Miss Page did not suspect any duplicity in this, and she cheerfully gave Nick the address of the snake charmer, whereupon the detective graciously thanked her, and then escorted her to her waiting carriage.
As it rolled rapidly away a second hack came bowling up to the curbstone in front of Nick's residence. It was the carriage for which Chick had sent a call.
"Don't cover your horses, cabbie!" cried Nick, sharply. "Wait about three minutes, and we'll be with you."
"Right, sir!"
And Nick dashed back up the steps and into the house, meeting Chick in the hall.
"What do you make of it, Nick?"
"Make of it?" cried Nick, with a laugh. "It's a cinch, Chick, dead open and shut. Grab your hat and come with me. I'll explain in the carriage."
"Good enough! I'm with you, old man!"
"And we have no time to lose," cried Nick, "Now, then, we're off."