“Well, maybe seven minutes--but that,” said Kidder, impressively, “would be slow work for the _Evening Planet!_” “Amazing!” murmured Robison, in a congratulatory tone. “And did you make it clear that there was no explanation for the non-arrival of--” “I said it had not been explained as yet. A man isn't kidnapped in broad daylight in the city of New York--taken out of his own cab and carried away. If conscious, he would have shouted to the coachman; if unconscious, he would have attracted attention. It can't be done!” “No, it can't,” agreed Robison. “Nevertheless, it has been done.” “How could--” “Kidder, the taxicab has introduced a new and easily utilizable possibility into criminal affairs, against which the police cannot yet protect the public. I can see one, two, three, five, ten, fourteen different ways in which Mr. Garrettson could have been abducted from his own carriage, put into a taxi, and carried away. Suppose there are six taxis. Three are in front to prevent the coachman from passing them. The coachman is also compelled to regulate his speed according as they desire. Then put one taxi on each side and one behind. These taxis not only escort the cab; they pocket it and keep out help. At one of the many halts the cab door is opened and Garrettson induced to enter one of the side taxis while the coachman is occupied taking care of his horses because one of the taxis in front threatens to back, which will crush the prancing beasts. Do you suppose the coachman, especially if he is elderly and somewhat deaf, as all old people are, could hear a cry for help with six taxis making all the noise they can, muffler cutouts going, or backfiring, or--” “Do you think that is--” “I think nothing! I cited it as one of fourteen--indeed, twenty--possible ways,” said Robison, quietly. “It's funny--I mean it is a curious coincidence that on the one day you had sold Steel short--” “My young friend,” interrupted Robison, gravely, “I sold after Garrettson was late! Wisdom is always accused of unfairness. A man whose mind enables him to win steadily at cards is invariably suspected of marking them. I had planned to buy Con. Steel provided Garrettson's health, state of mind, and trade conditions satisfied me! Instead I sold a little because of his delay. Why, man, we did that in London once--Cecil Rhodes and I--when Barney Barnato, at the height of the Kaffir craze, suddenly decided--” “Wait till I get a piece of paper,” said Amos Kidder. He saw a big story. But Robison said: “I'll tell you all you wish to know--if you promise not to use names--in Richards's office later, when Garrettson's disappearance is officially admitted. You should hang round Garrettson's office. Don't lose sight of it for one minute! Your office will keep in touch--” “Yes; they are sending three men down to work under me.” “Keep me posted, will you? I am going to Richards's office and watch the market.”