Nick rightly guessed that Venner wished to consult some of the gang. He saw that his entering the house without Chick had thrown their plans badly out of gear, as he had designed for it to do.
Venner went into the dark kitchen, rattled a doorknob merely for a bluff, then crossed the hall and entered the library, closing the door behind him.
The room was but dimly lighted, and on the floor stood Dave Kilgore and Matthew Stall, each with a drawn revolver.
"What's the meaning of this, Rufe?" Kilgore instantly demanded, in passionate whispers.
"How do I know?" Venner hurriedly rejoined, scarce above his breath. "You heard what he said?"
"Yes, curse him, but I don't swallow it."
"Nor I."
"I can't see into his game."
"That's just my trouble," cried Venner. "Can he have discovered that we recognize him?"
"Impossible! Pylotte is too cunning to have betrayed us in any way."