detective.

"Yes, sir. That is, if I can get away. For it will take all night, I
suppose?"

"Yes. There will be no trouble about your getting off, though. I spoke to
Allen before I came down," said Boyle, rising. "All right, it is
arranged. You take the five-thirty down to-morrow evening, with the
necessary instruments, and I'll be at the station to meet you. Good
night."

As Boyle had promised, Jack had no difficulty in arranging to be off duty
the following night, and early that evening he alighted from the train at
Claxton, to find the railroad detective awaiting him.

"The instruments, eh?" queried Boyle, indicating a parcel under Jack's
arm as they left the station. "Yes, sir; and I have some wire and a file
in my pocket."

"That's the ticket. And everything here is arranged nicely. We will head
for the warehouse at once."

"Here's the other 'bolt of silk,' Mr. Brooke," the detective announced a
few minutes later as they entered the office adjoining a large brick
building. "All ready for us?"

"Hn! He's a pretty small 'bolt,' isn't he?" commented the merchant,
eyeing Jack with some surprise.

"A trifle; but he makes up for size in quality," declared the detective,
while Jack blushed. "He is the youngster who solved the 'ghost' riddle
and spoiled this same gang's game at Midway Junction."

The merchant warmly shook Jack's hand. "I'm glad to meet you, my boy," he
said. "After that, I can readily believe what Boyle says.

"Yes, I am all ready. This way, please," he requested.

Following the speaker, Jack and the detective found themselves in a large
shipping-room. As they entered, a workman with a pot and ink-brush in his
hand was surveying lettering he had just completed on a good-sized
packing-case.

"Here are the 'goods,' Judson," announced the merchant.

"All ready, sir," the workman responded, eyeing Jack and the detective
curiously.

"Did you substitute boards with knot-holes?" Mr. Brooke asked.

"Yes, sir. And this is the door," said the man, indicating two wide
boards at one end. "I used both wooden buttons and screw-hooks on the
inside, as you suggested."

"Good."

The detective examined the box. "You've made a good job of it," he
commented.

"I suppose this is the boy's?" he added, turning to a smaller box, on
which also were the words: "SILK--VALUABLE!"

With lively interest Jack examined the case.

"Get in and let us see how it fits," suggested the merchant. Jack did so.

"Fine