The grinding of the electric drill could very plainly be heard.
The city detectives went to the front door of the restaurant, while Nick and his assistant crept down the area in front.
As they expected, the door in the double partition was securely fastened on both sides.
They waited a few moments for the city officers to make their presence known, but the work on the other side of the double wall went on as if there were no officers within a thousand miles.
“Stay here and guard this door,” said Nick, “and I’ll go around and see what’s the matter.”
The detective found the door of the chophouse open, and understood that the city officers were on the inside.
He entered and walked along through the dark room until he came to the door leading to the basement.
There he was met by a quick, sharp challenge.
The detective hesitated an instant, and then answered: