“You forgot to mention one thing, Dick,” came from Fred’s father. “Another one of the detectives from that agency saw Davenport in this vicinity less than three weeks ago.”
“What do you mean? Here at the houses?” questioned Randy.
“Yes. He was out on the Drive, skulking up and down looking at all the doors and windows. And he asked one of the tradesmen who lived here, evidently to make sure that he had the right place.”
“Why don’t they arrest him?” questioned Andy impatiently.
“That’s what we’re going to do as soon as we can get any real evidence against him,” answered his Uncle Dick. “I’d like to catch him red-handed at something.”
“I’ve got a scheme!” exclaimed Randy. “Jack, you’d be the fellow to put it through because you’re Uncle Dick’s son and it’s Uncle Dick that Davenport is sore on.”
“What’s the idea?” questioned his cousin.
“Lay a trap for Davenport by placing yourself in such a position that he can get at you. Then, when he thinks he’s got you, let the detectives close in on him and make him a prisoner.”
“No, no! Nothing like that!” came from Dick Rover. “Davenport is too dangerous a fellow. He might get away with his scheme, and Jack would suffer. You can’t imagine how vindictive that rascal is. Why, when he appeared at the offices and made his demand for that money he acted like the most cold-blooded villain you can imagine. Sometimes I wonder if the loss of his money down there in the oil fields hasn’t turned his brain.”