"This is the safest snap yet!" thought Nick Smithers. "Once I get hold
of her money I can hold her right under my thumb. She has been kept in
such seclusion that she knows absolutely nothing of the world at large.
And such a beauty, too! Nick, for once you have certainly struck it
rich!"

CHAPTER XXIX

THE CAPTURE OF NICK SMITHERS

During the next half-hour Nick Smithers and the young lady became very
confidential. She stated that she had just fifty dollars with her, but
did not show the money.

"My uncle is a strange man in some things," she said. "He keeps not less
than ten thousand dollars of my money in the house, and all in dollar
bills!"

"He certainly must be strange," said Nick Smithers. "Well, it will be an
easy matter for him to turn over the bills to you."

"Yes, Lancelot; but you will have to take care of the money for me."

"I'll certainly do that," was the swindler's quick reply, and then he
smiled to himself, over the glorious prospect ahead.

There was a dining-car attached to the train, and not long after the
conversation recorded above, the swindler asked his bride-to-be if she
would not take lunch with him.

"Why, yes," she answered. "I am very hungry, for I have not eaten
anything since yesterday."

"Then come at once," was the answer, and Nick Smithers led the way into
the dining car. He passed Nat, who was busy devouring a sandwich and a
piece of pie, but strange to say neither saw the other.

Nick Smithers and the young lady had just ordered an elaborate lunch,
when of a sudden the damsel gave a cry.

"Oh!"

"What is the trouble?" questioned the swindler.

"Do you see that man?" And the young lady pointed to a small individual
who had just entered the dining car.

"Yes. What of him?"

"He is my--my uncle!"

"Is it possible? Then he must be following you."

"He is!"

"Well, I shall protect you, so do not fear," whispered Nick Smithers.
"Remember, we are to be married to-day. He shall not stop you. He can't
do it, for you are twenty-one."

"Oh, Lancelot, I--I am so afraid!"

By this time the small man had reached the table at which the couple
were seated. He stared in amazement.

"Hullo, Miss Jacobotson, what are you doing here?" he cried.

"Don't touch me!" screamed the young lady, wildly. "Don't touch me."

"This young lady is under my protection," came loftily from Nick
Smithers.

"Really?" said the small man. "Since when?"

"Never mind since when. She