"That is all, I think. You may take these men away now, if you will, and ask the major to hold them all for me until I send word from the official who is my authority in this matter. I know that you and your men cannot go to Virginia to make an arrest, and so I shall take the law into my own hands, and trust to luck not to disturb any of those Virginia officials who are at the other end of the long bridge. My own friends will accompany me, if you will take charge of the prisoners.Tell the major to expect me at any moment."
CHAPTER XI.
NICK CARTER SWINGS THE AX.
Nick Carter and the senator, with Chick and Patsy, entered the carriage at the door, a few moments later, leaving the house and the prisoners in charge of the officers, and were driven rapidly toward D Street, southwest, for Nick had determined to stop at the house Dumont had mentioned, while on his way to the long bridge. It was almost directly in his course, and it would consume only a little time to do so. If Mustushimi were there, so much the better. The rest would be comparatively easy.
That neighborhood of the Capital city does not bear a savory reputation, and it was just the place of all others, for Mustushimi to have selected as a place for hiding, if he should be pursued too closely at any time; and, the house and its location were so perfectly described to the detective by Dumont, before they separated, that Nick knew he could find it with ease.
It was a low, two story brick house, painted white; and there were lace curtains at the windows and lights behind some of them, so that it did not appear unlike its neighbors in that locality notwithstanding the fact that the time was now two in the morning.
As the hack drew up in front of the door, the detective leaped down and rang the bell; and after a moment's delay a negro appeared and looked at him through a narrow crack.
But Nick slammed the door open instantly, sending, the negro sprawling upon his back; then he seized him by the collar, and stood him on his feet before he could recover from his surprise.
"Where is your master"- demanded the detective.
"He's done gone out, sah," was the trembling reply.