"Very well. I will call her."
Craven went to the rear, and was gone a few minutes. He returned with the announcement that his daughter was not at home.
"She was here when you came, for I left her in the kitchen to answer your knock. Gone to a neighbor's, probably."
"It was a small matter," returned Nick. "I can see her at another time."
Outside, a block from the house, he was joined by Patsy.
"Chick's after her, Mr. Carter," he said. "They've been gone five minutes."
"Which way?"
"South."
South might mean a great many places. As it was likely that Mannion would leave Washington as soon as possible to seek a place of shelter where he might remain until he got the correct lay of the land in Washington—and this he must count upon securing through the intelligence and shrewdness of his wife—the most available section was on the Maryland side, beyond Twining. That would mean the crossing of either the Anacosta or Pennsylvania Avenue bridge, unless a boat could be secured before the first-named point could be reached. From there a quick landing might be made near Poplar Point. Mannion, with his knowledge of the river, would steal a boat, if one were to be found, and Mrs. Mannion would not scruple to do the same, if opportunity presented itself.