“Naturally,” said Nick. “But, as you saw, the few innocent questions I put did not agitate her. As for the case as a whole, I confess it is very baffling. I shall have to go home and think it over.” “You think you will be able to recover the papers eventually, do you not? I suppose that is a foolish question, but I am so anxious that I cannot help saying what completely fills my mind.” “I shall not rest until I have satisfied myself on several points that have a direct bearing on the mystery. I am in hopes that when I have done that, I shall have a report for you that will be valuable. I cannot say any more than that at this stage. I will call you up as soon as I have something to communicate. Meanwhile, I should advise you not to walk about the streets or go into public places much.” “I never do, for that matter,” replied Bentham. “You think some of the Yellow Tong might get after me personally then, do you?” “Have you a gun?” “Yes. I got a permit to keep one in the house and to carry it, some time ago, when these burglaries began. Look!” He showed a serviceable-looking automatic pistol in the table drawer, in a chamois bag. Nick saw that it was well supplied with cartridges and ready for instant use. “That’s well,” said the detective. “If any of the tong should find their way to you and ask insolent questions, or if you should see any suspicious movements on the part of any burglar, I should advise that you shoot first and ask questions afterward.” Before Matthew Bentham could comment on this emphatic advice, Chick came into the room and showed, in a way that Nick Carter understood--although it meant nothing to Bentham--that he had something weighty to communicate. The detective arose and nodded carelessly to Chick. “Ready to go, eh, Chick? I was just saying ‘good morning’ to Mr. Bentham.” “Did you find anything from Swagara?” asked Bentham, in a tone that told plainly enough how surprised he would have been if the answer had been in the affirmative. “Swagara hadn’t anything to say of any consequence,” replied Chick, as he and Nick Carter left the room and the house. CHAPTER VII. PATSY GETS INTO THE GAME. “What did you find out from the Jap, Chick?” were the detective’s first words, as soon as they were well away from the front of Bentham’s home. “Nothing. What I told Mr. Bentham just now was the absolute truth. But I learned something from the cook, Maggie. Swagara had to go out to get some vegetables for her, and while he was away, Maggie loosened up.” “Go on! Hurry up!” urged Nick. “What did she say?” “Only that Swagara used to be employed by Ched Ramar, the Indian millionaire. That is how Maggie describes him. She knew it through another cook--a cousin or sister of hers, I believe--who lives in the next house to Ched Ramar. She’s seen Swagara go into the house, at night, and I guess he’s been holding two jobs--one here and the other at Ched Ramar’s.” “Is he employed there still?”