e began.

The Inspector bowed as if blackmailing was a mere bagatelle to him. He
had the mannerisms of the army. Evan was not so sure, though, of his
capacity. But one must take an inspector as one finds him.

"He received this letter this morning." Evan handed it over.

It was read and handed back with a military nod.

"The opportunity seemed a good one to land the crooks."

"Quite so."

"We asked you to meet us here, because if we were seen going to
headquarters the news would soon reach them. They were counting, you
see, on Mr. Deaves not being willing to consult the police. But of
course Mr. Deaves has nothing to hide.

"Of course not!"

George Deaves began to look anxious at this, but Evan did not intend to
be taken too literally, as his employer soon saw.

The Inspector was not so stiff and correct but that he could feel an
unregenerate curiosity. "May I see the enclosure the letter speaks
of?" he asked.

"It has been destroyed," said Evan coolly. "It was merely scurrilous,
and Mr. Deaves saw nothing to be gained in keeping it. The criminal
intent is shown in the letter."

The Inspector looked disappointed, but bowed as usual. "Nevertheless I
should be informed as to their previous activities," said he.

"Certainly," said Evan. "But if you will excuse me, the time is so
short! I thought we should immediately take our measures. All the
facts will come out at the hearing, of course."

Their plan was soon made. It was arranged that in the first place a
man in plain clothes should be sent through Van Dorn street to locate
the position of number eleven. Being an odd number, it would be on the
north side of the street. He would then spot the corresponding house
in the next street to the north, Carlton street, and four men would be
sent to that house to be in readiness to take the Van Dorn street house
in the rear. Six other men would be in readiness to follow George
Deaves and Evan to the front door. In order to avoid warning the
inmates of the house these six would be sent through the block in a
covered van to leap out as the door was opened.

"What signal will there be for the concerted attack?" asked Evan.

"No signal," said the Inspector. "The double approach will be timed at
a fixed moment, military style. You will ring the door bell at eleven
o'clock precisely. Let me see, we'll give them forty-five seconds to
open the door. Zero for us will be forty-five seconds past eleven