“Do you think he was telling the truth?” asked the assistant.
“He was certainly correct about the attempt to rob my house,” replied Nick.
“But it does not seem possible that such a syndicate as he told of could exist in this age of the world.”
“There are strange things connected with criminal life,” said the detective. “I can see how such an organization as he described could be made to pay large dividends, and there is no knowing what thieves will do. London is headquarters for all manner of strange syndicates. Nothing is impossible over there.”
“It sounds like romance,” said Chick.
“Anyway,” continued Nick, “we can soon learn the truth or falsity of the fellow’s statements. He will give himself away before long, for he is vain and proud of his skill in criminal work. Just imagine his telling me all about his syndicate!”
“He only wanted to show you what could be done in spite of the officers of the law,” said Chick. “Besides, he sought to make you look like thirty cents, as the boys on the Bowery say.”
“They are a bold lot,” said Nick. “Think of their sending that young man to the hotel to bring me here! However, their scheme worked to our advantage rather than to their own. By the way, where did you get that make-up?”
“I watched the fellow at the Wisconsin, and saw you go off with him,” was the reply. “I saw what you were working, and followed on as you directed. When you came in here, I ducked away and got this suit. Pretty near correct, eh?”
“It is about the thing,” replied Nick. “Listen!”