"'Yes,' she said, and led the way to the bar-room.
"As soon as we got there Chamberlain called for drinks, and we soon managed to draw the old woman into conversation.
"She asked Hen if he had ever been in her place before.
"'Lord, yes!" he replied, 'more than a thousand times.' Then with a laugh, 'why, Mrs. Ernst, I have known you for years.'
"After that she appeared to recognize him, and really seemed glad to see him.
"Shortly after eleven o'clock the old woman asked for the letter we had brought. Chamberlain took an envelope from his pocket, and just as she started to come around the corner of the bar, he seized her by the neck and hurled her to the floor, while I threw a cloak over her head and face, and assisted him to bind and gag her.
"Hen then pressed a handkerchief, saturated with chloroform, over her mouth and nostrils, and gripped her throat until she was unconscious.
"We used handkerchiefs in binding her. Chamberlain tied her hands together, while I made her feet fast. We then picked her up, and laid her on the lounge in front of the bar."
"Your story is getting interesting," said Barney. "Well, after you'd got the old gal made fast, I suppose you began your search for the boodle?"
"Yes, I lost no time in opening the till, and took out four dollars in change—all the money in it."