"In either case," added Nick, abruptly, "there's a way by which we can fool him. I'll explain it on the way. Get your make-up box and prepare to go with me. Since we have the game uncovered, we'll lose no time in rounding up these accomplished rascals." "Good enough!" exclaimed Chick, as he hurriedly arose. "The sooner the better." "We may have ragged work before the job is completed," added Nick. "So provide yourself with a brace of guns. I'll be ready when you are." "Where first?" "To the house of Pandu Singe, the snake charmer." CHAPTER XVIII. AT CROSS-PURPOSES. It was not quite noon when Nick Carter and Chick arrived at the house of the Hindoo snake charmer. They found Pandu Singe at home with his interpreter, and the two detectives were very cordially received. Nick quickly disclosed his business. "We wish to borrow your personalities for a short time, also some of your curious garments," he explained to Pandu Singe, through his interpreter, who also was a Hindoo of superior education. The snake charmer appeared greatly surprised at such a request, but Nick readily invented a very plausible story to serve his purpose, without disclosing the true occasion. He soon persuaded the foreigner to grant his request, moreover, and the amazement of Pandu Singe and the interpreter were redoubled when they beheld what followed. This was the extraordinary transformation of their visitors. Nick had already outlined his plans to Chick, and they at once began operations. First they placed the two Hindoos in chairs near the windows, where the light revealed every peculiarity of their swarthy features. Nick next adjusted a large mirror upon the table, and placed his make-up box near by. Using the interpreter for his pattern, Nick then set to work with grease paints, powders, false hair, and the like, and at the end of twenty minutes he had, with most artistic skill, converted himself into a startling likeness of his model. The addition of the garments already provided for him made the remarkable transformation absolutely complete. Chick had not been idle meantime, but with equally clever manipulation had made himself into a counterfeit presentment of Pandu Singe. The astonishment of the two Hindoos, and their delight as they beheld the progressive changes so artistically made, could scarcely find expression in words. At the end of an hour, when the two detectives stood robed in their strange Indian attire, one would readily have declared that four genuine Hindoos, rather than two, occupied the apartment. Having thus paved the way to his next move, Nick easily prevailed upon the Hindoos to remain indoors for a day or two, lest the deception should be discovered and his designs perverted. He and Chick then returned to their waiting carriage, and half an hour later it drew up at the Fifth Avenue store of Venner & Co. Chick alighted and led the way in.