“What time is it now?”
“Half-past one,” replied Chick, consulting his watch.
It was at that moment that Vic Clayton was receiving her very important communication from the spy from police headquarters, half an hour before the arrival of Nick.
At the same moment, while Chick and Patsy were crouched, gazing toward the house, Conley came out of the rear door and sauntered toward the stable, lighting his pipe while he walked.
“There’s that stable covey again,” murmured Patsy. “I don’t half-fancy his looks.”
“Evidently he is just out from dinner.”
“Sure thing! See, the woman is now feeding the dog at the back steps. That’s what the ugly cur trotted over there for.”
“He knows when meal-time comes,” laughed Chick.
“Mebbe his meal-ticket is only good at this hour,” grinned Patsy. “I wonder if that covey is the only man in the stable. If he is, Chick, he must have a good bit of work, or else Nick is away off on some points.”