"No." Kent regarded the envelope in bewilderment. "What shall we
do?"
"Do? Call up the Dime Messenger Service and see where the envelope
came from; but first come and see my prisoner.
"Your prisoner?" in profound astonishment.
"Yes. I caught him chasing up the hall after you," explained
Ferguson as they hurriedly retraced their steps. "I put handcuffs
on him and then went to you. Ah, here's the light!"
"The light, yes; but where's your prisoner?" and Kent, who was a
trifle in advance of his companion in reaching the dining room,
stood aside to let Ferguson pass him.
The detective halted abruptly. The chair into which he had thrust
his prisoner was vacant. The man had disappeared.
With one accord Ferguson and Kent advanced close to the chair, and
an oath broke from. the detective. On the cushion of the chair,
still bearing the impress of a human body, lay a pair of shining
new handcuffs.
Dazedly Ferguson stooped over and examined them. They were still
securely locked. Wheeling around Kent dashed through the door to
his right and Ferguson, collecting his wits, searched the rest of
the apartment with minute care.
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