“Nonsense,” was Nick Carter’s reply. “It was all in the day’s work. Now that we’ve got the jewelry, we’ll watch it closer than we did before.” “When are we going to New York?” asked Patsy. “As soon as we can get a ship to take us,” said Nick earnestly. “What are you going to do with this fellow?” asked Captain Douglas, stirring John Garrison Rayne with his foot. “Do you want to take him to New York to answer to this charge of stealing the jewelry, or will you leave him in San Juan, to be put through in our criminal courts?” “You can have him,” laughed Nick Carter. THE END. “The Clew of the White Collar; or, Nick Carter on a Twisted Trail,” will be the title of the long, complete story which you will find in the next issue, No. 144, of the NICK CARTER STORIES, out June 12th. In the forthcoming story you will read of the further adventures of the famous detective with the clever John Garrison Rayne. Where’s the Commandant? By C. C. WADDELL. (This interesting story was commenced in No. 140 of NICK CARTER STORIES. Back numbers can always be obtained from your news dealer or the publishers.) CHAPTER XII. IN THE ATTIC. There is little to be gained, however, from regrets over lost opportunities, and Meredith, as befitted the daughter of an officer rated one of the most resourceful in the service, turned very speedily from that bootless pursuit to consider what advantage she still might glean from the information which had come her way. One point she settled without delay; she would not hold to her intention of leaving the roof she was under immediately after breakfast. On the other hand--distasteful as the experience might prove--she would remain until she had successfully ferreted out the true cause of all the mystery which seemed to envelop the place and its occupants. Heedless of her obligations as a guest, she would watch with unremitting vigilance every move of her host and hostess. A higher law than that of hospitality now demanded her allegiance; for, convinced that Mrs. Schilder was concerned in the colonel’s abduction, or at least friendly to the abductors, she was prepared to cast off all restraints, and stand solely on the principle. “All is fair in war.” Also she realized that she must communicate her discoveries promptly to Grail. The intelligence might very readily dovetail in with what he already had, and aid him materially in his task. Therefore, as soon as the morning had sufficiently advanced to make her appearance seem natural to any servants who might be about, she arose, and, leaving Mrs. Schilder still soundly asleep, hastened to her own room, with the idea of dressing, and proceeding to the nearest telephone station. There were telephones in the house, of course, but she did not care to use any of them at the risk of being overheard.