At the foot of one of the uptown streets, East River, is, or was, a tumble-down shed, once used as a wholesale oyster depot.

At high tide the water came up under the shed to within a few feet of the street.

Seated around the room, the night following that of the abduction of the old banker, were seven or eight men, while at a rude table in the middle of the shed were two others engaged in playing cards, and on the table between them were several black bottles.

They were a brutal set, the occupants of the place, and more than one of them had received free board and lodgings at Sing Sing.

“I say, you, Jack Frost, that game ought to be about finished,” said the man called Skip. “I’m thirsty, I am, and the bottles are empty.”

“You lose, Dick Denton,” said the fellow addressed as Jack Frost, arising from the table. “Who will go and get the bottles filled? Two quarts, Dick, you know.”

“I’ll go myself,” said the unfortunate gambler, picking up two of the bottles and leaving the shed.

“For Heaven’s sake, don’t be long! I am dying for a drink,” remarked the thirsty Skip.

Dick Denton had not been gone long when there came a double rap upon the door.

The whole gang were on their feet instantly.

“Go to the door, Ben Baker,” said Skip, who seemed to be a leader among them.

“Who is there?”

“Blue!” was the answer.

“Green!” exclaimed Baker.

“Yellow!”

The rough had locked the door when he went to it, but now he drew the bolt.

“It’s Old Man Moses,” cried several, as an old Jew hobbled into the room, and they all laughed heartily.

The newcomer joined in their mirth, with a succession of sounds something like those of a bagpipe with the quinsy.

“You are very glad to see me, my children,” said he, as he rubbed his hands together.

“Of course we are,” said Skip Brodie. “Got anything for us to do?”

Dick Denton rapped on the door, and the Jew started at the sound.

Raising both his hands above his head, he hoarsely whispered:

“Do not open the door.”

“It’s Dick Denton,” said one.

Once more Ben Baker went to the door.

The usual formula was gone through with.

“Blue!”

“Green!”

“Yellow!”

“Stop!” The Jew caught Ben Baker’s arm as he was about to open the door.

“Are yo