At first, Nick believed that when the scattered members of the gang that had kidnaped him learned of the banker’s return to New York, they would annoy him.
But many years passed without a sign of revenge, and Nick’s anxiety was lulled to sleep.
CHAPTER XVI.
WHOSE THE BRAIN?
It was destined to be rudely awakened.
One morning, twenty-four years after the kidnaping of Hilton Field, Nick Carter was sitting in his office examining some important papers when one of his assistants placed a telegram before him.
Opening it, Nick read this message:
“Come at once to Mr. Hilton Field’s house on Riverside Drive. A murder. (Signed),
“Frederic Barnes.”
Nick thrust the message into his pocket.