“Because that was the Brown Robin.” “The devil! I saw Nick Carter only a couple of hours ago, and he told me the Brown Robin was a woman.” “The person speaking to you after the first act was a woman.” “What? Are you sure?” “Certain. Now, then, what did she want?” “Say, Chick,” exclaimed Patsy. “Hold on! Mr. Mountain has seen her in the makeup she had when she left Seventeenth Street.” “That’s all right, Patsy, but she made a change on her way up here. Now, Mr. Mountain, what did she want?” “Well, after telling me she was one of Nick Carter’s men, she asked if I had got my notice. I refused to say anything to her on the subject, and when she talked Nick Carter I told her, as Mr. Carter had instructed me, that I had nothing to do with him, and wanted to have nothing to do. “He—that is, she, if it is a she—began to threaten me with Nick Carter’s power, but I wouldn’t have it. I stood pat on Mr. Carter’s instructions.” “That is first-rate,” said Chick. “I see the game through and through. It was an effort to be satisfied whether or not Nick Carter is employed by you.” “Well, then, she is satisfied that he is not, for I lied like a trooper.” “Good! Now, then, you have got your notice?” “Yes.” “How?” “By letter. It was thrust into my hand as I entered the theatre here.” “May I see it?” Mr. Mountain took a letter from his pocket, handing it to Chick, who, after reading it, passed it to Patsy. It read: “Mr. M.: To-morrow at 5 P. M. Be at the entrance of the Park Avenue Hotel, prepared to do business, as I require. Make no mistake as to the amount. You will be met by one who will bring you to me. If you are accompanied by any one, or, if any one is concealed there to watch and follow, I shall know it, and if you play tricks the game will be up. Be prompt. “The Brown Robin.” “So it’s business to-morrow,” said Chick. “It seems so,” replied Mr. Mountain. “I want to see Carter on this business; I meant to go to him after the theatre.” “Don’t; let him go to you,” said Chick. “You will be seen and followed if you go. He will get to you unseen.” “I suppose that is so,” said Mr. Mountain, thoughtfully. “You will inform him then?” “Yes; I will take this letter to him.” Chick was thoughtful a moment, then handed the letter back, saying: “On second thoughts, Mr. Mountain, keep that letter in your pocket. You may be required to show it, and it may be well to do it, if so.” “How?” “The man who first came to you may show up before the evening is over.” “I see.” “A lot may be done to find out whether you are acting in good faith before they put their heads in the trap.” “I follow you. Good! I am to act as I meant to come down in earnest.” “That is it.” The bell sounded again to notify of the raising of the curtain. “Go back, Mr. Mountain, as if nothing had occurred here,” said Chick.