headquarters; the place you had hoped to
reserve for emergencies, as a matter of fact. Suppose you had reason
to believe that they would begin to suspect you. You have long had a
plan ready to throw the police off the scent, if anything should
ever happen, by pretending to make away with yourself. You put the
first step of this plan into execution by sending a letter stating
that you are now as good as dead. Then you suddenly remember that at
your refuge you have left some important evidence; something that,
if discovered, might offset your well-laid plans. What would you do?
You'd try to get that evidence, wouldn't you?"

"That is precisely what happened. Atwood, accompanied by one of his
men, who was to stand guard, returned to his apartment to secure
that almost forgotten evidence. Now, the man he left on guard heard
some familiar voices, or perhaps a name he recognized. He overlooked
his duty for the moment and tried to listen. He was discovered.
Naturally, his first thought was of himself, and he made his escape.
Up in his apartment, Atwood, who had secured what he sought, is
ready to go, but is delayed by this disturbance in the hall. He
doesn't know exactly, what it is, so he sticks close. Then he thinks
of making his escape down the back stairs, but unfortunately some of
his feminine neighbors are gossiping on the stairs below. He could
not go down that way without attracting attention that might prove
awkward later. Suddenly he hears the door of his apartment open, and
some person enter. He watches, and discovers that his daughter has
come home, alone. Now, if she should see him, his well-laid plan is
ruined. Its greatest success lies in her honest conviction that he
is really dead. He is trapped; front, rear and on the premises. He
is desperate. Something must be done quickly. In a favorable moment
he springs upon the girl from behind and renders her unconscious
with chloroform. He finds the back stairs still closed to him, and
in his haste forgets to lock the door as he closes it. He finds a
man keeping guard on the front stairs. He decides quickly that he
can deal better with this man than the women of the back. He watches
and waits, leaving the door open for a quick retreat. His
opportunity comes when this man's attention is directed to the
lighting of a pipe. In a flash he is down the stairs, knocks the man
unconscious, and goes out the front door. The next minute he is lost
in the crowds on the street a