Chick steadied himself. He realized on the instant that he was up against a man, or couple, fully as crafty, daring, and farsighted as the letter left for Nick had implied. He realized, too, in view of their absolute unconcern, that he had perhaps gone a step too far, and that they might be prepared to foil the best work he could do at that time. For the recovery of the stolen Strickland treasures was of even greater importance to him, in so far as the outcome of the case was concerned, than the positive identification and arrest of Mortimer Deland and his companion. That this woman was Fannie Coyle, however, Chick felt reasonably sure--and again he was right. “I am very pleased to meet you, Mr. Alden, I’m sure,” said the woman, smiling graciously and extending her hand. “Thank you,” said Chick, bowing. “Have a chair,” Deland repeated. “Your card states that you are a newspaper man, a reporter. Why, may I ask, have you favored us with a call? Am I to be subjected to an interview?” “Would you object to it?” Chick inquired tentatively. Deland laughed slightly and displayed his teeth. “Not at all,” he replied. “I would, in fact, rather like it. It would be amusing to see my name in print. I’ll be glad to give you any information I possess, on whatever subject I can enlighten you.” “That is very kind, Mr. Vaughn, I’m sure,” said Chick, steadily eying him. “Vaughn?” queried Deland, with brows lifted. Fannie Coyle laughed audibly. “Pardon. I got my names mixed,” Chick said dryly, observing that he had evoked no sign of apprehensions. “I’m looking into a case of robbery committed in Fifth Avenue last night, of which a man named Gerald Vaughn is suspected.” “Ah, I see,” Deland exclaimed pleasantly. “That is why you happened to call me by that name.” “Exactly.” “The mistake is quite pardonable, Charles, I’m sure,” remarked the woman. “Yes, indeed,” Deland bowed agreeably. “We know, of course, that Mr. Alden has not called to interview us about a robbery.” “I should think not. That would be absurd.” “I leave it to you, Mr. Alden.” “On the contrary, Mr. Brooks, that is the only reason why I have called,” said Chick. “Ah, is it possible?” questioned Deland, with unruffled suavity. “Well, that does surprise me. What information do you expect from me?” “Any that you can give me.” “But I cannot give you any,” insisted Deland, with a ripple of laughter. “I know nothing about the case, nor the person you have mentioned. What led you to infer that I do?” Chick abruptly decided on another tack. “Only because Vaughn is known to be a resident of Washington,” said he. “Observing on the hotel register that you dwell in that city, I thought you might possibly know of him, or have heard of him. If you do not----” “Let me assure you at once, Mr. Alden, on that point,” Deland put in smiling. “I never heard of him.” “Nor I, Charles, I’m sure,” observed the woman.