“You may as well know first as last that it was I who enticed Sara Varney from her home by sending a decoy letter which said that Arthur Grayling was in trouble—had, in fact, been arrested. I knew that such a story would insure her silence regarding her journey.
“I took her to a woman in Brooklyn, and kept her a close prisoner in an upper room, but the other day, when I went there, I found the house deserted and the woman and Sara gone.
“I traced them to the house of Jasper Gregory.
“A few words will explain why he stole her away. His partners in Nevada, as you will discover by the papers, were Sara's father and brother. He murdered them, and stole the property, although John Varney, Sara's father, had already amassed a fortune which eventually went to his daughter.
“I not only wanted to marry Sara Varney, but I wanted her wealth as well. Jap wanted the same thing. He has made Sara believe that he is her savior and a saint. He has convinced her, by forged letters, that Arthur Grayling is a scoundrel, and she has consented to marry the murderer of her own father, although she does not suspect him.
“I think the girl is half crazy, or she would not become his dupe.”
“And the checks?” asked Nick. “I have spent the money. Now do you duty, but don't forget that brother of mine.”
“Never fear. We will attend to him.” Hatfield—or in reality George Gregory, for that was his name—was taken to a cell, and then the two detectives paid a call upon Big Jap Gregory.
Nick sent in his card, and was admitted at once.
“Ah!” said Gregory, “any news of the casket?”