He was no common criminal, but a cool and unscrupulous villain, and he cared not for the quicksands that environed him. Nick Carter, when he thought of poor, wounded Mignon Field, felt like shooting the rascal down, and he certainly would have done so had he not promised the girl not to injure Elmer until her father had been found. Two of the party had dark lanterns, and the rays of both were directed against the safe knob, while Greer worked at the combination. “I am sure,” he said, “that the lock is set on the numbers 10-50-75. I saw Smith open it the other day, and, of course, he did not know I got onto it.” “Perhaps he changes it daily,” remarked Shea. “I’ve heard of chaps doing that, and I should say that it must be a good idea, where there are many fellows coming into an office.” Nick Carter smiled at the futile attempts of Elmer to open the safe. “Luke, the drills,” said Shea; and the party addressed produced half a dozen fine steel drills and a small sledge hammer. It was but a few moments before a hole large enough to insert a small saw was made. Next, a large sectional jimmy was brought into use. The safe was of old-fashioned make, and the cracksmen ripped through the top of it as easily as if it was made of cheese. There was an iron money box inside, and this was broken into. It was filled with bonds and money, which the thieves drew out in handfuls until it was empty. “I should say this was a rake!” remarked Shea. “It is the biggest haul I have seen since that bank up in Vermont. The shares will be larger here, because there were fifteen in that mob.” The rascals began to stuff the money into their pockets, when Nick Carter sprang into their midst, revolver in hand. He placed a small whistle to his mouth and blew a shrill blast, whereupon footsteps were heard coming up the stairs. “The apple woman! Nick Carter!” exclaimed Elmer. “Gentlemen,” said the detective, “escape is impossible. A dozen policemen are now coming up the stairs.” Greer edged toward the window, and, suddenly raising it, he sprang out. The fall was a fearful one. “That man is dead,” said Nick; “if either of you choose to follow his example and commit suicide, I shall not prevent you.” They were trapped; but neither of them felt inclined to run the risk of having their brains dashed out on the flags many stories below. “There are your prisoners,” said Nick Carter, addressing the sergeant in command of the squad of police that the detective had kept in waiting outside. When Shea and his two pals were handcuffed, Nick went to the window; he could see on the flags below the motionless form of Elmer Greer. “Well, he has gone to his last account,” muttered the detective. “Perhaps it is better so; his blood is not upon my hands.” CHAPTER X. CAUGHT AND ESCAPED. After the policemen had departed with their prisoners, Nick Carter tore off his disguise and left the building.