"I don't think the young man is mistaken," he said. "Wait till I telephone to New York for more particulars."
This was done, and inside of an hour the rascal's identity was fully established. Then Nick Smithers broke down.
"It's all up with me, and I may as well confess," he said, scowling at Nat. "But I must say, I never thought a country boy would run me down."
"Well, you see, I am not quite as green as I used to be," answered Nat, with a faint smile.
"But you missed it by not coming to me on the quiet," went on Nick Smithers. "Had you done so, you might have gotten your hundred dollars back. As it is, you'll not get a cent."
"That remains to be seen," answered our hero.
When Nat could get away from the police station he hurried at once to the law offices of Messrs. Caswick & Sampson, as directed by Mr. Garwell.
"So you are the young man John Garwell telegraphed about," said Mr. Sampson, shaking hands. "I am glad to meet you. The business on hand concerns you personally as well as it concerns your employer."
"Concerns me?" ejaculated Nat, in wonder. "How is that?"
"I am interested in a piece of property located in New York City, near Central Park. By some papers which you turned over to Mr. Garwell it would seem that you are likewise interested in the land."