If he thought of such things he made no sign. It was some hours after these events that the door of the library was opened and Claude, his son, came in. Lamont was now fast asleep, and the young sport watched him for ten minutes. Stealing over to the desk, Claude opened a drawer near his father’s hand and extracted a large envelope therefrom. As he was transferring it to his pocket Opal looked into the room, and then came forward. “Don’t awaken him,” she said. “I want to see you, Claude. Come across the hall.” “Mother----” “Mother won’t hear us, for she is lying down overhead. Come with me. I didn’t know you were in the house.” “I just came in.” “Good.” The pair left the library and crossed the hall to the darkened parlor, where Opal turned suddenly on her brother. “Have you done it yet?” she asked. Claude started in spite of himself. “Done what?” “You know. I happened to overhear you and father. Have you finished him?” “I don’t understand you?” “Oh, yes, you do. You know about the two hundred thousand. You were to get the confession, besides silencing him.” “I’ve done nothing yet. I understand now,” said Claude, with a faint smile. “When will you?” “Just as soon as I get a chance.” “Don’t you think you’re putting it off too long?” “I don’t know. I’m doing my best.” “But while he lives and keeps the confession written in Hell’s Kitchen it will be against us.” “Yes.” “You’re his chum. You know where he nests, and you are the proper person to silence this man with the terrible secret. You’re not afraid of the law, are you?” Again Claude Lamont started and looked down into the flushed face of his sister. “No, I’m not afraid of that, but you see I can’t strike till I have a fair target.” “I know that.” “There is that bothersome detective,” suggested Claude. “Never mind him,” laughed Opal; “he’s silenced.” “Since when?” “Don’t ask too many questions. He’s silenced, I say.” “I guess not. I’ve seen him lately.” “When?” “Yesterday.” “I’ve got later news than that!” cried the young girl. “I’m right from the seat of war, so to speak.” Claude wanted to ask further questions, but she stopped him by laying her hand on his shoulder. “That man was an enemy of us all,” she said. “He was dangerous, Claude.” “Positively so,” was the reply. “He was a living menace to our future happiness; he was as dangerous as this man Richmond, your friend, and his confession. I shuddered whenever I thought of Nick Carter, who would not let me buy him off.” “He was incorruptible, was he?” laughed Claude. “Yes, but he’s fixed now.” “With whose money, Opal? Father’s?” “With something that silences better than gold,” was the startling answer. “I would never face him the second time with a bribe. I know what’s what.” “See here. You’ve got me on nettles. What’s become of this man? I demand to know?” Opal thought a moment, and then turned her head away. “When have you been to the Cedar Street house?” she asked, without looking at him.