She was about to utter a
fierce tirade against the detective, when a step sounded without,
followed immediately by three raps on the door.
"Whist!" exclaimed Brower. "It is the Professor."
Madge Scarlet crossed the floor and admitted a visitor, a tall man
with fire-red hair and beard, who was well clad and wore blue glasses.
A plug hat, rather the worse for wear, was lifted and caressed
tenderly with one arm as the gentleman bowed before Mrs. Scarlet.
"I am pleased to find you at home, Mrs. Scarlet."
"I seldom go out, Mr. Ruggles, or Professor Darlington Ruggles, I
suppose."
"Never mind the handle, madam. I see you have company." The Professor
turned a keen glance on Nick Brower as he spoke.
CHAPTER IV.
SCALPED.
The gentleman is a friend," said Mrs. Scarlet. "You need not fear to
speak before him."
"I hain't no wish to hear any private talk," said Nick Brower, and
with that he cast a keen, knowing look into the visitor's face, and
passed from the room.
"We're alone, Professor."
"So it seems."
"What news do you bring?"
"Have you heard of the midnight express robbery?"
"I have."
"And that Dyke Darrel is on the trail?"
"I have heard all that, and more," said the woman.
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