“Yes. It hardly stopped for me to do so. A masked man was seated in it. He at once assured me that I was in no personal danger, and he then insisted upon blindfolding me. I consented reluctantly and he drew a black cap over my head. I then could see nothing, absolutely nothing, and I have no idea where I was taken.”
“Where did you bring up?” Nick inquired.
“In a house or building into which I was led, still blindfolded,” said Garland. “I do not know where it is located. I haven’t the slightest idea. I heard the closing of a heavy door after entering, and I presently felt the downward movement of an elevator. I found myself in a lighted room a moment later, and the cap was removed from my head.”
“And then?”
“Two masked men stood beside me. A third was seated at a table. In one corner stood a large photographic camera. The man at the table was not masked. It was, as you probably infer, Andy Margate.”
“Yes, no doubt,” Nick said dryly. “Well, what followed? What did Margate want of you?”
“That may be told in a nutshell.”
“Briefly stated, then?”
“Margate has photograph copies of all of the [{24}]government plans stolen from me a month ago. They were taken during the short time he had the plans in his possession.”
“Ah, I see!” said Nick. “That is, indeed, a serious matter. What does Margate intend doing with them?”