A perfect procession of crooks was passing into the place, and Nick was waiting to attract the attention of some of them. Presently he had his wish, for a confidence man known to the crooked profession as Blister called him to the doorway. “Hello, there!” cried the crook. “You can’t see half of the show from the outside. Come in and have a bracer.” Nick looked up with a drunken dignity which set the crook laughing. “I don’t know you,” he said. “Come in and get acquainted, then,” was the laughing reply. “What do you expect to get standing out there looking at the paper lions? You can see the real thing on the inside. Admission free! Come and have a snifter.” “You’re all right!” cried Nick. “I’m choice of me company, but I’ll have a drink with you. You’re all right.” They walked into the place together and took seats at a table. The room was a large one, and was well filled with customers. In front was a cigar stand, shut off from the room proper by a high screen with mirror panels. Back of this was a long bar, and all along the side and clustered in the rear were tables. Just at the end of the bar an open staircase led to the rooms above. Sitting at the table with the confidence man, Nick saw Chick passing up and down the staircase with beer and wine on trays. The assistant gave a quick glance at his chief, but did not seem to recognize him. Nick does not drink intoxicating liquor, so when the wine was brought at the command of the crook, he was seized with a coughing fit, and succeeded in spilling most of the contents of his glass. “We’ll have another,” said the detective, drawing forth a roll of banknotes, which caused the eyes of the confidence man to open wide. The fellow thought that the money was certain to come his way before the night was over. Glancing about the room, Nick saw that those present were gathered in little groups, talking earnestly and in whispers. They all appeared to be very well known to each other. Nick noticed that two muscular fellows kept near the door. The confidence man bought several drinks, and then began talking about a little game that was going on upstairs. “I’m going up and play a few stacks,” he said. “It’s dull down here. You may come along and look on if you want to. Don’t get into any game with strangers, however,” he added, “for there are some pretty tough chaps here to-night. If you want to play a small game, I’ll get you a seat at my table after a while.” Nick was not ready to leave the lower room, so he put the crook off and sat with his eyes on the door. Presently four men entered the place, drank at the bar, and then started up the staircase. Nick saw that they were strangers there, judging by the attitude of the others in the room. They were tall, broad-shouldered men, and all wore full beards. It was plain that they were armed. One of the men behind the bar called to the men as they started up the staircase. “Where are you going?” he asked, stepping toward them.