for an excited throng -gathered as soon as the robbery was announced, he -informed Dorson that he would go and notify the -police, and in company with Chick he immediately departed.</p> - -<p>Not until they were on their way down the avenue, -however, did Chick make any comments or ask any -questions. He then began with saying a bit disgustedly:</p> - -<p>“We seem to be playing a losing game. Is that the -size of it, chief, or what have you up your sleeve?”</p> - -<p>“The crooks have the rope of pearls,” Carter replied, -with grim dryness. “There is no denying that.”</p> - -<p>“And we are beaten to a frazzle.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, not quite as bad as that,” the detective -quickly protested. “We are not done brown, Chick, -by any means.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean? Do you suspect Dorson?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, certainly. It was he who made the crime -possible. He was coöperating with the rascals who -did the more hazardous work.”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I suspected.”</p> - -<p>“It’s as plain as twice two, Chick, in view of what -we know about the girls found unconscious in the -hospital grounds. The handkerchief used by Dorson<span class="pagenum">[202]</span> -was impregnated with the same mysterious substance -with which the girls were temporarily overcome. Obviously, -too, the crook who got the pearls administered -the antidote or Mrs. Thurlow would not have revived -so quickly.”</p> - -<p>“The same antidote that restored the four girls.”</p> - -<p>“Undoubtedly. Those were experimental cases, -Chick, as sure as I’m a foot high, in anticipation of -this job. Doctor Devoll was trying out his narcotic, -so to speak.”</p> - -<p>“You still think he is the chief culprit, the man behind -the gun?”</p> - -<p>“He was in every instance the man who revived -the girls, the physician who appeared to perfectly understand -each case.”</p> - -<p>“That’s true,” Chick nodded. “I see the point. -But why did you conceal your suspicions from Dorson?”</p> - -<p>“Because nothing could be gained by revealing -them.”</p> - -<p>“That’s true, also. Wouldn’t it be well to shadow -him, in case he——”</p> - -<p>“Not at present,” Carter interrupted. “He will -make no immediate move. All that he said was, -plainly enough, designed to avert suspicion from himself, -and he will continue to conduct himself along the -same line for a time. We may get him later.”</p> - -<p>“But what are your plans? Where are you going?” -Chick impatiently questioned. “Great Scott! we must -get on the track of those pearls.”</p> - -<p>“I’m on their track, all right,” his chief said grimly. -“More surely on their track than at any stage of the<span class="pagenum">[203]</span> -game. I told Mrs. Thurlow that I would return them -to her to-morrow evening.”</p> - -<p>“Is that so?” Chick gazed at him, surprised. -“Wasn’t that a rather chesty prediction?”</p> - -<p>“Quite so, Chick, but, having got the worst of it, I -had to keep her quiet till I could get the best of it.”</p> - -<p>“There’s something in that.”</p> - -<p>“Besides, I expect to have recovered them by that -time.”</p> - -<p>“Why so? I thought you had something up your -sleeve.”</p> - -<p>“It is in my pocket,” Carter corrected dryly.</p> - -<p>He took it out; the vial he had picked up unobserved -by others. Displaying it between his thumb -and fingers, he told Chick where he had found it; then -added pointedly:</p> - -<p>“It will help some.”</p> - -<p>“You mean——”</p> - -<p>“I mean that I now intend to corner Doctor David -Devoll,” Carter interrupted. “It now is ten o’clock. -Before this time to-morrow, Chick, I’ll have Devoll -where the wool is short. Take my word for it.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[204]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE WHEEL WITHIN.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nick Carter finished his breakfast at eight o’clock -the following morning. He needed no one to tell him -that Patsy Garvan, who still was absent, had fallen -into the hands of the remarkably clever and thus far -successful gang he was seeking. It was only half an -hour later when Carter entered the Osgood Hospital, -where he was received in the business office by Jim -Shannon, then in his customary livery.</p> - -<p>“Doctor Devoll is not here, sir,” he said respectfully, -in reply to the detective’s question. “He seldom -comes here before noon. He has outside patients, -sir, and other business. You might catch him before -he goes out, sir, if your business is important.”</p> - -<p>“Out from where?” Carter asked curtly.</p> - -<p>“From his apartments, sir. He has a suite in the -Pemberton.”</p> - -<p>“Where is that?”</p> - -<p>“About ten minutes’ walk from here,” Shannon said -suavely. “I can find out for you, sir, whether he is -there.”</p> - -<p>“By telephone?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Do so,” the detective said shortly.</p> - -<p>He sat down and kept an eye on the man, who did -not appear in the least disturbed by the detective’s -visit. One less quick to suspect subterfuge would have -apprehended that his suspicions were misplaced, that<span class="pagenum">[205]</span> -Shannon knew nothing about the anonymous letter, -and that Doctor Devoll was not the sender of it, after -all.</p> - -<p>Nick Carter, however, had no such apprehension. -He knew that he was up against as cool and crafty a -gang of knaves as ever stood in leather. He now was -accepting nothing that appeared on the surface. He -was seeking the wheel within.</p> - -<p>He watched and listened while Shannon telephoned, -readily getting Doctor Devoll on the wire and stating -that Mr. Blaisdell, who had called the previous day, -would like to come to the Pemberton to see him. That -was all that Shannon said, noncommittal it was, too, -and he immediately hung up the receiver and turned -to the detective.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, Doctor Devoll is there, and it’s all right,” -he said, with the air of one glad to have conferred -a favor. “He will wait for you. You can go right -up.”</p> - -<p>Nick took all this for what he thought it was worth. -He lingered only to inquire the way, then turned on -his heel and departed.</p> - -<p>Shannon watched him hasten across Hamilton -Square, and then, with a scowl as black as a thunder-cloud, -he darted to the telephone.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes had passed when the detective knocked -on the door of a second-floor suite in the Pemberton, -and he was immediately admitted by the man he was -seeking.</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll looked more lean and bald than usual -in the sunlight shed into his attractively furnished -parlor. He wore a short, velvet jacket, his customary<span class="pagenum">[206]</span> -black vest and trousers, and he greeted the detective -with an ingratiating smile.</p> - -<p>“Come in, Mr. Blaisdell, and take a seat,” he said, -waving Carter to a chair. “I remembered your visit, -of course, when Shannon called me up. You were very -lucky, however, in finding me this morning.”</p> - -<p>“Yes?” queried Carter tentatively.</p> - -<p>“I usually leave here about half past eight, but I -overslept this morning. I was very busy at the hospital -all of last evening, and did not retire till after -midnight.”</p> - -<p>“A serious case or an operation?”</p> - -<p>“Neither. I was doing some writing in my private -room, with the help of my attendant,” Doctor Devoll -explained blandly. Then he added, with a covert leer -deep down in his squinted eyes: “But it’s an ill wind, -indeed, that blows no one any good. What can I -do for you, Mr. Blaisdell?”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter heard him without a change of countenance, -but with no faith in the alibi so quickly volunteered. -He remembered the location of the physician’s -room, the strict privacy that was possible, and his -grounds for having suspected Shannon of duplicity. -He felt sure that they already had framed up a story -to show, if it became necessary, that they were not on -the scene of the robbery the previous evening.</p> - -<p>“You can, I think, give me some very desirable information,” -Carter replied, with steadfast scrutiny. -“Speaking of doing some writing, Doctor Devoll, have -a look at this anonymous letter. Read it, please, and -tell me what you think of it.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll took it, smiling, and glanced at the -address.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[207]</span></p> - -<p>“Dear me!” he exclaimed, looking up quickly. “It -is addressed to Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“I am Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“The famous detective?”</p> - -<p>“I am a detective.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well, this is most surprising.” Devoll appeared -greatly astonished. “I thought your name was -Blaisdell. Why are you using a fictitious name? -What could——”</p> - -<p>“I will presently explain,” Nick interrupted. -“Kindly read the letter.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll complied. Nothing denoted that he -was reading his own threatening letter. His crafty -face took on, instead, a look of mingled wonderment -and indignation.</p> - -<p>“Goodness!” said he, gazing straight at Nick. “This -is most amazing. A robbery predicted and your life -threatened. What audacity! What daring knavery!”</p> - -<p>“I agree with you.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know who sent it or suspect?”</p> - -<p>“I do not. Can you help me?”</p> - -<p>“Help you? What a question! Why had you any -such idea?” Doctor Devoll demanded, frowning. “I -cannot imagine who would send you such a letter.”</p> - -<p>“I thought you might know the hand.”</p> - -<p>“It is not familiar to me. Why did you think so?”</p> - -<p>“I will presently tell you,” said Carter. “The sender -has in one respect made good. Mrs. Thurlow’s rope -of pearls was stolen last evening.”</p> - -<p>“Good heavens, is it possible?” Devoll’s brows rose -again with a look of surprise. “In that case, Mr. -Carter, you have only one course.”</p> - -<p>“What is that?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[208]</span></p> - -<p>“That stated in this anonymous letter. No sane -man would ignore such a warning. Leave Madison -as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the sender may -again make good and kill you. I would advise you to -lose no time in returning to New York.”</p> - -<p>“I shall do nothing of the kind.”</p> - -<p>“No?”</p> - -<p>“I shall remain in Madison until I have stuffed that -letter down the sender’s throat.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s up to you, of course, and I admire -your nerve.” Doctor Devoll smiled again and returned -the letter. “It strikes me, however, that you will take -a desperate chance, a foolhardy one, in view of the -threat that has been executed. I would expect, if I -were in your shoes, to have my head blown off at any -moment.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll risk it.”</p> - -<p>“As I have said, then, it’s up to you.” Doctor Devoll -drew forward in his chair and spread his hands -on his knees. “But why have you called to show me -the letter, and what do you expect to learn from me? -I know nothing about it or about the theft of the -pearls.”</p> - -<p>Nick glanced down at the physician’s hands. He -noticed that they were white and slender, that the -nails were neatly manicured, and that that on his right -thumb was a bit discolored, as if from a slight bruise. -He looked up and replied:</p> - -<p>“On the contrary, Doctor Devoll, you do know -something about the theft.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense! What do you mean by that?”</p> - -<p>“Just what I said.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll did not reply immediately. He sat<span class="pagenum">[209]</span> -meeting the detective’s searching scrutiny without a -sign of flinching. His narrowed eyes were taking on -a threatening glint, instead, and he said a bit sharply:</p> - -<p>“If you repeat that assertion, Mr. Carter, I will -order you out of my apartments. I insist that I know -nothing about that letter or about the robbery. If -you think I am lying——”</p> - -<p>“One moment,” Nick interposed, checking him. -“Don’t misunderstand me or go over the traces. You -will presently agree with me, Doctor Devoll.”</p> - -<p>“Agree with you?”</p> - -<p>“You have not forgotten, of course, the four girls -found unconscious in the hospital grounds.”</p> - -<p>“No, certainly not.”</p> - -<p>“You treated all of them successfully, but you let -them go without making an investigation. Now, -Doctor Devoll, I happen to know that their abnormal -condition was due to inhaling a powerful narcotic of -some kind from a handkerchief found in a small -leather purse or bag.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! You know more about it, then, than I do.”</p> - -<p>“I know, too, that Mrs. Thurlow was overcome by -like means and robbed. I also know that the thief administered -an antidote that soon revived her—presumably -the same antidote that you administered to -the four girls. That is why I said that you know -something, at least, about the robbery.”</p> - -<p>“You mean——”</p> - -<p>“I mean that you know, of course, of what the antidote -consists,” Nick cut in again. “Otherwise, you -would not have used it. That is a logical conclusion, -isn’t it?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[210]</span></p> - -<p>“Perfectly—if your premises are correct.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll did not appear at all disturbed. If -these unexpected discoveries of the detective alarmed -him, he did not betray the fact. Only the gleam that -shone in his narrow eyes was steadily becoming -brighter—and Nick saw and rightly interpreted it.</p> - -<p>“They are correct, doctor, all right,” he replied -a bit grimly. “If you——”</p> - -<p>“Wait!” Doctor Devoll spoke more suavely. “I -now see what you meant, Mr. Carter, and at what -you are driving. I beg to assure you, too, that I would -be very glad to aid you in this matter or give you any -information I possess.”</p> - -<p>“I had no doubt of that, of course,” Nick said dryly.</p> - -<p>“I hope not.” Doctor Devoll smiled again. “But -why do you infer that the restorative I used was the -same as that given to Mrs. Thurlow. I may have employed -only an ordinary stimulant.”</p> - -<p>“I doubt that an ordinary stimulant would have been -effective,” the detective returned. “Furthermore, a -policeman who was present in the case of the last girl -saw you saturate a sponge with an amber-colored fluid -poured from a small fluted vial. Here is one like it, -Doctor Devoll. You may recognize it.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll’s nerve did not weaken for an instant. -He merely glanced at the vial Nick was displaying, -and said blandly:</p> - -<p>“You should not have said recognize it, Mr. Carter, -for that implies ownership. I never saw that vial before. -I admit, however, that I have one precisely like -it.”</p> - -<p>“And that it contained the antidote you used?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[211]</span></p> - -<p>“What was it?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t know?” Nick echoed incredulously. “Do -you mean to assert, Doctor Devoll, that you blindly -used——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I admit that it sounds incredible,” Doctor Devoll -interrupted. “It is true, sir, nevertheless. The -vial and its contents were given to me by a friend, a -chemist in whom I have absolute confidence, with directions -how and in what cases to use it. I tried it -successfully on the first of the four girls, and I since -have repeatedly used it. I have not yet learned, however, -what ingredients the fluid contained or how it is -compounded.”</p> - -<p>“Speaking plainly, Doctor Devoll, that story——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I see you are still incredulous,” the physician -again interrupted. “It is not surprising, Mr. Carter, -under the circumstances. But there is one way to -settle it. You can easily verify my statements. Go -with me to my friend and he will corroborate——”</p> - -<p>“Where must we go?” the detective cut in.</p> - -<p>“Not far. He has an office and laboratory in the -Waldmere Chambers.”</p> - -<p>“H’m, is that so? Who is he?”</p> - -<p>“Professor Karl Graff.”</p> - -<p>“Humph!” Nick ejaculated. “I remember him.”</p> - -<p>He now recalled for the first time, in fact, the -elderly man who had approached from the rear of the -corridor in which the corpse of the mysteriously murdered -Gaston Todd was lying. He remembered the -negative statements this man had made. He recalled, -too, Patsy Garvan’s description of the gray-bearded<span class="pagenum">[212]</span> -man seen at Leary’s road house and the mysterious -killing of Leary’s cat. All this flashed upon him with -sudden startling significance, giving color to the physician’s -story—though Nick decided to keep an eye -on him.</p> - -<p>“That’s a good idea,” he said abruptly. “Get ready -at once. We will go together and see him.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll complied with alacrity. A leer lurked -in his eyes when he hastened into his bedroom. He -quickly returned, wearing his black frock coat and -tall silk hat.</p> - -<p>“Now, Mr. Carter, I am ready,” he said, smiling. -“I will speedily set myself right in your estimation.”</p> - -<p>Nick had convictions to the contrary, but he did -not express them. In reality, nevertheless, he was -considerably puzzled by the increasing complications, -and he began to suspect that Professor Karl Graff -might be the guilty man, after all—the discoverer of -the potent narcotic that had made possible the long -series of mysterious crimes.</p> - -<p>It was ten o’clock when they entered the Waldmere -Chambers and hastened up to the second-floor corridor, -toward the rear of which Doctor Devoll conducted -the detective, remarking agreeably:</p> - -<p>“This way to Professor Graff’s office. We are old -friends, and I frequently call here to see him. I have -known him for years.”</p> - -<p>Carter followed him, with a glance at the spot where -Gaston Todd had been found dead, scarcely twenty -feet from the door opened by the physician. He led -the detective in, and a man arose from a table at which -he appeared to have been at work—Tim Hurst.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[213]</span></p> - -<p>“Ah, good morning, doctor,” he said respectfully, -hastening to place chairs for both visitors.</p> - -<p>“Good morning, Tim,” Doctor Devoll said familiarly. -“Is Karl in his laboratory?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.” Hurst appeared as frank as a schoolboy. -“He has not come down yet. He has not been -coming in much before noon lately, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, well, I can expedite matters,” Devoll said -glibly. “Sit down, Mr. Carter, while I ring him up. -His telephone is in the laboratory.”</p> - -<p>He passed out of a side door while speaking, and -Nick did not detain him, supposing he had merely -entered an adjoining room. The door closed automatically. -Tim Hurst tendered a morning newspaper, -asking politely:</p> - -<p>“Have you read the news, sir? There was another -robbery last night, Mrs. Mortimer Thurlow, sir, the -swell society woman.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I know about it,” Nick nodded, sizing Hurst -up more intently. “How long have you been in Professor -Graff’s employ?”</p> - -<p>“About a year, sir; ever since he came here.”</p> - -<p>“He is not an old resident of Madison, then?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir. He came here a year ago next month.”</p> - -<p>“Where from?”</p> - -<p>“I am not sure, sir, but I think he—ah, he is coming -right now, sir,” Hurst broke off abruptly. “That’s -his step in the corridor.”</p> - -<p>Professor Graff entered at that moment, wearing a -baggy plaid suit, his overcoat and cape, and with a -rusty felt hat on his gray head. His bearded face took -on a look of mild surprise when he saw the detective,<span class="pagenum">[214]</span> -who immediately arose, while Tim Hurst explained -glibly:</p> - -<p>“This gentleman came with Doctor Devoll to see -you. The doctor has gone down to the laboratory to -telephone to you, thinking——”</p> - -<p>“We’ll go down, Timothy, and save him the trouble,” -Professor Graff interposed blandly, dropping his -coat and cape over a chair. “Will you go with us, -sir, or——”</p> - -<p>“I think I will,” Nick put in, bent upon keeping the -physician under his eye, and noting that the chemist -did not appear to recall him.</p> - -<p>Professor Graff led the way, Nick following, and -Tim Hurst bringing up in the rear. Half a minute -took them down the stairs, through the basement entry, -and into the laboratory.</p> - -<p>The detective flashed a swift glance around the -room, at the zinc-covered table, the bottle-laden -shelves, the ground-glass windows, and at a telephone -on one of the walls. But he failed to see the suspected -physician, and he drew back a step, instinctively reaching -for his revolver.</p> - -<p>Graff turned at the same moment, however, and -thrust a weapon nearly under the detective’s nose.</p> - -<p>“Don’t stir, Carter, foot or finger!” he commanded -sternly. “If you do, you’ll be a dead one on the instant. -I’ll send a bullet through your meddlesome -head.”</p> - -<p>Nick Carter was surprised, but not entirely, by the -sudden threatening situation. His eyes were turned, -not upon Graff’s bearded face, but upon his revolver -and the rigid hand that held it—and upon the slightly -discolored nail of his right thumb.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[215]</span></p> - -<p>Nick recalled where he last had seen it. His gaze -leaped up to the bearded face. In spite of beard and -wig and slouch hat and padded coat, he now discovered -the wheel within. He was gazing not at the remarkably -artistic disguise, but, through it, at the thin face -and threatening eyes of—Doctor David Devoll.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[216]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE LAST RESORT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Chick was not idle that morning while his chief -was engaged as described. He was not without -equally serious misgivings concerning Patsy Garvan -and the wisdom of Carter’s going alone to interview -Doctor Devoll.</p> - -<p>Chick’s anxiety was materially increased, moreover, -when the Wilton House clerk brought him a -letter to the smoking room about an hour after the -chief’s departure, saying inquiringly:</p> - -<p>“This may be important, and perhaps you would -care to open it, though it is addressed to Mr. Blaisdell. -It just came in with the first batch of mail.”</p> - -<p>Chick took it eagerly and instantly recognized the -hand of Patsy Garvan. He tore it open and read—the -hurried letter Patsy had dropped in a street box while -trailing Jim Shannon and Toby Monk.</p> - -<p>Hurried and brief though it was, it told Chick -enough to instantly start him in search of Toby Monk, -and fortune favored him ten minutes later. He found -the crook jitney driver about to depart with his car, -which he had just finished washing in the stable yard -where Patsy had, indeed, picked up a trail worth following.</p> - -<p>Chick sauntered toward him, hands in his pockets, -and glanced at the number plate on the front of the -car. It was wiped as clean as cotton waste and elbow -grease could make it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[217]</span></p> - -<p>Toby Monk gazed at him inquiringly, wondering -whether he was to have an unexpected passenger.</p> - -<p>“This your car?” Chick questioned, as he came -nearer.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, sure,” Monk nodded.</p> - -<p>“That the number of it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, of course. What d’ye think?”</p> - -<p>“I think, then, that you are Toby Monk. Am I -right?”</p> - -<p>“That’s my name, but——”</p> - -<p>“Shove your hands in these, then, and be quick -about it,” Chick snapped sharply, jerking out a pair -of open handcuffs. “Don’t get gay or try to bolt or -I’ll bring you down with a bullet. In with them, or -I’ll break your wrists when I lock them.”</p> - -<p>Toby’s face had gone as gray as ashes, and he -was trembling from head to foot.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I say!” he gasped. “I say——”</p> - -<p>“Stop!” Chick cut in sternly. “We’ve got Devoll, -Shannon, you, and the rest of your thieving gang -where we want you. If you have anything to say, out -with it. What you say now may determine what you’ll -get for last night’s job and a hundred others, including -the murder of Gaston Todd. Come on with it, -if you have anything to say.”</p> - -<p>Toby Monk, cornered and thus sternly confronted, -wilted like a drenched rag. The last vestige of color -had left his cowardly face. He gazed wide-eyed at -Chick and asked hoarsely:</p> - -<p>“Are you a detective—one of the Nick Carter -crowd?”</p> - -<p>“That’s just who I am.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll squeal, then! I’ll squeal,” Toby said hurriedly,<span class="pagenum">[218]</span> -taking the last resort of a treacherous coward. “I’ll -blow the whole business, if that will save my skin. -On the level, God hearing me, I did not kill Todd. -I knew nothing about it. I was out with my jitney -when it was done. I——”</p> - -<p>“But you know who did it, and why,” snapped -Chick, striking while the iron was hot.</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, I know that,” gasped Toby. “Graff did -it—Devoll.”</p> - -<p>“Both——”</p> - -<p>“Both—there ain’t any both!” cried Toby. “They -are one and the same, Graff and Devoll. He’s a nut, -a loon, if ever there was one. He’s got the criminal -bee in his bonnet, and——”</p> - -<p>“Wait!” Chick sternly checked him, suppressing -his surprise at the startling disclosure. “Devoll is -back of the whole business, I know, but what started -him into crime?”</p> - -<p>“He’s a nut, gone dippy, I tell you,” Toby forcibly -insisted. “Besides, he has doctored the hospital books, -stolen some of the funds, and has turned to crime to -get square.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, that’s it, eh?”</p> - -<p>“He began playing two parts a year ago, as a cover -for his jobs, and he rang in three or four of us to -aid him, whacking up part of the plunder with us. -He’s infernally crafty and clever. He poses as Graff -mornings and as Devoll the rest of the time. He lets -only Shannon into his private room in the hospital. -He comes and goes like an evil genius, and that’s just -what he is. He has discovered a narcotic that instantly -dulls the brain and causes sleep till something<span class="pagenum">[219]</span> -else is given. He has invented a noiseless revolver -that shoots a globule of poisonous vapor so deadly that -it instantly kills, and——”</p> - -<p>“That’s what killed Todd?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. He was short in his accounts with his brokers, -but they haven’t discovered it yet. He joined -our gang, hoping to get even, but kicked against robbing -Mrs. Thurlow. He was hoping to marry her -daughter. He threatened to expose Devoll unless he -cut out that job.”</p> - -<p>“And Devoll killed him to prevent it?”</p> - -<p>“That’s what. He saw Frank Paulding going to -visit a client, and he knew that he and Todd were -rivals. So he thought he could incriminate Paulding -and escape suspicion. He telephoned Todd to come -there and wait in the corridor. Then he watched -from his office till he saw a chance to kill him with his -infernal weapon. He then——”</p> - -<p>“Enough of that,” Chick interrupted. “How many -are with you in this gang?”</p> - -<p>“Devoll, Shannon, and Tim Hurst.”</p> - -<p>“Who is Hurst?”</p> - -<p>“He looks after Graff’s office and laboratory in the -Waldmere Chambers.”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t Dorson in it, Mrs. Thurlow’s nephew?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but only for last night’s job.”</p> - -<p>“I thought so,” snapped Chick. “Where is that -rope of pearls?”</p> - -<p>“In Graff’s rooms. Hurst got away with it. He’s -to keep it until——”</p> - -<p>“Until I relieve him of it,” Chick cut in sternly, -dropping the handcuffs into his pocket. “Get into -your car and take me to the Waldmere Chambers.<span class="pagenum">[220]</span> -Pick up two policemen on the way. If you attempt -any monkey business, mind you——”</p> - -<p>“I’ll not, so help me!” Toby hurriedly protested. -“I’ve thrown up my hands.”</p> - -<p>“Get a move on, then. I want Hurst, to begin with, -and that rope of pearls.”</p> - -<p>It was not in Chick’s nature to let grass grow under -his feet after having clinched the entire case in this -way. Ten minutes later, leaving Toby Monk in his -car in charge of a policeman, and with two others at -his own heels, he entered Graff’s office in the Waldmere -Chambers. He found it deserted, but upon -quietly opening the side door, he heard voices from -below.</p> - -<p>This was about three minutes after Graff held up -Nick Carter with a genuine revolver. Not in the least -dismayed by the situation, though greatly surprised -at detecting Devoll’s double identity, which at once -suggested much that Chick had just learned, the detective -temporarily threw up his hands, saying curtly:</p> - -<p>“Well, well, I appear to have walked into a trap. -Don’t be careless with that gun, Professor Graff, or -it might go off. We can discuss this matter without -bloodshed.”</p> - -<p>“It will go off all right, Carter, and not miss its -mark, if you venture to show fight,” Devoll retorted, -with suppressed fury beginning to blaze in his evil -eyes. “I warned you of this. I told you what to -expect if you remained in Madison.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, you’re the rat who sent me the anonymous -letter?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—and I meant what I said.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[221]</span></p> - -<p>“So, I see—among other things.”</p> - -<p>“All, you recognize me, and——”</p> - -<p>“Perfectly,” Nick sternly interrupted. “I know all -about you now, and of what you are guilty. I know -that——”</p> - -<p>“You know too much!” Devoll cut in fiercely. “But -it will do you no good. I have you trapped, as I have -trapped others. I warned you, and you have ignored -the warning. You now shall pay the price. I will -end you with a gas that——”</p> - -<p>“That sent Gaston Todd to his death!” snapped -Carter. “I knew it from the first and wanted only the -man.”</p> - -<p>“You know too much!” Devoll fiercely repeated. -“Ho, Shannon, come out here! Bring a rope and -bind him from behind. Lend him a hand, Tim, and -be quick about it! I’ll end him as I ended——”</p> - -<p>What more the frantic man would have said was -cut short by the heavy tread of many hurrying feet.</p> - -<p>Jim Shannon had thrown open the door of a closet, -on the floor of which Patsy Garvan then was lying, -gagged and securely bound, and the burly ruffian, who -had hurried from the hospital after planning with -Devoll this capture of the detective, rushed out with a -rope in each hand, while Tim Hurst darted nearer and -seized Nick from behind.</p> - -<p>Mingled with all this, however, was the rush of -other feet, those of Chick and the policemen, together -with the threatening cries of the former, as they rushed -with weapons drawn upon the startled crooks.</p> - -<p>But the thunder of one weapon drowned all other -sounds—again the last resort.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[222]</span></p> - -<p>Doctor Devoll, with his glaring eyes half starting -from his head, hesitated only for an instant. There -leaped up in his frenzied brain a vision of the electric -chair. With a quick turn of his wrist, he thrust -the revolver into his mouth and pulled the trigger. -Then he pitched forward, hands in the air—a corpse -when he hit the floor.</p> - -<p>There was little to it after that, and but little remains -to be said. Shannon and Hurst were easily -overcome, and soon were lodged with Toby Monk in -the city prison, the first step toward the punishment -they righteously deserved.</p> - -<p>Patsy Garvan was speedily liberated, none the worse -for his experience, and only his statements were needed, -if at all, to make a complete and perfect case against -the singular criminal who had ended his evil career -with his own hand.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Thurlow’s rope of pearls was found in a jar in -the laboratory. Nick Carter returned it to her that -afternoon, and told her how and why Dorson had -figured in the theft. Because of his kinship, however, -she refused to prosecute the scamp, and the detective -did not insist upon it.</p> - -<p>Nor did Nick Carter go alone to the Thurlow -mansion that afternoon. He took with him the suspected -man who had at his request spent three days -in prison, and by that humiliation aided him to solve -the mystery and secure the guilty.</p> - -<p>The gratitude of Edna Thurlow and her mother, -as well as that of Frank Paulding, could not be verbally -described; but it found expression in something -much more substantial than words, and Nick Carter<span class="pagenum">[223]</span> -and his assistants returned to New York well repaid -for their fine work in the Madison mystery.</p> - -<p class="center p1">THE END.</p> - -<p class="p1">No. 1010 of the <span class="smcap">New Magnet Library</span>, entitled -“The Gamblers’ Syndicate,” is another fine story in -which the skill, foresight, daring, and dashing bravery -of Nick Carter and his faithful assistants are employed -in running down a gang of organized crooks.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center largefont boldfont">RATTLING GOOD ADVENTURE</p> - -<p class="center xxlargefont boldfont">SPORT STORIES</p> - -<p class="center largefont boldfont">Price, Fifteen Cents <span style="padding-left:1em"><em>Stories of the Big Outdoors</em></span></p> - -<p>There has been a big demand for outdoor stories, and a very considerable -portion of it has been for the Maxwell Stevens stories about -Jack Lightfoot, the athlete.</p> - -<p>These stories are not, strictly speaking, stories for boys, but boys -everywhere will find a great deal in them to interest them.</p> - -<p class="center boldfont"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></p> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Ads"> -<tr><td class="tableft1">1—Jack Lightfoot, the Athlete</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft1">2—Jack Lightfoot’s Crack Nine</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft1">3—Jack Lightfoot Trapped</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft1">4—Jack Lightfoot’s Rival</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft1">5—Jack Lightfoot in Camp</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft1">6—Jack Lightfoot’s Canoe Trip</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft1">7—Jack Lightfoot’s Iron Arm</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft1">8—Jack Lightfoot’s Hoodoo</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft1">9—Jack Lightfoot’s Decision</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft2">10—Jack Lightfoot’s Gun Club</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft2">11—Jack Lightfoot’s Blind</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft2">12—Jack Lightfoot’s Capture</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft2">13—Jack Lightfoot’s Head Work</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft2">14—Jack Lightfoot’s Wisdom</td><td class="tableftb">By Maxwell Stevens</td></tr> -</table></div> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="boxit1"> - -<p class="center xxlargefont boldfont">The Dealer</p> - -<p>who handles the STREET & SMITH NOVELS -is a man worth patronizing. The fact that he -does handle our books proves that he has considered -the merits of paper-covered lines, and -has decided that the STREET & SMITH -NOVELS are superior to all others.</p> - -<p>He has looked into the question of the morality -of the paper-covered book, for instance, and -feels that he is perfectly safe in handing one of -our novels to any one, because he has our assurance -that nothing except clean, wholesome -literature finds its way into our lines.</p> - -<p>Therefore, the STREET & SMITH NOVEL -dealer is a careful and wise tradesman, and it -is fair to assume selects the other articles he -has for sale with the same degree of intelligence -as he does his paper-covered books.</p> - -<p>Deal with the STREET & SMITH NOVEL -dealer.</p> - -<p class="center largefont boldfont">STREET & SMITH CORPORATION<br /> -79 Seventh Avenue <span style="padding-left:1em">New York City</span> -</p> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 id="TN_end" style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2> - -<p>Punctuation has been made consistent.</p> - -<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors -have been corrected.</p> -</div></div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hidden Foes, by Nicholas Carter - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HIDDEN FOES *** - -***** This file should be named 62860-h.htm or 62860-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/8/6/62860/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/62860-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/62860-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d3f3b1b..0000000 --- a/old/62860-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62860-h/images/publisher_icon.jpg b/old/62860-h/images/publisher_icon.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 59ee213..0000000 --- a/old/62860-h/images/publisher_icon.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62860-h/images/titlepage.jpg b/old/62860-h/images/titlepage.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 98e927c..0000000 --- a/old/62860-h/images/titlepage.jpg +++ /dev/null |
