"So there is a definite connection between this distinctive perfume and the Black Snake Colony!" Nancy thought. "No wonder that man on the train was startled. Perhaps the women use it, and he couldn't identify me but took it for granted I was one of the group. If so, it's just as well Bess has some on."

Nancy suddenly recalled the forged note bearing the Blue Jade scent. "The woman who delivered it to me must be a member of the cult!" she thought excitedly.

After everyone had entered the room, the man who had given the sharp order outside the cave spoke again. He threw off his headgear and glanced over the group appraisingly. Nancy was stunned.

Maurice!

The man she had seen the first time she had stopped at the filling station!

"Is he Maurice Hale?" she asked herself excitedly.

"Everyone here?" he demanded gruffly.

He counted the group, and again Nancy and her friends held their breaths. Apparently some of the members of the colony were missing, for the leader did not notice that three new recruits had been added to his organization.

"We may as well get down to work," the leader announced. "Snead, have you anything to report?"

At the question one of the disguised persons stood up and threw off his mask. Again Nancy was startled. He was none other than the man she had seen in Room 305!

"Here's the good money," he said, handing over an envelope. "Perfect score this time for our main distribution department."

"Very fine. Then nothing's gone wrong at your new office?"

"Not yet. Chief," was the muttered reply, "but yesterday I saw a bird hangin' around the building-looked like a plain-clothes cop to me. I don't want you to think I'm backing out, but if you ask me, I'd say it's about time to blow. This game can't last forever, you know."

"I'll do the thinking for this outfit!" the leader scathingly retorted. "We'll stay here another week and then pick a new spot. What makes you think the cops are wise?"