"Well, keep your shirt on, old chap. Raving doesn't get you anywhere. My man got the news to me before you knew anything had happened--or Sawyer either. What more do you expect in an instant?" The growl in Updyke's voice was becoming noticeable, as Villard started in to apologize. "I'm just about crazy--don't mind what I say. What else"--but Updyke ignored the interruption. "I'm making no promises, but I'm expecting quick results," he continued. "Parkins is still on the Island, and the big limousine from McGonigle's garage isn't a racing machine. It can't take to the woods like a small car unless there is an accomplice who knows the way. I have twelve motorcycle men out on the job, and three high-speed roadsters. Every ranger that can be reached by the Chief Forester will assist, and many secret service men are already alert. I expect to hear news any moment." "Where do you think he will head for?" inquired Villard. "I don't think--I know where he is going--but I don't know when he will get there? I'm not going to tell you now, anyhow. You'd go up in the air like a balloon," said Updyke with emphasis. "Then tell me how you know he is going to a certain place. That will help some. You can see that I am almost crazy!" "Well, then, brace up and listen. I called up McGonigle and asked him where Parkins was going in his big limousine and he fell for it. He stuttered, and hemmed and hawed, until I shouted a real message into his ear. I said, 'Talk quick or you will be in a hurry-up wagon on your way to police headquarters!' That's what did the business." "What did he say to that?" "My God! On what grounds can I be treated in such a manner, he came back to me, but his voice was broken. I had him all right, and he knew I had him. So I answered back--'Because you're an accomplice, and by turning in evidence that will help convict Parkins you will soften the charge against yourself.' Then I said I'd help him, most probably, but he must first tell me the story from beginning to end, or shift for himself." "Terrible!" sighed Villard. "And he had sold himself to a counterfeit gentleman! I always thought well of McGonigle. I've known him for years." "Well, to make a long story short, he told me everything--how Parkins' nurse had called him up, and told him of the plan, which was spoken of as an elopement, offering five hundred for a successful venture, and two-fifty in any event. Regarding Parkins as a rich man, and sporty, he took the offer. Now here is the real joker in the pack, and it shows that luck is still with me," laughed Updyke. "Let's hear it," said Villard, in a voice less restrained.