little house with sides of lattice-work had been built over it, and
vines covered it.

Nick stealthily crept into its shadow, and prepared for his vigil. But
it was not destined to be a long one.

He had not been there ten minutes before he saw a figure hastening
along one of the numerous paths which wound through the grounds.

This person evidently wished to avoid observation, and that was enough
for Nick. He immediately started in pursuit.

He trailed his man to the edge of the colonel's grounds. During this
pursuit the man kept in the shadow of some trees, and Nick had no
opportunity to see him clearly.

But as the man stepped out into the highway, a ray of moonlight fell
upon him, and Nick recognized him in an instant. It was Colonel
Richmond.

Why this man should be leaving his own house by stealth and under the
cover of darkness was an interesting problem.

Nick resolved to know all about it before the night was much older. So
he trailed along.

The colonel walked up the highway with rapid strides.

About half a mile from the house he found a carriage standing under the
shadow of a tree.

Evidently he expected to find it just there, for he immediately jumped
into it, and the driver whipped up his horse.

Nick was unable to see the driver, for the carriage was a covered buggy,
and had been standing with its back toward him.

The horse was evidently a good one, but Nick overhauled him, and got
hold of the carriage behind.

There was no chance for him to ride there, but his grip on the wagon
helped him along, and he ran about eight miles quite comfortably.

His presence so near was entirely unsuspected by the occupants of the
carriage. He was favorably situated for overhearing their conversation,
but unfortunately they did not say anything.

Nick discovered that the driver was a woman, but he could only guess at
her identity.

At last they turned suddenly out of the road, into the grounds of a
private house.

The sound of the wheels was evidently heard within, and the front door
was thrown open, letting out considerable light from the hall.

Nick could not go too near that light, so he let go, and crept into some
shrubbery.

The carriage drew up before the door, and the colonel and his companion
hurried into the house, leaving the horse tied.

The detective failed to obtain a good view of the woman or of the person
who had opened the door. The latter seemed to be a servant.

When the door