CHAPTER X.A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.
Though not particularly elated over having located Flood so promptly, Nick Carter felt considerable satisfaction in that he had accomplished it before Detective Gerry, who, he expected, might arrive upon the scene at any moment. That Flood’s arrest would immediately follow, unless Nick saw fit to prevent it, the detective had not a doubt.
The settled paleness of Flood’s clean-cut, forceful features when Nick entered the room was the only outward sign of his recent brief excitement. He greeted the disguised detective with a careless nod, saying indifferently:
“Good morning, Badger. What brings you here at this hour? There’s seldom anything doing before noon.”
“I know it, Mose,” replied Nick, with a glance about the room to learn who was there. “I d
