l as in New York City," went on our hero.

In the meantime another officer had been looking up Nick Smithers'
picture in the rogues' gallery.

"I don't think the young man is mistaken," he said. "Wait till I
telephone to New York for more particulars."

This was done, and inside of an hour the rascal's identity was fully
established. Then Nick Smithers broke down.

"It's all up with me, and I may as well confess," he said, scowling at
Nat. "But I must say, I never thought a country boy would run me down."

"Well, you see, I am not quite as green as I used to be," answered Nat,
with a faint smile.

"But you missed it by not coming to me on the quiet," went on Nick
Smithers. "Had you done so, you might have gotten your hundred dollars
back. As it is, you'll not get a cent."

"That remains to be seen," answered our hero.

When Nat could get away from the police station he hurried at once to
the law offices of Messrs. Caswick & Sampson, as directed by Mr.
Garwell.

"So you are the young man John Garwell telegraphed about," said Mr.
Sampson, shaking hands. "I am glad to meet you. The business on hand
concerns you personally as well as it concerns your employer."

"Concerns me?" ejaculated Nat, in wonder. "How is that?"

"I am interested in a piece of property located in New York City, near
Central Park. By some papers which you turned over to Mr. Garwell it
would seem that you are likewise interested in the land."

"Through my grandfather?"

"Yes."

"Then he really owned a share of the land?"

"He did, and so far as Mr. Garwell and I can ascertain he never sold out
his claim."

"What is the claim worth?"

"You will have to ask Mr. Garwell about that. He wanted me to sign
certain documents, and let you take them to New York to-night. Can you
do that?"

"I think I can. But the police may wish to detain me." And then our hero
told of the arrest of Nick Smithers. Mr. Sampson became interested, and
in the end went to the station with Nat. He knew some of the officials,
so our hero had no more trouble.

"We shall send the rascal to New York as soon as the officers down there
want him," said one of the police officials; and, later on, this was
done.

Not to lose time, our hero took the night train for the metropolis. He
had a berth in the sleeper, but it was a long while before he could get
to sleep. There were many things to think about, and the question of
property near Central Park was an absorbing one