“So you turned traitor, did you?”
The man sullenly returned:
“Yes, and for good reason. You were plotting for a big stake and only wanted to give me a paltry ten thousand. When we looked at Mr. Field just before leaving the house I saw that he was not dead, and, after we parted, I returned and carried him away, knowing that while I had him in my hands I held the power to make what terms I pleased. Now the plot has failed!”
The answer fully explained the last thing that was a mystery to the detective.
After the two men and the woman had been taken away, Nick turned to Mr. Field.
“Permit me to congratulate you. I thought you had fallen into our old friend Greer’s hands.”
Mr. Field extended his hand and caught Nick’s in a grateful clasp, while he asked:
“Who called you in, Mr. Carter?”
“Mr. Barnes.”
“My blessings on him! He’s a manly, noble fellow!”