Matters always moved lively with the Carters after a trail was once fairly struck, and in this case they were no exception. That which had occasioned Patsy’s muttered exclamation was now observed by Chick, who parted the shrubbery concealing them to view the object a little better. It was a huge Cuban bloodhound, a wicked-looking beast. The animal had evidently just come out of the stable, the front of which was only partly visible to the detectives, and he was now trotting across the lawn toward the rear door of the house. “I believe you are right,” rejoined Chick. “He looks as if he might bolt a man with a single mouthful.” “Dead easy,” nodded Patsy. “If we have work to do here after dark,” said Chick, “we’d best keep that fellow in mind.” “Rather.” “He’d put up an uglier fight than the entire bunch we’ve seen so far.” “That’s right, Chick.” “We’ve seen only four as yet.” “Badger and his wife, whom we saw from the front,” counted Patsy. “The middle-aged woman at work in the kitchen yonder, and the covey we’ve seen about the stable. That makes four, Chick; sure as you’re a foot high.” “I begin to think there are no others.” “Four are not many to be carrying on the game Nick suspects,” suggested Patsy, a bit doubtfully. “There is still the Clayton woman,” replied Chick; “and she and Badger’s wife may be as bold and capable as men would be.” “Very likely.” “There are enough of them to have played this hold-up game successfully, that’s plain enough; and the smaller the number, Patsy, the less liability of betrayal.” “That’s true, Chick.” “I think that the paucity of servants here is a point in our favor.” “A point that Nick is right?” “Exactly.” “Perhaps so.” “I doubt if there are others,” repeated Chick, “or if we can remain here much longer to advantage. We are to rejoin Nick at four o’clock, you remember.” “What time is it now?” “Half-past one,” replied Chick, consulting his watch. It was at that moment that Vic Clayton was receiving her very important communication from the spy from police headquarters, half an hour before the arrival of Nick. At the same moment, while Chick and Patsy were crouched, gazing toward the house, Conley came out of the rear door and sauntered toward the stable, lighting his pipe while he walked. “There’s that stable covey again,” murmured Patsy. “I don’t half-fancy his looks.” “Evidently he is just out from dinner.” “Sure thing! See, the woman is now feeding the dog at the back steps. That’s what the ugly cur trotted over there for.” “He knows when meal-time comes,” laughed Chick. “Mebbe his meal-ticket is only good at this hour,” grinned Patsy. “I wonder if that covey is the only man in the stable. If he is, Chick, he must have a good bit of work, or else Nick is away off on some points.” “Why so?” “Nick thinks they have three or four horses out here.” “We know of one, Patsy.” “And he thinks these hold-up crooks have several automobiles.”