“What have I done?”
“Don’t threaten Miss Marne again.”
“But I—I—didn’t.”
“You did. Please don’t try it any more. That’s all.”
Caddy did not catch his breath till Carter was out of sight, and even then he seemed to breathe hard.
“Won’t I?” he hissed. “Just let me get another chance at the girl, and I’ll make her think she isn’t anybody in particular. She refused to play her part of the game I’ve made up, but I’ll bring her around in spite of the two men, that I will.”
But for all his braggadocio Caddy was ill at ease, for instead of going on he retraced his steps to the Trocadero, took a “bracer,” and remained indoors.
Nick Carter proceeded on his way, and at last pulled up in front of Bristol Clara’s house.
The woman opened the door even before he knocked and led him into the parlor.
“George Richmond is dead,” she exclaimed, a smile coming to her lips. “Not quite dead, but I heard the arrangements made. It’s a cool scheme, isn’t it? Who are they going to beat out of two hundred thousand dollars?”