The house was gradually becoming filled, and the ways of the stairs and the hall much crowded.
By and by Patsy became conscious that something extraordinary had occurred. In a few moments he saw Nick Carter hurriedly descend the stairs and push his way through the hall into the parlor.
While wondering what had occurred, he saw Chick push his way through the hall toward him. Reaching him, Chick bent over and said:
“The work has begun, Patsy. Get into that room, the third down on the right.”
“They haven’t nipped some of those jewels, have they?” asked Patsy, eagerly.
“Oh, no,” said Chick, moving off, “it’s worse than that.”
Patsy threaded his way through the throng, and entered the room spoken of by Chick.
There he found the bride in hysterics, being cared for by her bridesmaids and an elderly woman, whom he recognized to be Mrs. Sanborn.
Nick was already there in close conversation with Mr. Sanborn, and, a moment later, Chick entered.
Patsy looked around for some explanation of the singular scene, but could find none.