“Yes,” replied Patsy. “It was his idea. He proposed it to them.”
“There may have been a new turn in the game,” said Nick.
He had hardly said this when a man stepped out from a group of persons and walked over to the two, speaking to them.
Surprise was plainly shown on the faces of the two toughs when they were addressed, but the expression quickly changed to one of recognition.
This man was about the height of Chick, but he was smooth-shaven.
The three detectives, moving up more closely, saw this smooth-shaven stranger hand a small envelope to one of the two. Then he took from his pocket two small packages, handing one to each.
Patsy, who had edged away, so that he could get a clear view of the stranger’s face, came back to Nick, saying:
“Great Scott! The fellow has given himself a clean shave.”
“Shaved off his whiskers and mustache?” asked Nick.
“Sure,” said Patsy.