Nick Carter Stories No. 123, January 16, 1915: Half a million ransom; or, Nick Carter and the needy nine. — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Nick Carter Stories No. 123, January 16, 1915: Half a million ransom; or, Nick Carter and the needy nine.
John Stuart Mill · en
Patsy Garvan paused only briefly to determine what he would do.
“Gleason must be Duffy’s chauffeur,” he quickly reasoned. “He is going
to take this bunch of blacklegs somewhere in an automobile. I might find
it impossible to follow them. I’d better trail the Duffy woman, then,
since their destination is the same. Yes, by Jove, it’s Maggie Duffy for
mine!”
Patsy broke cover with the last. He had no time to telephone to Nick,
but he reasoned that he would do so later. He stole out of the yard,
crouching to avoid observation, and then started in close pursuit of
Maggie Duffy and her youthful Rufus.
They were heading for the nearest subway station.
CHAPTER VI.
THE MAN IN A FIGURED VEST.
It was after twelve o’clock when Nick received from Patsy Garvan, the
telephone communication informing him what his assistant had learned up
to the time he visited the garage, as stated, and this soon was followed
by the return of Danny with additional information concerning Patsy’s
doings and designs.
“We will wait for his next report, or a communication from David Mack,”
Nick said simply.
Chick gazed at him for several moments, but his inquiring look brought
no response from the detective.
Nick Carter had, in fact, been unusually absorbed during the long period
of waiting. He had been sitting at his desk, gazing vacantly at it, with
his brows knit and his mind concentrated upon the case engaging him,
weighing all of the circumstances and seeking, as only Nick Carter’s
mind could seek, for something under the surface.
Half an hour brought no further report from Patsy, but it brought the
expected communication from the banker.
Nick seized the telephone the instant the bell began to ring.
“Hello!” he called.
The answer came quickly:
“This is Mack talking. Is that you, Nick?”
“Yes.”
“I am talking from my private office. I have heard from Redlaw.”
“Tell me. Come on with it.”
“I am directed to go out Westchester way at six o’clock this evening,
alone in my runabout, and to follow the New Rochelle road till I am
stopped by a man wearing a figured vest and carrying a red silk
handkerchief in his hand. That’s all. Not another word was said. What
shall I do?”
“Do what he has directed,” said Nick promptly.
“And follow your instructions of this morning?”
“To the letter.”
“I will. Have you any to add?”
“No. I shall wait for your next report.”
“Very good. You shall receive it as soon as possible,” Mack assured him.
“I’m game, mind you, for whatever the case requires.”
“You are well chosen, then, for this work,” Nick replied. “Between us, I
think we can turn the trick.”
“Me, too! So long.”
“Good-by and good luck.”
Nick hung up the receiver.