“His attention was attracted elsewhere,” said Nick, with a smile, as Chick released him from his bonds.
“I don’t understand,” said the assistant. “I surely thought it was all off with you. What happened?”
“There was a call for help from the back room,” said Nick, with a grin.
“I see,” said Chick. “Some of your ventriloquism. Well, it saved your life, all right. What next?”
In a few words he informed Chick of the situation.
“I must get home at once,” he said.
Just then Patsy and Danny made their appearance.
“It’s no use,” Patsy said. “The house is empty. I can’t understand how they got away so handily.”
“Then the game is about played out so far as this place is concerned,” said Nick, “and we may as well take our departure for the present.”
He made a quick inspection of the two desks, gathered the few papers they held into a package, and turned to the door.