“Just so,” said Nick, “and now for my plan. I believe that Helstone’s gang is just on the point of disposing of its plunder.
“None of Lusker’s stuff has shown up anywhere yet, nor Alterberg’s either. The gang still holds it.
“But now that attention is directed to them they’ll want to turn their swag into cash. Greenbacks are the things to have if sudden flight is necessary. Yes; some ‘fence’ is going to get Helstone’s stuff very soon.
“Now, in my opinion, Benton is the man they’ll go to. He is just the man for them. I’ve had Chick look over the field, and he agrees with me that there are ten chances to one that Benton will get their plunder.
“What I propose to do, therefore, is to capture Benton’s place on the quiet. Not a whisper must be heard on the outside.
“When that is done I’ll wait in the old thief’s place. I’ll disguise myself as Benton, and receive his customers.”
“Very pretty,” said the inspector. “You’ll bag a lot of game.”
“We ought to get a good part of the gang.”
“I think so, but you won’t get Helstone himself.”
“Why not?”