An egomaniac crook comes to town and issues a challenge to Nick Carter: "I have come to town to do business. I give you notice before I begin, because I am quite certain you will be informed immediately after I commence operations. It really makes little difference; you cannot reach me. Really, my dear Nick, I have a contempt for the so-called detective ability. You, with your Ida, Chick, and Patsy, are a little better than the rest, but you are in the same running when you undertake to stop me."