“I expect to, yes,” said Nick. “But my identity and mission in Shelby now are generally known. That has put the railway bandits on their guard, which makes our work more difficult. But that’s neither here nor there, Mr. Belden, and I am wasting time. I wish to see a copy of that telegram you were discussing with Gordon and to ask you a few questions about it.”
“Go ahead. Go as far as you like, Mr. Carter. I’ll never mention a word of it,” Belden earnestly assured him.
“Good for you,” Nick replied. “About what time was the telegram received?”
“Precisely ten o’clock.”
“And Dalton called for it almost immediately?”
“Within three or four minutes.”
“That indicates that he was expecting it at just that time,” said Nick. “If I am right, and I think I am, he was acting under plans previously laid with the sender, Martin, or he was otherwise informed just when the message would be sent. Do you recall ever having received another dispatch from Philadelphia signed Martin?”
“I do not,” said Belden, shaking his head.
“What type of man is Dalton? Describe him.”
“He is a well-built man, about forty years old, quite dark, and he wears a full beard. He was clad in a plaid business suit.”