“We have been detailed by the chief to watch over you, Mr. Mountain,” said Chick. “He had a notion that you would get your notice to-night.”
“He was right. I did.”
“When?”
“See here, Chick,” said Mr. Mountain, “Carter told me that if I was questioned I must deny having anything to do with him or his men.”
“That’s all right, Mr. Mountain,” said Chick. “The chief has a notion that they do not know that you have retained him, and he wants to keep the thing quiet. I hope you did not let on to that young man that you had relations with us.”
“Why?”
“Because that was the Brown Robin.”
“The devil! I saw Nick Carter only a couple of hours ago, and he told me the Brown Robin was a woman.”
“The person speaking to you after the first act was a woman.”
“What? Are you sure?”