There was a meeting that night of the Black Hundred. Four men were told off, and they drew their chairs up to Vroon's table for instructions. Braine sat at Vroon's elbow. These four men composed the most dangerous quartet in New York City. They were as daring as they were desperate. They were the men who held up bank messengers and got away with thousands. They had learned to swoop down upon their victims as the hawk swoops down upon the heron. The newspapers referred to them as the "auto bandits," and the men took a deal of pride in the furore they had created. [Illustration: FOUR MEN WERE TOLD OFF] Vroon went over the Hargreave case minutely; he left no detail unexplained. Bluntly and frankly, the daughter of Stanley Hargreave must be caught and turned over to the care of the Black Hundred. It must be quick action. Four valuable members were in the Tombs. They might or might not weaken under pressure. For the first time in its American career the organization stood facing actual peril; and its one possible chance of salvation lay in the fact that no one's face was known to his neighbor. He, Vroon, and the boss alone knew who and what each man was. But the plans, the ramifications of the organization might become public property; and that would mean an end to an exceedingly profitable business. The daughter of Hargreave rode horseback early every morning. She sought the country road. She was invariably attended by the riding master of a school near by. "You four will make your own plans." "If she should be injured?" "Avoid it if possible." "We have a free hand?" "Absolutely." "We risk a bad fall from her horse if it's a spirited one." "Pretend a breakdown in the road," interpolated Braine. "As they approach, draw and order them to dismount. That method will prevent any accident." "We'll plan it somehow. It looks easy." "Nothing is easy where that girl is concerned. A thousand eyes seem to be watching her slightest move." "We shan't leave anything to chance. How many days will you give us?" "Seven. A failure, mind you, will prove unhealthy to all concerned," with a menace which made the four stir uneasily. The telephone rang. Braine reached for the receiver. "A man just entered the Hargreave house at the rear. Come at once," was the message. "Is your car outside?" Braine asked. "We are never without it." "Then let us be off. No one will stop us for speeding on a side street." Fourteen minutes by the clock brought the car to a stand at the curb a few houses below the Hargreave home. The men got out. The watcher ran up. "He is still inside," he whispered. "Good! Spread out. If any one leaves that house, catch him. If he runs too fast, shoot. We can beat the police."