r, and
Johnny did not question him. He had fully determined to see the thing
through, cost what it might.

It was after a roundabout walk through the deserted streets of the
business section of the city that they came to South Water street. This
street, the noisiest and most crowded of all Chicago at certain hours,
was now as silent and deserted as a village green at midnight. Here a
late pedestrian hurried down its narrow walk: there some boatman
loitered toward his craft in the river. But for these the street was
deserted.

And it was here, of all places, that they experienced the first thrill
of the night. A heavy step sounded on the pavement around the corner.
The next instant a man appeared walking toward them. His face was
obscured by shadows, but there was no mistaking that stride.

"That's our man," whispered Johnny.

"The Russian?" questioned Hanada in equally guarded tones.

There was not time for another word, for the man, having quickened his
pace was abreast of them, past them and gone.

"I don't know. Couldn't see his face," whispered the Jap.

"Quick!" urged Johnny; "there's a short cut, an alley. We can meet him
again under the arc light."

Down a dark alley they dashed. Crashing into a broken chicken crate,
then sprinting through an open court, they came out on another alley,
and then onto a street.

They had raced madly, but now as they came up short, panting, they saw
no one. The man had disappeared.

Suddenly they heard steps on the cross street.

"Turned the corner," panted Johnny. "C'mon!"

Again they dashed ahead, slowing only as they reached the other street.

Sure enough, halfway down the block they saw their man. He was walking
rapidly toward the bridge. Quickening their pace they followed.

Distinctly they saw the man go upon the bridge. Very plainly they heard
every footstep on the echoing planks. Then, just as they were about to
step upon the bridge, the footsteps ceased.

"Sh!" whispered Johnny, bringing his friend to a halt. "He's stopped;
maybe laying for us."

For a minute they stood there. The lapping of the water was the only
sound till, somewhere in the distance an elevated train rattled its way
north.

"C'mon," said Johnny. "We've met that bird in worse places than this; we
can meet him again."

But they did not meet him, although they walked the full length of the
bridge. There was not a place on the whole structure where a man could
hide, but they searched i