Gillespie went on more confidently: “It ought to give him the shock of his life to think he’s dealing merely with me, and then to have you reveal yourself to him. Of course, we could both stay there, and you could walk in and collar him while he was holding me up, but I’m afraid he may be watching the house. In that case, he would be suspicious if he saw any one else going in and not coming out again, no matter whether he recognized you or not.” Nick smiled slightly. “You must have been reading detective stories lately, Gillespie,” he commented. “However, it isn’t a bad idea, and I’m inclined to try it. There are certain other advantages about it which make it appeal to me. How about you, though? You would have to remain here as long as I found it necessary to stay at your place.” “Oh, that’s all right. I don’t mind. I’ll promise to keep out of sight, and if I have to stay overnight, I suppose I can find a bunk somewhere, if you’ll explain my presence to your servants.” “You certainly can,” Nick assured him; “and let’s hope that you won’t have to kick your heels here very long.” The detective conducted him into another room, and, seating him in the light, proceeded to busy himself with his make-up materials and appliances. At the end of half an hour, the transformation was complete. “Will this do?” asked Nick, turning from the glass and facing his visitor. “By Jove, marvelous!” Gillespie cried enthusiastically. “By the time you’ve got into my clothes, you’ll be able to pass for me anywhere. Luckily, there’s only my old butler, Simms, and his wife, at the house, as I’ve been abroad, and was not expected home as yet. The chauffeur outside is a new man, and has never seen me before.” “Good!” Nick answered. “Now for the clothes.” Soon the disguise was complete, and after another careful inspection of himself, Nick was ready to leave. “I’ll explain matters to my people here as I go out,” he said. “Come this way and I’ll show you the room you may occupy in my absence. I hope you’ll find it comfortable. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you want, and I’ll let you know as soon as there’s anything to report.” After conducting his guest to one of the spare bedrooms, the detective parted with Gillespie, and ascended the stairs. Five minutes later he stepped into the waiting car as if he owned it. “Home!” he ordered, and the machine whirled away in the direction of upper Fifth Avenue. Meanwhile, from behind one of the curtains at the front of the detective’s house, the young man had seen the car drive off, and as it passed out of sight, a remarkable change came over him. He threw back his head and laughed in a curiously noiseless way that many an ex-convict has. He laughed until the tears rolled down his cheeks, and at last flung himself into a chair and fairly panted for breath. At length, he recovered himself and wiped his eyes. Simultaneously, his face took on harsher lines.