The detective even thought this unlikely, his theory being that Hobart merely desired to get the girl safely out of the way for a length of time sufficient to enable him to complete his nefarious scheme.

He argued that Natalie was in no real danger; she would be held no doubt, kept out of sight as long as was necessary, but otherwise left uninjured.

This was no strong-arm crime, but a high class confidence game, and the important thing was to quickly lay hands on Hobart.

With him once in the toils, the whole conspiracy would instantly collapse.

With this end in view, McAdams took up the man's trail, leaving West to stand guard over the telephone.
The latter called up Sexton, and hurried him out to Fairlawn, with instructions to find out all he could from the servants there relative to any late developments.