"He is the only man in the whole bunch who has a right to do that. I've got to blindfold you after we get across the fence on the swamp side of the tracks."
"All right."
"I suppose you would like to know what you are up against before I take you into the old swamp, wouldn't you?"
"Sure thing, Handsome."
"Well, it's just this: If you don't pass muster with the boss, you'll never come out again. There are deep holes in that swamp, Dago."
"Oh, I don't doubt that; but what do you mean by passing muster?"
"I mean just this, and nothing more: If you are not what you appear to be, and what you say you are, it's a slit across the windpipe for yours; see?"
Nick did see, and he nodded understandingly.
"I reckon I'll pass, all right," he said negligently. "If you are ready, I am."
They descended the embankment, and climbed the fence on the swamp side of the tracks; and then, as soon as they had penetrated a short distance into the wood, Handsome stopped again, and, drawing a huge bandanna from his pocket, proceeded to bind it around the detective's eyes securely.