Of course I ran the risk of losing it—I knew that. I expected to lose it, but I was willing to take the chances for the sake of accomplishing my ends.
Now I must say that my pupil displayed considerable ingenuity in handling the case, and as I had never asked him, and he had never told me any of his plans from the moment he began to work, he was justly surprised that I happened along as I did.
But it was no accident.
I knew all about it. I saw the meeting at the Van Dyke, I overheard the conversation in the saloon, I followed them from the Astor House to Ann street, and was peering through the window when the transfer of the money was made.
Dave told Sam Keen all about the business, and Sam, by my direction, told me.
I had put the boy on his mettle, but I didn’t propose to see him harmed, and he came precious near losing his life as it was.
Now there’s an example of how I can shadow. I’d say more about it, but I don’t want to boast.
I changed my appearance three times that afternoon. Sam knew me, for he helped me, but Dave never had the slightest suspicion that he was under “Old King Brady’s” eye.
We sent those two rascals up for a long term, and so far as I know, they served it out. I presume the saloon keeper got the money and kept it. Of course he was one of the gang, and I closed up his place in a hurry, but as I could prove nothing against him he was soon set free.
Dave, adopting Sam’s disguise, was as skillful a piece of business as I ever did.