“Old enough, then, to have sense and judgment.” “So I think,” nodded Clayton. “That’s why I feel hopeful.” “She lives back of Doctor Guelpa’s business establishment, you said?” “Yes, directly back of it, Nick.” “How long have you known the physician?” Nick questioned, and he instantly detected the readiness with which his companion took up the subject. “Oh, for months, Nick,” was the reply. “He appears to be all right, doesn’t he?” “Yes, yes, surely! Otherwise, I would not have him in my hotel.” “I presume so. It may be, nevertheless, that Miss Alcott has discovered something about him of a derogatory nature, her home being so near his business office.” “Possibly,” Clayton allowed; then, with a furtive glance at Nick’s inscrutable face: “He appeared all right to you this morning, didn’t he?” “Yes, indeed,” Nick declared. “He appeared like a perfect gentleman.” “You saw no reason to suspect him?” “Far from it, Clayton.” “I guess Miss Alcott’s clew, if she really has any, relates to some one else, or something else,” Clayton now said, with less obvious interest. “Most likely,” Nick agreed. “We shall very soon find out.” “True.” “Have you formed any other suspicions since I last saw you?” “No, none whatever,” said Nick. “I still am in the dark.” Clayton did not add to his inquiries. It was nine o’clock when the taxicab drew up in front of the house to which the chauffeur had been directed. He at once was dismissed by Clayton, who was the first to alight, and he then led the way up the steps and rang the bell. It was answered by a well-built, powerful man in evening dress, whose dark features were only faintly discernible in the dimly lighted hall. “Good evening, Scoville,” said Clayton. “I think Miss Alcott is expecting me.” “Oh, it is you, Mr. Clayton,” was the reply. “Yes, sir, she is. Walk in, gentlemen, and come this way.” “The butler, Nick,” Clayton whispered, taking the detective’s arm. Nick nodded indifferently and allowed himself to be conducted through the hall. Scoville turned into the nearest room, a front parlor, the others following. “One moment, gentlemen,” said he. “I’ll switch on the light.” He did so while speaking, and Nick Carter then saw into what sort of a net he had walked--but entirely voluntarily. Three men with ready revolvers were confronting him. Scoville instantly drew another. Clayton, or Clayton’s double, quickly closed the door through which they had entered, then turned and said sharply: “Now, Carter, throw up your hands! If you show fight, you’ll go down and out on the instant.” Nick raised his hands and backed against the wall. He appeared to be greatly surprised and equally resentful. “What’s the meaning of this, Clayton?” he demanded; and the mention of the name brought laughs from the others. They were Draper, Biddle, and Scoville, who had been mentioned by Doctor Guelpa in his apartments, also a third man who had had a hand in the robbery, one Joe Gaines.