Nick might have disclosed his identity and forced Gorse to restore the silver to him. But, for him to have taken this step would have resulted in a widespread alarm that would certainly reach the ears of Lorton and thus defeat the main object he had in view.
He believed he had arranged the matter a great deal better, and it could not but prove so if Gorse did as he said he would, and sent the silver back to Lorton at nine that night.
Nick now hurried away to headquarters and was closeted for some little time with the chief.
The men he asked for were placed at his disposal. Then he proceeded to his office, and made arrangements with his two assistants, Chick and Patsy, to accompany him on what all knew would be a dangerous errand.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE PLOT THAT FAILED.
It was half an hour in advance of the time when Gorse was, according to agreement, to return to Lorton the silver taken from Mr. Field’s house.
Deep in the shadow of a doorway near the entrance to the “fence’s” quarters stood the figure of a man. It was Nick Carter.
Around the corner, within signaling distance, were Chick and Patsy and six police officers.
Twenty minutes passed.