would never suspect a lad like you," West proceeded; "and I
know you could carry anything through that came along. So will you run
out there and investigate for me?"

"Why, certainly. But just what shall I do?" Jack asked.

"Wheel up and down the quarry turnpike for an hour or so, then, if you
have seen no one, beat around through the woods as far as the old stone
quarry. And any foreigners you come upon, take a good look at. That's
all. And drop in at the office here in the morning, and report."

"That's easy. All right," agreed Jack readily.

"Thank you. And keep the matter quiet, you know," West added. "We want an
exclusive story for the 'Star' if anything comes of it."

"I understand. And, say," said Jack as he turned away, "I'll take my
camera, too. I may be able to get a snap of them, if I see anyone."

"Good idea. A picture would help to land them, if they are the fellows we
want; and we could run it in the paper with our story. Go ahead, Jack,
and good luck."

Jack was not long in wheeling home and securing his folding Brownie; and
a half hour later found him pedalling slowly along the quarry road near
the point several miles from the city where the suspicious foreigners had
been seen to enter the woods.

An hour passed, however, and he had seen no doubtful characters, and
finally dismounting at the entrance to a path he knew to lead toward the
old stone quarry, Jack concealed his wheel in a thicket, and set off to
make an investigation in that direction.

A moment after he came to a halt with a sharp exclamation. In the path at
his feet lay a murderous-looking stiletto. Picking it up, he examined it.
Yes; it was of foreign make. And the still damp mud stains on the side of
the blade which had lain uppermost showed it had been but recently
dropped.

Apprehensively Jack cast a glance about him, almost immediately to utter
a second suppressed exclamation. Emerging from the woods on the opposite
side of the road was a short, dark man--undoubtedly an Italian.

With beating heart Jack watched him. Was he one of the men he was looking
for?

In the middle of the road the stranger halted, looked sharply to right
and left, and came quickly forward. Darting from the path Jack threw
himself on the ground behind a bush, and the next moment the man
hurriedly passed him. He was soon out of sight, and rising, Jack placed
the dagger carefully in an inside pocket, and determinedly set off after.

Half a mile he fo