The pale, anxious face of the noted money king became a little brighter while he listened. He found a grain of comfort and encouragement in knowing, at least, that his missing child was in no immediate danger.
“You were right, Nick,” he declared. “The scoundrels have hastened to communicate with me.”
“I felt sure of that, Mr. Madden.”
“But I have made one terrible mistake.”
“What is that?”
“In putting you on the case. If that woman’s threat——”
“That will not be executed,” Nick interrupted, resuming his seat. “The rascals must know that you may have notified the police by this time, or even have appealed to me. That threat was only a bluff. Take it from me, Mr. Madden, they will not harm the child at present, do what you will. They have not abducted her for that purpose.[Pg 10]”
“That’s a good safe gamble,” supplemented Patsy. “They are out for the coin, Mr. Madden, and nothing else. There may be a second woman in the case, chief, or Margaret Hanson, so called, did not recognize you. If she had, they already would know you are on the case.”
“There is a second woman,” Nick replied. “Furthermore, Patsy, she is some crook with whom I am acquainted.”
“You recognized her voice?”