“He don’t think so.” With a sneer in his tone, Lorton said: “Does he expect to get his money back?” “I guess not. He’s glad enough, I take it, to get rid of it so cheaply!” Starting up in surprise and alarm, Lorton demanded: “What do you mean?” “Nothing, only that the old man seems to be pretty well scared about the stuff for some reason and wanted to get it safely out of his hands. I don’t know for sure, but I think it has been traced that you were concerned in the Field matter, and the ‘boodle’ to him.” “Nonsense!” “Not at all! You know that you fixed the old man, and it is possible, I think, that somebody tumbled to you.” “See here, it will be wisest for you to keep a still tongue. You’re letting it wag a trifle too freely for your best good health.” “That’s all right. You don’t think I would go around blabbing all I know and all I guess, do you? I speak of it to your face as a fact, and would not have done it if you hadn’t invited it.” “Well, they can’t say I murdered the old man unless they find his body.” “But you did, all the same!” “Yes, and I’ll murder you, too, if you don’t get out of here in a hurry!” “I rather think not.” As the disguised young detective gave this reply Nick Carter arose from his place of concealment and echoed: “I rather think not!” Turning in the direction of this new speaker, Lorton uttered an oath and demanded: “What is the meaning of this?” Nick smilingly answered: “I will show you!” As he spoke he ripped off his disguise with one hand, while with the other he snatched out a revolver and brought it to bear on Lorton. The woman was the first to recognize him. She gasped: “Nick Carter, the detective!” Bowing to her, he returned: “At your service, madam!” Then to the man who had brought the silver: “Your disguise is admirable, Patsy. Your own mother wouldn’t know you.” The woman shrieked: “It is all clear now! We’ve been trapped!” And, in an excited tone, she added: “The trap--the trap! There are only two of them! We ought to be able to master them!” “Only two of us, eh?” Saying this, Nick drew out and blew a whistle. With a thunderous crash the front door was carried from its hinges and a full dozen of policemen rushed into the room. The game was up. The conspirators saw it at a glance. Just after the handcuffs had been placed on the wrists of the two men there was a bustle at the door, and then Mr. Field stood before them. At sight of him both men turned pale, while even Nick started with surprise. Looking at Lorton, Mr. Field said: “That is the man who struck me!” And turning to Luke: “That is the man who carried me away from my house in an unconscious condition and has kept me prisoner ever since.” The eyes of Lorton and Helen fairly flamed with anger when these words were uttered. The former hissed: “So you turned traitor, did you?” The man sullenly returned: