“If you come a step nearer I’ll knock you down first,” he said, “and then I’ll call the police.” Both men drew billies and advanced toward him. Just then a most unexpected thing occurred. Nick Carter leaped lightly over the partition, landed upon the table between the combatants, and at once settled one of the ruffians by a well-directed kick under the chin. The other, too astonished for a moment to make any movement of defense, was piled on top of his companion by a fist blow under his ear. “Now, then,” said Nick, addressing the astonished horseman, “those fellows won’t lay long in that way, and we’d better get out o’ here mighty quick!” CHAPTER III. A LARGE BET. The detective and Amos passed out of the stall and out of the place, leaving the two ruffians lying unconscious upon the floor. As they reached the street Amos pointed with his finger toward the place they had just left. “There’ll be a big racket down there,” he said. “We won’t be in it,” was the reply. “Those fellows are two of the toughest thieves in the city.” “You know them, then?” “They were pointed out to me one day.” “Well, I don’t think they’ll want to be pointed out to you again. You did some of the quickest work there I ever saw.” “‘Quick’ work was necessary about that time.” “You did me a good turn anyway. If I ever get a chance I’ll do as much for you.” “You ain’t liable to get a chance. I’m going away in a few days.” “You don’t live here, then?” “I’m a farmer.” “Where are you stopping?” “’Most anywhere.” “Why not come over and stay with me to-night?” “Don’t mind if I do.” Nick was more than pleased at his good fortune in getting within reach of the tricky sporting men’s tool so soon. He suspected, however, that the man he was with would be followed by his scheming employers from that time until the race was over. He was fully aware that men who commit crimes and engage others to assist them in their nefarious work never trust their tools implicitly. His first idea was to ascertain whether spies had actually been set upon his companion. He also desired to know whether Chick was in a position to be within reach if needed. In order to do all this it was necessary for him to leave Amos alone for at least a few moments. “Look here,” he said, as they were starting up the street, “I’m a little anxious about those men down there. I’d like to know whether they are hurt much.” “Well, we’ll go back if you like.” “No, you step into this saloon, and I’ll go back alone. They know you there, but they don’t know me.” Amos did as requested, and Nick started rapidly down the street. In a moment he ran across Chick. “I was looking for you,” said Nick, shortly. “Here I am.” “Did you see me leave the place with that man?” “Sure; and it was a heap of fun to see the proprietor and the waiters wondering over the two men you left in the stall.” “Are they badly hurt?”