"Well, here's a pretty mess!" he growled, in tones of self-condemnation.
"If ever I was done by a crafty jade, I've been done by one this night."
"How in thunder did it happen, Nick?" demanded Chick, with no little
amazement.
Nick very quickly told him, and explained the occasion of his own lack
of distrust and caution.
"It being a rented house, I did not look for any such trap as this,"
said he. "Furthermore, I did not believe that Cervera had any warning of
my coming, and I felt satisfied that she was alone here. Have you seen
anything of Venner while waiting in the cab?"
"Not a sign of him."
"It's odds, then, that he was here when I arrived, and made his escape
by a back door," growled Nick. "If so, it goes to show that he is in
with her and the Kilgore push, and not a blind victim to their cunning.
We now must get some proof of that, Chick, and force that gang and
their game to light. We at least have made a beginning, and now for
another move."
"To-night?"
"At once!" declared Nick. "Cervera must find shelter somewhere, and it's
very likely she will go to Venner's house. That must be our next point,
and we will lose no time. Possibly we yet may land her before she finds
cover.
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