He found the two women in the reception-parlor, Vic Clayton engaged in changing her automobile coat for a long cloak.
They had driven into town again, after securing Nick, only in order that they might be seen by the occupants of the stores near-by, with a view to subsequently obtaining the testimony of these observers, if the need arose, in support of some plausible story to the effect that they had brought Nick back to town and left him in some locality.
Upon hearing Chick enter the room, both women turned toward him with looks of surprise.
“I beg pardon, ladies,” said he, bowing. “I am looking for Madame Victoria.”
“I am she,” replied Vic, sharply regarding him.
“My name is Henderson, madame.”
“What can I do for you, Mr. Henderson?”
“I am looking for a gentleman who is said to have been here this afternoon, and with whom I have important business,” explained Chick, with a deliberation well calculated to give Patsy what time he would require below.
He was quick to see, however, the suspicious gleam that instantly arose in Vic Clayton’s eyes upon learning his business, and he added, with some suavity: