Margate read it aloud for the benefit of Nancy Selig, and Chick heard every word of it, as well as all of what passed between the three crooks.
“Nick was right, by Jove, in saying nothing about[{30}] our discoveries in the alley,” he said to himself. “This rascal now will think, indeed, that we are all in the dark.”
This already was apparent in the look of relief that had arisen to Margate’s bearded face. He banged the newspaper with his fist, uttering an oath, and exultantly adding:
“You’re right, Selig, dead right. The infernal dicks know nothing definite. They believe I was dead, they surely believe it, and know only that my body was stolen. They have no idea who stole it, however, not even a shadow of suspicion, or the reporters would have got wise to it.”
“Surest thing you know, Andy,” Selig nodded.
“It’s a safe gamble, too, that the cursed students who queered my game will keep their traps closed,” Margate forcibly argued. “They’ll not dare to confess. Even though mystified by its disappearance, they’ll think themselves well rid of the body. It’s a cinch that the Carters have not tracked them, nor more than suspect the truth, and we still have time to bleed the woman out of a big wad of money.”
“That’s true, Andy, if we waste no time,” put in Nance Selig suggestively.
“Right you are, Nance,” declared Margate, with eyes glowing.
“Get a move on, then.”
“We’ll get the coin. We’ll drive her to the wall. Home with you, Tony, and wait till I return. I’ll be gone only long enough to put Nance in right. She can turn the trick before evening. In the meantime, Tony, we’ll make ready to receive her ladyship—and her boodle. Home with you, Tony, and wait till I show up.”