He made a quick inspection of the two desks, gathered the few papers they held into a package, and turned to the door. “Call the police,” he said to Chick, “and leave them in charge of the building. We may have further use for some of the traps here. Wait! Here is a phone.” He called his private number and waited impatiently. At length the voice of Joseph came over the wire. “Have you had visitors to-night?” asked Nick. “We certainly have,” came the reply, with a tinge of triumph in the tones. “Did they get into the house?” asked Nick anxiously. “No, sir,” was the reply. “I made short work of the thieves. One was wounded and taken to the hospital, and the others escaped.” After some further conversation Nick hung up the receiver. “This has been a bad night for the Great Diamond Syndicate,” he said. “That is a new one on me,” said Chick, and in a few words Nick explained the interview with the chief of the syndicate. “Do you think he was telling the truth?” asked the assistant. “He was certainly correct about the attempt to rob my house,” replied Nick. “But it does not seem possible that such a syndicate as he told of could exist in this age of the world.” “There are strange things connected with criminal life,” said the detective. “I can see how such an organization as he described could be made to pay large dividends, and there is no knowing what thieves will do. London is headquarters for all manner of strange syndicates. Nothing is impossible over there.” “It sounds like romance,” said Chick. “Anyway,” continued Nick, “we can soon learn the truth or falsity of the fellow’s statements. He will give himself away before long, for he is vain and proud of his skill in criminal work. Just imagine his telling me all about his syndicate!” “He only wanted to show you what could be done in spite of the officers of the law,” said Chick. “Besides, he sought to make you look like thirty cents, as the boys on the Bowery say.” “They are a bold lot,” said Nick. “Think of their sending that young man to the hotel to bring me here! However, their scheme worked to our advantage rather than to their own. By the way, where did you get that make-up?” “I watched the fellow at the Wisconsin, and saw you go off with him,” was the reply. “I saw what you were working, and followed on as you directed. When you came in here, I ducked away and got this suit. Pretty near correct, eh?” “It is about the thing,” replied Nick. “Listen!” There was an alarm of fire in the street, and then fire apparatus stopped in front of the building. Chick opened the door to the hall and looked out. The whole place was in flames. The detectives darted toward the private staircase, seeking escape by way of the basement, but were there met by a column of flame. Nick threw open the windows, and fire ladders soon made their appearance. It was clear that the lower part of the structure was little better than a furnace.