“It won’t do at all,” Nick replied. “The crooks might discover the fact and throw up the job. They are not working blindly, Mr. Burdick, nor in the dark. Being absolutely ignorant of their identity, moreover, you might reveal your intentions to some man who would betray you. You must leave this matter entirely to me. I want the rascals to undertake the job. I’ll be on hand to prevent it.” “You may safely depend on him, Burdick,” put in Judge Barclay. “What are your plans, Mr. Carter?” President Burdick inquired. “I don’t know,” Nick said frankly. “I have not laid any plans, nor shall I until I get all of the information I can obtain. All I want of you, Mr. Burdick, is to answer a few questions for me. I then will do the rest.” “Very well. I will leave it to you, then.” “You will make no mistake,” Nick confidently predicted. “Now, to begin with, how is the money to be shipped? It will be in the express car, I infer.” “Yes, certainly, locked in the safe.” “Who has charge of the car?” “A man named Daniel Cady.” “Reliable?” “Until the last gun is fired,” said Burdick emphatically. “I know him root and branch, Carter, and he has both judgment and courage. He would fight to the last ditch.” “Does he run alone on the car?” “Yes. The night run does not ordinarily require a second man. The express carriage on that particular train is never very heavy. Cady has had charge of that car for a dozen years.” “Where does he live?” “His home is here, in Shelby. He has a wife and several children. He now is in Philadelphia, however, for he goes and returns on alternate nights.” “Very good,” said Nick. “What time is the express due in North Dayton?” “Twelve o’clock precisely.” “Does it stop there?” “Not at the station. It stops at the junction of our western division south of the town to take water and get instructions from Sampson, the train dispatcher here in Shelby. It is the last stop the limited makes before reaching Shelby.” “A run of eighteen miles, isn’t it?” “Nearly that.” “What is the next stop north?” “Amherst, fourteen miles beyond North Dayton.” “There is a block-signal tower at the North Dayton Junction, I infer.” “Yes, certainly.” “Who is the night operator?” “Tom Denny, a very reliable man.” “Capital!” said Nick promptly. “Write a line introducing me to Denny and directing him to coöperate with me. I shall require nothing, President Burdick, that will interfere with his customary duties.” “I will give you a letter to him.” “Also one to Daniel Cady,” added Nick. “Make it of the same character. I am probably a stranger to both men.” President Burdick turned to his desk and wrote the two letters, then handed them to the detective. “I think that is all,” said Nick, taking his hat. “By the way, however, what time does the next north-bound train leave Shelby?” “At five-thirty.” “Does it stop at North Dayton and Amherst?” “Yes, both stations.”