And the interest was at fever heat when it was learned that he had skipped for parts unknown. The Bradys were deeply chagrined that their birds had slipped them. They had not dreamed that they would skip so soon. They regretted not having made the arrests earlier. However, they were by no means discouraged or defeated. They knew that Blood had money and would not be easily overtaken. But the Tough Trio could not get away so easily. But events proved that this was not at all the purpose of the three toughs. The Bradys were surprised to receive the following unique message. It came by mail, being post-marked at Station E, and was written in a coarse hand as follows: “Mr. Braddy: You hev opened the action ag’in’ us and we are on the deefensive. Pretty soon it will be the other way an’ we’ll be on the offensive. Mark it now, we’re goin’ to do you up. No man can stand ag’in’ the trio and you’ll be kept busy running a race fer life. “You can’t take no step we don’t kno’ about and we’ll be hot on your heels all the while. You can’t sleep nites fer the knife will be at yure windpipe. You can’t leave the city or a bullet will drop ye. We’re watchin’ every move of yours and you can’t fool us. There’s no escape unless you make a race for it. Yures fer revenge, “The Trio.” The Bradys read this message several times with curious emotions. Then Harry said: “On my word, partner, this is no joke. It means something.” “I believe you, Harry,” agreed Old King Brady. “But our move is to keep ahead of them.” “They mean to kill us!” “That is so.” “Then we have certainly got to capture or kill them.” “For self-preservation if nothing else.” “Yes.” “It is literally a race for life. We must win.” “We must.” The detectives decided to give up their quest for Blood. They knew that a false step now meant their lives. It is no light thing to ponder upon that three elusive deadly thugs are seeking one’s life and waking or sleeping there is never a safe moment. The Bradys were constrained to do a heap of thinking. The problem before them was the worst they had ever undertaken. Every step must be guarded, every move carefully weighed. They knew that it was true that they were under the constant surveillance of the trio. How to turn the tables and place the other gang under the shadow was the question. They considered the matter of disguise. Disguises are all right and in many cases a valuable aid to a detective. But they are not infallible. In a passing crowd or the glare of gaslight they will prove sometimes very effective. But not always are they effective. The cunning crook penetrates the cleverest disguise with ease. Every person has certain physical peculiarities which no disguise on earth can absolutely conceal. The Bradys knew that they could not depend wholly upon disguise.