“All this time she was laughing, but I could see in her right hand her revolver. I suddenly jumped forward to seize her revolver arm, when she sprang back and in an instant everything was dark. The lights went out. “Then I was pushed forward and out of the room by more than one, through a hall and into the street. “In my anger I threatened that I would put you, Mr. Carter, on her track, and when I was in the street I rushed about, trying to find a policeman. “By and by, however, my common sense came uppermost, and I saw that by appealing to a policeman I should only make public what I should, in my own interests, keep quiet. “So, determining to see you as soon as I could, I went home. “This morning, on reaching the bank, I found the letter which you now have in your possession.” “How much money did she take?” “A little less than a hundred dollars—I cannot tell exactly; between ninety and a hundred.” “Did you see any one else then?” “No.” “You could go again to that house?” “No doubt of it.” “Have you told me everything that occurred?” “Everything, reserved nothing. Now, I want those photographs, Mr. Carter. I want you to get them. I’ll pay for them; but I won’t be blackmailed.” Nick was silent a moment or two, thinking. Then he said: “On your recital it seems to be merely a vulgar panel game. But I think there is more back of it than that. However, I will take the case. I will think it over. Do nothing, however, until you see me again. I shall probably be back again in an hour or two, possibly with my plan of action worked out.” Nick left the banking house, and, going into the street met Chick and Ida. “Was I followed?” “Yes,” replied Chick. “Followed to these doors by a young fellow of twenty-five, stylishly dressed. He was like a woman more than a man; that is, his face was so fine and handsome.” “What became of him?” “He went off after seeing you, with a curious smile on his face. Patsy is on his trail.” “Then that is all right,” said Nick. “Come with me. I think we have got a case well worth looking on. We will go somewhere where we can talk it over.” The three then went to a neighboring hotel. CHAPTER III. A BLIND CHASE. When Patsy took the trail of the young man who had followed Nick to the doors of the bank, the only purpose of it was to find out who he was and with whom he had connection. In taking up the trail Patsy was wary. His first effort was to determine whether the young man feared shadowing, and, if he did, whether he believed himself to be shadowed. For the first ten minutes there were no indications of any kind on the part of the young man. He took up a bee line for Broadway, and, turning into that thoroughfare, walked to the south with a rapid gait and a businesslike manner, turning neither to the right nor the left, nor giving any heed to persons behind him.