"That is not probable," Nick again objected. "Goulard would not have been running around with her in a taxicab, unless she was completely drugged and carefully veiled." "Not likely, Nick, I’ll admit," Chick nodded. "I’m sure of it." "But what sent Goulard to see Sadie Badger?" Chick questioned. "Why did he take such a risk?" "I think I know," Nick said gravely. "What do you make of it?" "His visit alone shows that they must be on a friendly footing." "Surely." "I think, Chick, that he saw that newspaper story of the robbery Sadie committed last night," Nick continued. "He may not have known that she had the job in view, but he probably knew under the steps of whose house he cornered and confined me. After reading the story of the robbery, he may have had some reason to suspect Sadie of having been the thief. He may know that she has been friendly with Buckley’s clerk, who gave her the tip that caused her to do the job." "By Jove, there may be something in that," Chick quickly allowed. "Knowing, then, under what circumstances I was there, Goulard may have reasoned that I perhaps got wise to something. After reading the newspaper story, then, he evidently hastened to put Sadie Badger on her guard." "Very likely. I see the point." "If I am right, and his visit under such circumstances strongly indicates that I am, Sadie would have told him of her encounter with me and all that followed," Nick added, a bit grimly. "By Jove, that’s too true for a joke," Chick quickly declared. "In that case, Nick, your subterfuge is all off, and the woman may have bolted." "You are right on one point, Chick." "Regarding the subterfuge?" "Yes." "But not the other?" "I think not," Nick said thoughtfully. "Both Goulard and Sadie Badger have extraordinary nerve. They don’t scare easily. Both, moreover, would give a trifle, or even take a desperate chance, to wipe me off the map." "No doubt of it." "Here’s a very significant point, then," Nick added. "Both will naturally reason that I know nothing about their relations, and that I expect to get by with my subterfuge and accomplish something extraordinary." "Certainly. That is the only logical way they can be regarded." "That being the case, then, they may decide to let me attempt it--with a view to trapping me and wiping me out." "By gracious, that’s even more probable," cried Chick. "You are right, Nick. I was wrong on one point. I would be willing to wager, now, that Sadie Badger has not bolted. I would almost bet, in fact, that she and Goulard have something framed up for you." "I really think so myself, Chick." "But there is one other contingency." "Namely?" "Patsy’s long absence and the fact that we have not heard from him," said Chick. "He must be in wrong, or he would have found some way to communicate such important information as Steel has stated. If he has fallen into Goulard’s hands, Goulard may have warned the woman to get out of her flat."