It was not long after Nick had returned that the bridal party set out for the church.
Within a few minutes three men made their appearance and said that they had come from the Central Detective Office, under the instructions of the authorities, to take charge of the house in the absence of Mr. Sanborn and his family.
Nick was called to the door by the servant. Listening to the story of the man presenting himself, he said:
“You are not of the detective force. Get away from here, and, if you make another attempt to enter, I will take you in.”
The men, evidently astonished, hurried away with such haste as to show that their reception was unexpected.
After they had gone Nick said to Chick:
“That is the second attempt that has been made to enter the house, the same means being used, the pretense that they are police detectives.”
“They will make another attempt,” said Chick.
“Yes,” replied Nick, “but it will be in a different way. They will hardly try the same thing again.”
“They seem to be pretty determined,” replied Chick.