Suddenly Chick caught sight of his chief, and whispered to Patsy to stay behind for a moment or two.
“All right, Chick!” responded Patsy. “I see what you mean. There’s the chief over there. You go slowly to him, and I’ll join you afterward.”
These precautions were rather elaborate, perhaps. But the two assistants knew that they were dealing with a dangerous man in Rayne, and that he was quite likely to have some spies at work in the hotel, even if he should not be there himself.
“What do you know?” asked Nick casually, as he bent over his plate, when Chick and Patsy were both seated at the table. “Have some luncheon and answer me cautiously.”
“We haven’t found out a thing,” acknowledged Chick.
“Haven’t seen or heard anything about him,” added Patsy.
“Exactly! Just what I expected,” returned Nick Carter coolly. “Let me help you to some salad, Mr. Clayton.”
The detective did the honors of the table with as calm and smiling an air as if there were not a thing on his mind. But his brain was working busily.
CHAPTER VI.
HOW NICK GOT A LIGHT.