"And the fact that she requested Venner to call at her house this morning?" "Exactly," nodded Nick. "She fixed the hour, mind you, probably knowing that Venner would comply with her request. Hence there exists a possibility that she designed to get him away from his store at just that time, in order that the robbery could be successfully executed." "In which case, Nick, we necessarily must figure her in with the Kilgore gang, despite Venner's declaration of her honesty." "Certainly we must, Chick, in case her note to Venner was written for the purpose mentioned," nodded Nick. "Of that, however, we have no positive evidence. It may have been purely accidental that her note was sent to-day, and mentioned the very hour when the theft was committed. Obviously, in that case, the thief outside was waiting for some opportunity when Venner should be away from his store. Cervera would then be out of the affair, as far as any criminal intent is concerned." "Very probably." "So there you are!" exclaimed Nick, with another glance at the clock. "Our half hour is up. You now have my measure of the case, and next we will get down to business. We will drop this fishy-looking robbery for the present, Chick, and first of all make a move to learn something about Señora Cervera, and her relations with Rufus Venner." "A good scheme, Nick, and I'm with you." "Have you been at the theater?" "Yes, and fixed things with Busby." "You can get in upon the stage to-night?" "Sure thing, as I told you," laughed Chick. "Busby is the boss scene shifter there, and he consented to work me in as a stage hand." "Ah! very good." "I have got to make up for the part, however, and must soon be about it. I am due there at half-past seven." "Get at it, then," said Nick, rising. "See what you can learn about Cervera, and what you make of her from observation. In case Venner is about there, keep your ears alert, so that you can overhear." "You trust me for that, Nick," cried Chick, laughing. "Meantime, Chick, I'll have a look at the show from the front," added Nick. "And after Cervera does her turn, in case Venner is there, and she departs with him, you then may leave the couple to me. I'll be waiting for them at the stage door." "Right you are, Nick. So here goes!" Shrewd deductions, indeed, those of Nick Carter. Plainly enough, Garside was quite justified in his apprehension that Rufus Venner had barked up the wrong tree. CHAPTER V. BEHIND THE SCENES. Nick Carter had a double object in the work laid out for that night. If Señora Cervera was indeed in league with the Kilgore gang, and in any way responsible for the diamond robbery, Nick was resolved to secure positive evidence of it.