“There are two women with red hair,” said Nick, with a laugh. “Two?” “Exactly.” “Then the woman who killed Townsend did not occupy that room back there?” “I think not.” “Hair is different, eh?” “That’s the idea.” “Well, there’s the chief of the syndicate. We know he exists, but how are we to get to him?” “They will all come in a bunch, like sheep,” said Nick, “and the Great Diamond Syndicate will be wiped off the continent.” “You’ve got me guessing,” said Chick. At noon the two detectives found themselves at Maynard’s bedside. He was unconscious, and talking wildly. “Has he mentioned any names?” asked Nick of the nurse. “Not a single one.” Then Nick turned to the doctor. “Will he live?” he asked. “I think so. He is young and strong, and may recover, but he may have to learn his alphabet again.” “That is another trade-mark of the Great Diamond Syndicate,” mused Nick. “Hartley, who was one of their American agents, advocated beating people on the head until they came from the hospital mere imbeciles.” Things looked suspiciously favorable to the syndicate at that time. As Chick had stated there was no clue to the whereabouts of the persons wanted. Maynard was unconscious and the elevator boy was in the same condition. On leaving the sick room, Nick hastened to the Townsend residence. It was a sad-faced family he met there, and for a time he delayed the important questions he had come to ask. It seemed like making little of their sorrow to trouble his parents with matters of the law at that time. Finally he called the father aside. “You understand how difficult it is for me to break in on you at this time,” he said, “but there are questions which ought to be asked now.” “I will do my best to answer them,” said the father. “You have heard your son speak of one Julius Mantelle?” “Occasionally.” “Do you know where the fellow lives?” “At the Hotel Cumberland, I think.” “Have you ever met this man Julius.” “Once.” “Describe him, please.” “Very dark, with broad nostrils, like a negro, thick lips, black curly hair. He speaks English with a slight French accent. I didn’t like the looks of the man.” “What about his eyes?” “Like a snake’s.” “Did you know that your son had an appointment with him last night?” “I did not.” “Or with any one?” “Not that I knew of. Is this man Mantelle suspected?” “Well, he was about the café where your son and Maynard took supper after the rehearsal. I desire to locate him. Do you know where this rehearsal was held?” The detective was given a number of West Fourteenth Street. CHAPTER XIX. MANTELLE AT BAY. “It strikes me,” said Chick, as the detectives left the Townsend home, “that the Great Diamond Syndicate is giving us the fight of our lives.” “It appears to be all that the chief declared it to be,” said Nick, “a powerful organization, officered by cunning scoundrels.”