“Well, what was doing?” Nick immediately questioned, when Chick hastened across the street and joined him. “I saw Hart talking to you through the window. Chick hastily informed him, and Nick’s face underwent a decided change. “That does settle it,” said he. “We have given them a fright, and now have them on the run. It’s dollars to fried rings, now, that my suspicions are correct. It is necessary only to clinch them and nail all of the culprits involved in the game.” “What game?” asked Lord Waldmere curiously. “I’m jolly well mystified by this. Why----” “Don’t question,” Nick interrupted. “Be patient, Waldmere, until I have got in my work. I then will answer all the questions you care to ask.” “But, hang it, old top, I----” “You must do what I say,” Nick cut in. “Time never was more valuable. One minute’s delay may queer all of my work.” “What next?” Chick tersely asked, when Waldmere subsided. “We’ll change mounts,” Nick replied pointedly. “Go ahead and keep the appointment with Garland. Meet him, as directed, though he’ll not be likely to show up there for some little time, providing I rightly anticipate what’s coming.” “What shall I tell him?” “Tell him who I am,” Nick directed. “Give it to him straight, in your own way, but only what will be consistent with your assumed character. Got me?” “Dead to rights,” Chick nodded. “Be off, then, and I’ll do the rest,” said Nick. “I have left Patsy in the office, in case of sudden need. Call him up yourself, if occasion requires it.” Chick responded with another nod and hurried away. “Now, Waldmere, you return to your lodgings,” said Nick. “You will only be in my way, if you remain. Wait right there until I come.” “But----” “Don’t stop to question, dear fellow,” Nick interrupted. “Every minute is of value.” “By Jove, I’m all at sea, don’t you know, but here goes!” exclaimed his lordship, seeming suddenly to realize that he was indeed in the way. He smiled with the last, nevertheless, and hurried across the street, presently vanishing around the nearest corner. Nick Carter stepped into the corridor of a near building. The janitor, with a broom and a pail of rubbish, the result of his morning’s cleaning, was just approaching a small storeroom under the rise of stairs. Nick overtook him at the open door. “One moment, janitor,” said he, stepping into the narrow room. “I am Nick Carter, the detective, and I’m on a rush case. Hang onto this cane and disguise until I call for them, will you? I then will make it worth your while.” “Sure, sor, I’m glad to do it,” cried the janitor, eyes lighting. “Who don’t know Nick Carter?” “Good on your head,” Nick nodded. “I want to reverse my trousers and coat, also, which will take but half a minute.” “Go ahead, sor. The room is yours for the asking.”