“They may already have begun negotiations to recover them, and possibly have succeeded,” said Chick.
Nick gazed thoughtfully at the floor for a moment.
“I don’t think so,” he then said decidedly. “That is to say, Chick, I don’t think they have succeeded. The thugs who have the plans, and who evidently were out to get them at some little risk, must have some idea of their character and value.”
“That’s true, of course.”
“Naturally, then, while they might enter into negotiations, perhaps, they would not be likely to let go of the plans until they have craftily learned from whom they can get the biggest price for them. In other words, they would hold off to find the highest bidder.”
“That seems reasonable, too, assuming them to be the type of thugs this newspaper article indicates.”
“How would it do, chief, to try to open negotiations with them through the press, pretending to be persons interested in getting the plans?” asked Patsy, eager to be at work on the case.[{17}]
“That already may have been done, or Carney may have been approached during his imprisonment, with a view to getting in touch with his confederates,” Nick replied. “I must find out about that.”
“At once?”
“I have time for a call at the city prison before dinner,” Nick nodded. “In the meantime, have a look through the newspapers for any personal, or other advertisement that might possibly refer to this matter. I will return before six o’clock.”