Nick Carter was not long in deciding what plans he would adopt. He took the Redlaw letter from the table, saying, while he folded it and slipped it into his pocket: “I will keep this for the present. I may not be able to trace the writer, but we will take advantage of one fact, at least, that he wants a personal interview with Mr. Mack.” “How would it work, Carter, to have me secretly shadowed?” Dave inquired. “We might in that way contrive to locate the entire gang.” “There would be nothing in attempting anything of that kind,” Nick quickly objected. “The crooks engaged in this job are not blockheads. They will guard against being discovered by any such trick as that.” “You may be right,” Mack thoughtfully allowed. “I know I am right,” Nick insisted. “You must be governed strictly by my instructions.” “You may depend upon that.” “To begin with, then, you must inform me by telephone as soon as you hear from Redlaw and learn when and where you are to meet him. If I happen to be out of my house, you may state the circumstances to one of my assistants.” “I will do so.” “State precisely what you learn and what is expected of you. The rascal will devise some way of safely meeting you.” “What shall I say to him? What----” “We must play for time,” Nick interrupted. “I want time in which to get in my work. You must discuss the matter with that object in view.” “I understand.” “Pretend that you cannot definitely settle the matter in a single interview; that you must confer again with Mr. Madden before doing so, and that a second interview will be necessary,” Nick added. “Employ an argument, or subterfuge, in fact, that will enable you to stave off a definite agreement with the scamps.” “I’ve got you,” Dave nodded. “Leave it to me.” “Having kept the appointment and accomplished that much, you must let me know all of the particulars as quickly as possible,” Nick proceeded. “Telephone to me, however, instead of coming to my office. I will then give you further instructions. They will depend, of course, upon what you report to me.” “Certainly. I understand you perfectly.” “That is all, then, at present,” said Nick. “Do only what I have directed, Mr. Mack, and leave me to do the rest. If I find that I----” A knock on the door interrupted him. A clerk from the outer office entered. “Mr. Littlefield is here, sir,” said he, addressing the cashier of the firm. “He wants to go through his account with you this morning, as you requested.” “Yes, yes, to be sure. Tell him I will be with him in just a moment.” David Mack arose while speaking, then turned to the detective. “It will take me a quarter hour,” said he. “Will you excuse me? I will return as soon as----” “There is no occasion,” Nick interposed. “You know what is required of you, and I shall leave in a very few minutes.” “Very well. You will hear from me later, then.” “Certainly. As soon as you have heard from Redlaw.”