He pulled a wig from what he supposed was the head of a woman, only to find that the person was Patsy, Nick Carter’s assistant, whom Nick thought was enjoying a vacation.
“Well, I’ll be jiggered,” said Nick. “Can’t you take a rest, as I told you to do, or must you work all the time? It looks as if you are a born hunter of criminals.”
The farmer was none other than Chick.
“Since you two are determined to work, I suppose that I will have to put you on the case, and I will give you some instructions after you have gone home and had some sleep,” said Nick, as he bade them good night.
CHAPTER L.
TRICKED.
After Nick had said good night to Chick and Patsy, he set out to trace the men that had assaulted him on the ferryboat.
About two blocks from the entrance to the ferry, Nick saw a lumber wagon, which was covered with a sheet of tarpaulin, moving slowly up the street.
It took him but a few seconds to reach it, and as he did, he grasped one of the horses by the bridle and ordered the driver to stop his team.
The driver made a cut at Nick with his whip, and yelled that he would brain him if he did not let go of the horse.
“I think that you will stop until I have seen what your wagon contains,” said the detective.