The detective thrust the threatening letter into his pocket with the last, obviously averse to further discussing it, and the subject was abruptly dropped.
None could have sized up the letter more correctly or more keenly have realized its full significance. Carter knew that his identity had been discovered by the very crooks he was seeking, by the evil genius directing them, in spite of his precautions to prevent it. He knew that a ball had been set rolling which, urged on by the mysterious criminal forces back of it, would tax his utmost powers to successfully oppose.
It was about eight o’clock when Chick left the hotel, suitably clad and well equipped for the stealthy work assigned him. A brisk walk of about ten minutes took him to Dale Street, in a desirable residential section, and presently the lofty brick walls and numerous lighted windows of the Studley, a somewhat exclusive apartment house, loomed up on the opposite side.
He paused and viewed it briefly, noting that a narrow court flanked one end of the building. He saw that there was no public office, also that the broad, main entrance and vestibule were brightly lighted.
“A suite on the second floor,” he said to himself. “The windows don’t appeal to me. It ought not to be very difficult to get into an unoccupied suite without being seen. I believe it can be more easily done from within than without. I’ll have a look.”
Crossing over, he entered the vestibule and consulted the tiny placards under the numerous electric bells, on one of which he presently found the number of Todd’s suite. At the same moment he heard the heavy inner door opened, and two fashionably clad women came out.
“Pardon!” Chick approached them, instantly seizing the opportunity presented. “If you will be so kind, it will save me from using my key.”
“Certainly.” One of the women smiled, while she prevented the door from closing.
The other eyed Chick a bit sharply, but he bowed and murmured a word of thanks; then passed both and entered, as complacently as if he owned the house.
“Very opportune,” he muttered dryly. “They would think me a crook, all right, if they were to see the key I intended to use. Without having seen it, in fact, one appeared to have a vague impression that I had no legitimate business here. I must contrive to avoid other eyes.”