"The crime that is still going on. Let me explain. Get my reasons. First, suppose that the messenger from Russia is not due to arrive immediately.
"In those stolen papers was a list of the names and addresses of the six men who were to receive their shares of the wealth. There was also a letter to your uncle, naming the time and place of meeting — probably similar to those received by the others.
"The thief can appear to claim the wealth, posing as your uncle or his representative. But the others would be there, too. He would have to divide the money he received."
"You don't mean—"
"You see it now, too. Fake notes to each of the six. Copies — forgeries — patterned after the note to your uncle. Notes that look authentic — setting the date ahead! One six weeks early, one five weeks early—"
"Vincent!" Bruce Duncan's exclamation expressed horror. "I see it! Hooper — Longstreth — Meyers. Each of them is one of the six men! One by one they have been lured to the meeting place and there they—"
"They have died," was Vincent's solemn announcement. "But Duncan, there are three men more!"
"Three men more!" echoed Duncan. "Men who we do not know. Men whom we cannot help. Men marked to die!"
CHAPTER XVIII. FELLOWS LEARNS SOMETHING
Claude Fellows reclined comfortably in the cushions of the limousine and puffed a cigar in contentment. It was Friday evening; he was on his way to a party in New Jersey.