Hilton Field did not resist; he was as obedient as a child now that his courage had forsaken him. When the captive reached the garret, Sam removed the ladder. “You know,” remarked Skip, “or, at least, I suppose Dick has told you, that this business must be kept secret.” “This coon don’t blab when he is treated right. Mister Denton knows what I am. It wasn’t to-day or yesterday that we became acquainted.” “You may depend upon him, Skip!” said Denton, as he took a five-dollar bill from his pocket and threw it upon the table; “Sam, go and get a couple of bottles of whisky.” When the negro had left, the precious pair had a long conference, which ended in the adoption of a plan. Dick Denton was to go to New York the next day and see Elmer, and if he did not give the money he had promised, they determined to open negotiations with the banker’s family. They felt sure the reward would be paid, but it would be dangerous for them to make approaches openly. The negro brought nearly a gallon of liquor, and, when the three men retired, they were intoxicated. Dick was up at daybreak, and, after awakening his pal, started for New York. In the morning paper, which he purchased on the cars, he read of the murder of Smith in the Tombs and of the killing of Wilbur at the “Cat and Kittens.” It was to that place he intended to go to look for Greer, but he was afraid to go near the saloon now, knowing that detectives would be watching it. He knew of another place where Elmer frequently visited, in Commerce Street, and he made his way thither, going zigzag across town through quiet streets. Dick was in luck. He met Greer going into the place, and they went in together. “I suppose you know what I want?” said Denton. “Money, I should say.” “Yes, you have hit the mark,” remarked Dick. “Skip told me not to come back without it.” “Nice fellow, Skip!” “What do you mean?” “That you and he may get out for all I care,” replied Greer; “I have no money for you.” “Skip told me to say,” added Denton, “that if you didn’t pony up we would do a little business with the banker’s family.” “Better go and see that member of it who is lying dead at the ‘Cat and Kittens.’ Perhaps you could make an arrangement with him.” “This is not a joke, Skip, and I mean it.” “I am very sorry, deuced sorry; I am also sorry that I won’t have the pleasure of your charming society for some little while.” “Are you going away?” Denton asked. “Yes; for the good of my health.” Elmer made a significant gesture, that of slipping a noose about his neck. “Then it was you that finished Wilbur?” “He would have ended me if I didn’t,” replied Greer, “and as one of us had to die, I preferred it should be him.” “Well, you leave us in a nice hole.” “Climb out of it. I can’t help you; everything has gone to smash, but not through any fault of mine.”