He had reasoned shrewdly in that he had attributed Badger’s excited departure to some unexpected cause for alarm, and also that Nick was the person most likely to have occasioned it.
In the light of these deductions, moreover, Badger’s immediate and decisive action plainly indicated that he had some definite project in view, presumably one to avert the impending danger.
The conclusions alone were sufficient to point to some peril threatening Nick, and his chief assistant was quick to arrive at them, and act accordingly.
As a matter of fact, however, the celerity and astuteness with which the Carters invariably cooperated in their work went far toward insuring their success.
Chick’s talk with Patsy had occurred while they picked their way through the belt of woods, from which they presently emerged, then hastened to the nearest trolley line and back to the city.
It was nearly three o’clock when they arrived at the Adams House, and went to Nick’s room.
There was no sign of Nick, however.
The magnifying-glass with which he had examined the incriminating photograph was still lying on the table where he had left it. But there was neither note nor token to show that he had been there since the three departed in company that morning.
“He has not returned since he left with us, Patsy,” said Chick, after looking about. “We’ll wait till the appointed hour.”
“Four o’clock?”