“They don’t require much labor, particularly when only seldom used.” “Well, they haven’t the autos in that stable, nor in the carriage-house,” declared Patsy. “That’s a cinch, Chick, for we’ve had a look into both.” “True.” “And there’s only one horse in the stable.” “They may have some secret place of concealment for the whole business,” said Chick. “Perhaps so, yet——” “Stop a bit!” Chick suddenly interrupted, rising to peer through the shrubbery. “What’s the meaning of this?” “Gee!” muttered Patsy, also starting to his feet. “Something’s up!” Though they had no way of learning the occasion for the excitement at this time, both being out of hearing and unable to approach without being detected, it was at just this time that Badger received from Vic Clayton a telephone communication concerning Nick Carter’s designs, and which had been quickly followed by the laying of the plot that later resulted in Nick’s downfall. Badger had come plunging out of the back door of the house, without coat or hat, throwing away his cigar as he ran across the lawn, all the while shouting lustily to Conley. It was his sudden appearance and obvious excitement that had so startled both Chick and Patsy. Conley turned back upon hearing the shouts, and the two crooks met about twenty feet in front of the stable, within plain view of the detectives. There Badger talked rapidly for several moments, with occasional fierce gestures in the direction of the city, and all the while both men exhibited in their faces and movements a consternation and excitement not easily to be accounted for by one out of hearing. “Gee! I’d give something to know what they are saying,” muttered Patsy, staring with distended eyes. “There is something in the wind,” nodded Chick. At the end of about a minute, Badger turned and rushed back to the house, entering it at the top of his speed. Conley, meantime, bolted out of sight toward the stable door, yet not into it, which was out of view of the detectives. “Where the dickens did he go?” said Chick curiously. “It looked as if he went into the stable,” said Patsy. “I’m not so sure of that.” “No?” “I thought he turned to one side just before he approached the door.” “He may have run around the farthest corner,” suggested Patsy. “We might change our positions, Chick, so as to see that door.” “Wait a bit,” replied Chick. “There’s a big hurry here over something, and we shall see all there is to be seen in short order.” “I guess that’s right.” “Badger pointed toward town several times,” added Chick, with grave countenance. “I’d wager a little that Nick is in some way back of this, if not involved in some bother.” “You don’t imagine——” “Easy! Here comes Badger again.” Once more the latter had bolted out of the house, and this time he was followed by his wife. Now both had on their outside garments, and evidently were prepared for a ride.