“Humph!” he ejaculated, upon arriving in the court. “It runs under these pavements and into the basement of this next building. I’ll find out who occupies it.[{40}]”
Nick hurried out to the side street and gazed up at the sign: “Acme Novelty Company.”
“Novelty, indeed,” thought Nick, trying the door and finding it locked. “No one at home, eh? I’ll slip around and try the back door.”
He had arrived nearly at the entrance to the alley, when he caught sight of a policeman on the opposite side of the street. He whistled and beckoned him over.
“Come with me, Doyle, and have your gun within easy reach,” he said quietly.
“Something up, Mr. Carter?” questioned Doyle, at once recognizing the detective.
“Yes,” Nick nodded. “I don’t know yet, however, how big game we may find.”
“Sure, I don’t care how big, sir.”
“Follow me through the alley, then, and——”
Nick stopped for an instant only.