“It seems to be a note of warning,” replied Nick, “and I suppose prudence suggests that you should take measures, at all events, to protect the presents.” “Well,” said the millionaire, “these newspapers have been advertising the number and kind of presents in the most annoying manner. Those who would do such a thing as steal them have had all the knowledge they could want of them reading those papers. And there is this thing, a very great number of invitations for the reception, after the wedding in the church, have been issued. I presume the house will be thronged this very afternoon, even overcrowded.” “Under such circumstances,” said Chick, “it would be easy for swell crooks to push their way into the house. Many of the best, who do this kind of work, are women who can make a front, so far as dress goes, with the best ladies in the land.” “What arrangements have you made, Mr. Sanborn?” asked Chick, “to guard your house during this pressure?” Mr. Sanborn looked up, a little surprised, and said: “I must confess that I have made none. Indeed, I gave it no thought.” He laughed a little as he continued: “All this is new business to me, and I have done nothing but blunder in it from the start. I can run a railroad, two or three of them, perhaps, but a wedding seems to be a little too much for me.” The two detectives laughed not a little over this confession, and Nick said: “It is not too late for you to make arrangements yet, Mr. Sanborn, and you should do so without delay.” “Yes,” put in Chick, “don’t make any mistake about thinking that the gang don’t know of this wedding and the valuable presents. Nor to the other thing, that you have made no provision to protect them.” “Do you mean,” asked Mr. Sanborn, “that thieves would know that I have not done so?” “Sure,” said Chick. Nick nodded his head emphatically in support of his assistant’s statement. Mr. Sanborn was visibly annoyed and perplexed. Finally, he turned sharply to Nick and said: “I say, why can’t you take charge of this thing and do what is proper.” Nick smiled a little as he replied: “We could do so, but it is hardly in our line. This work, as a rule, is done by the officers of the Central Detective Office. What surprises me is that they have waited there for you to ask them. Usually, on such occasions, they come to ask what provisions you desire to have made.” Mr. Sanborn frowned and looked rather grave. Then he replied: “I could give you the reason why they have not done so, Mr. Carter, if I thought it wise to do so. While it is not in your line, is it too much to ask you to take charge for me to-day?” “It is not too much for you to ask, Mr. Sanborn, in view of our friendship and relations, though it might be for others. Under all the circumstances, if you desire us to do so, we will take charge to-day and carry the thing through.” “Do so,” replied Mr. Sanborn, his face lighting up, “and you will lift a heavy load off my shoulders.”