“He left the room,” said the attaché, “and when he returned he found that the prisoner had slipped his handcuffs and got away.”
“Tell the operator on duty to send a telegram to the First Precinct Station, ordering the policeman to report to me,” said the chief; then, turning to Nick, he continued: “Mr. Carter, this is too bad.”
“I’d like to have the policeman in a room with the door locked, and a supply of horsewhips,” was the sentiment expressed by the detective.
Louise was taken back to the cells, and the chief and Nick Carter had a long conference.
CHAPTER XI.
WITHIN AN ACE.
Two days later Nick Carter received a telegram.
The message was signed by an assumed name, but Nick knew from whom it came.
That afternoon the great detective arrived in Norwalk, Conn., and within an hour was closeted in a room in a hotel with Tambourine Jack.
Crackers, of course, was also present.