“Tell me what occurred,” said Nick.
Patsy informed him with half a dozen breaths, adding quickly:
“They have been gone less than ten minutes. They are returning to Margate’s place. We can reach there by the other road and without being seen long they arrive.”
“Come on, then,” said Nick. “That’s the proper move.”
Their run to the Margate place was made in twelve minutes. The car, with lights extinguished, was concealed in a near, vacant lot. Returning to the front of the old house to watch for the wagon, the three detectives scarce had concealed themselves under a low wall, when a taxicab put in an appearance and stopped in front of the house.
“Some of the gang, Patsy,” Nick murmured. “Follow me and we’ll take them in at once.”
He strode out just as the chauffeur sprang down from his seat to aid two women to alight.
“Stop a moment, chauffeur,” said Nick, reaching for his revolver. “Who are your passengers and where did you——”
The chauffeur burst out laughing.
“Thundering guns!” he cried, removing his disguise. “Is it you, Nick?”