When Braine received the message he was pleased. Norton's assignment fitted his purpose like a glove. Before midnight he would have Mr. Meddling Reporter where he would bother no one for some time--if he proved tractable. If not, he would never bother any one again. Braine gave his orders tersely. Unless Norton met with unforeseen delay, nothing could prevent his capture. When Norton arrived at the Henderson place, a footman informed him from the veranda that General Henderson was at 49 Elm Street for the evening, and it would be wise to call there. Jim nodded his thanks and set off in haste for 49 Elm Street. The footman did not enter the house, but hurried down the steps and slunk off among the adjacent shrubbery. His mission was over with. The house in Elm Street was Braine's suburban establishment. He went there occasionally to hibernate, as it were, to grow a new skin when close pressed. The caretaker was a man rightly called Samson. He was a bruiser of the bouncer type. It was fast work for Braine to get out there. If the man disguised as a footman played his cards badly Braine would have all his trouble for nothing. He disguised himself with that infernal cleverness which had long since made him a terror to the police, who were looking for ten different men instead of one. He knew that Norton would understand instantly that he was not the general; but on the other hand he would not know that he was addressing Braine. So the arch-conspirator waited; and so Norton arrived and was ushered into the room. A single glance was enough to satisfy the reporter, always keen-eyed and observant. "I wish to see General Henderson," he said politely. "General Henderson is doubtless at his own house." "Ah!" "Don't be alarmed--yet," said Braine smoothly. "I am not alarmed," replied Norton. "I am only chagrined. Since General Henderson is not to be found here I must be excused." "I will excuse you presently." "Ah! I begin to see." "Indeed!" mocked Braine. "I have tumbled or walked into a trap." "A keen mind like yours must have recognized that fact the moment you discovered that I was not the general." "I am indebted to the Black Hundred?" coolly. "Precisely. We do not wish you ill, Mr. Norton." "To be sure, no!" ironically. "What with falling safes, poisoned cigarettes, and so forth, I can readily see that you have my welfare at heart. What puzzled me was the suddenness with which these affectionate signs ceased." "You're a man of heart," said Braine with genuine admiration. "These affectionate signs, as you call them, ceased because for the time being you ceased to be a menace. You have become that once more, and here you are!" "And what are you going to do with me now that you have got me?" "There will be two courses." Braine reached into a drawer and drew out a thick roll of bills. "There are here something like $5,000." "Quite a tidy sum; enough for a chap to get married on."