"This man with the florid looks meeting Nell, and going away from the depot in her company, Professor Ruggles, is a friend of Elliston's."
"Indeed!"
"It is true. I believe before another day passes, the place of the girl's seclusion can be found. Down on Clark street is Mother Scarlet's place, a played-out old hag, and she has been hand and glove with this red-haired man for some time."
"Mother Scarlet!" exclaimed the detective. "I have met her; she is the aunt of the Martin Skidway who is now serving out the remainder of his term for counterfeiting."
"The same, I suppose. I move that we visit her den, and see what we can find."
"Agreed. Let us go at once."
Dyke Darrel came to his feet.
"One moment, Dyke."
"Well."
"You are too well known by the crooks of this city to move about without disguise."