A moment or two later, a man hurried up and spoke to Lannigan. Lannigan greeted the man warmly and taking his arm, led him aside, talking very earnestly to him. Whatever was said by the chief was not received pleasantly by the other, but, in the end, they walked away together, followed by Chick and Patsy. They passed out to Filbert Street, where they stood for some little time in further conversation, when the man who had met Lannigan left him with the remark: “I suppose it couldn’t be helped, but better luck next time.” The man went in one direction and Lannigan in another. The direction of the latter led him to the front of the City Hall, at the bottom step of which he stopped, and then, as if thinking better of his intention to enter the hall, turned and went up the street. If he was aware that he was being followed by the two young men, he gave no indication of it in his manner, but walked along steadily without looking behind him. He went on until a drinking saloon was reached which was, as Chick knew, a favorite resort for sporting men. He entered this as if familiar to the place and the two, Chick and Patsy, undisguised as they were, entered also. Lannigan, on entering, stood still a moment or two, looking over the room. Seeing two persons standing on one side, he went to them and entered into conversation with them. They were too far away for Chick and Patsy, who had gone to the bar, to hear. But, a moment later, the three came to the bar, also, and standing near Chick and Patsy, ordered drinks. The two young detectives overheard Lannigan say, as if it were the conclusion of his previous conversation: “They will be over with him to-night and the thing ought to be fixed now. I will go with you right away.” They took their drinks and went out of the place without noticing Chick or Patsy. As they went out, Chick said: “Follow them, Patsy, and leave a trace behind you. I will stop long enough to change a bit and will pick you up so that you can change.” Patsy started off and Chick, finding a convenient place, changed his appearance in so short a time that he had little difficulty in soon coming up with Patsy. In fact, the slow progress of the three and their frequent stoppages for drinks on the way, helped him greatly. Indeed, after Chick had come up with Patsy, they stayed so long in one saloon that Patsy was enabled to slip away, make a change in his own appearance, and join Chick. After this, their way was more rapid and led to the outskirts of the town until a house, standing almost alone in its square, was reached. Into this house the three entered. “Well, we’re here,” said Patsy, “and what now?” “I’m hanged if I know,” said Chick. “I should like to know what this house is and what goes on in there.” “It looks all right,” said Patsy, “and is a regular Philadelphia house with its red brick, and white trimmings.” “Who’s coming on to-night?” asked Chick. “And what ought to be fixed right away?” added Patsy.