He saw Chief Billings, who was in charge of the police force in the town,
leaving the post-office, and noted that a large delegation trailed after
him.

Could it be possible that the local authorities had in some manner become
aware of the fact that law breakers were abroad in the land? Was Mr.
Jared Pender, the Government expert, about to have rivals in the field?
When those cronies of Ted spoke of following a trail could they have had
any reference to the track of the wonderful red automobile with the
khaki-colored top; and occupied by the two parties whom Mr. Pender wished
to catch, as he said, "with the goods on?"

Paul hoped not. It would complicate things very much; and in the
confusion the rascals might manage to slip away. Paul had known Chief
Billings to undertake a clever piece of business before now; but never
succeed in accomplishing one.

Some one banged into him as he turned a corner in the building.

"Why, hello! Paul, that you?" said a voice.

It was Si Growdy, who claimed to be a nephew of old Peleg, but who had
never been known to be recognized by the crusty old farmer. He clerked
in one of the general stores, of which Stanhope boasted several big ones,
where everything, from a package of pins to a coffin could be purchased.

"What's all the row about, Si?" demanded the acting scout master, as he
seized hold of the clerk, to head him off; for Si seemed to be in a hurry
as usual; he worked for a man who was a driver, and had to give an
account of every minute of his time.

"Ain't you heard nawthin' about it, Paul? Where you ben all this
afternoon?" was the way the clerk answered one question with another.

"Up in the woods with the scouts, doing stunts. But tell me what's gone
wrong? Another robbery at the jewelry store; or has some one sneaked
away with one of the coffins your house carries?" pursued Paul.

"If anybody ever got off with a pin that didn't belong to 'em at our
emporium, the fact ain't never been known. I've seen the boss chargin'
customers with the cracker they eat when samplin'. We got orders to make
light weight if they buy. But about this rumpus; they's a child lost!"
said Si.

"Who's child?" asked Paul, instantly deeply interested.

"Mr. Boggs' little Willie. The Chief was just in to talk with him. He's
all broken up over it, because you know, he uses a crutch, and can't help
hunt."

Paul knew Mr. Boggs assisted the post-master in his duties; and many a
time had Paul ch