“The apple woman! Nick Carter!” exclaimed Elmer.
“Gentlemen,” said the detective, “escape is impossible. A dozen policemen are now coming up the stairs.”
Greer edged toward the window, and, suddenly raising it, he sprang out.
The fall was a fearful one.
“That man is dead,” said Nick; “if either of you choose to follow his example and commit suicide, I shall not prevent you.”
They were trapped; but neither of them felt inclined to run the risk of having their brains dashed out on the flags many stories below.
“There are your prisoners,” said Nick Carter, addressing the sergeant in command of the squad of police that the detective had kept in waiting outside.
When Shea and his two pals were handcuffed, Nick went to the window; he could see on the flags below the motionless form of Elmer Greer.
“Well, he has gone to his last account,” muttered the detective. “Perhaps it is better so; his blood is not upon my hands.”