at
the two chums on the road, both of whom of course returned the salute.

Jack watched his friend out of the corner of his eye as they walked on.
Perhaps he was entertaining a dim suspicion that Paul might be keeping
something from him.

But he asked no questions; and the other volunteered no information. A
scout is supposed to know when to hold his tongue, especially when in
the company of his superior officer; and so Jack let the matter drop.

"See, they've turned in, all right, Paul," he said, as he pointed to the
broad marks of heavy tires leaving the main road, and passing under the
spreading maple that stood at the junction with the Grapevine.

"That's so," returned Paul, apparently not in the least interested; and
yet as they continued to walk briskly toward home he frequently turned a
wistful look over his left shoulder, as in fancy his thoughts followed
those two strangers up to the old farmhouse at the mill pond.

Who was this Solus Smithers? Could he be in league with these two men
whom the Government expert was sent to watch? Paul remembered that he had
heard several people talking about the man and his ways. He seemed to
have plenty of money, yet he made no effort to farm the place he had
rented that summer.

As soon as they reached town he started to accompany his chum home,
hoping to have an opportunity to see Mr. Pender in secret.

Catching sight of that gentleman walking down for the evening mail,
he made some excuse and broke away from Jack; who looked after him in
bewilderment, grieved because Paul, for once, seemed to be keeping some
secret from him.

Mr. Pender presently came out of the post-office. He had a letter in his
hand, and was apparently much displeased at what it had contained.

"Why, hello! Paul, my boy! Glad to see you. How is the patrol coming on?
Some day you must allow me to watch your manoeuvers up there in the
woods. I'm deeply interested in all such goings-on, you know," he said,
shaking hands, heartily.

"Yes, sir; I'll ask the boys for permission to invite you," began Paul.

"Were you looking for me, my boy?" asked the other suddenly, his keen
eyes having doubtless detected something in the manner of the young
scout master that gave him his idea.

"Yes, sir, I was," replied the one addressed.

"I wonder now if, on the top of bad news from Washington, you could be
about to bring me new hope. Have you learned anything you want to tell
me, Paul?"

"I've seen that r