The woman gave a scream of warning.
Then the door opened, and a messenger’s uniform showed in the opening.
Patsy was evidently in great haste, and closed the door after him with a bang.
“Those fellows across the street are suspicious,” he said. “I should not have made a break to get up here except for the pistol shot. Are you hurt?”
“Not in the least,” replied Nick. “Are the watchers coming up here?”
“They started across the street just behind me.”
“Watch the woman!”
Nick sprang to the front window. The red silk handkerchief lay in a chair, ready for use as a signal.
Nick lifted the lower sash and threw the end out to the breeze. It floated for a second in the strong light of the street, and then Nick dropped it. As it fluttered to the pavement below, the detective caught an exclamation of joy from a group of three men standing at the very entrance to the house.