change in the tones of his
voice; ere he had completed his sentence he had made a discovery. When
the man had first entered the detective had not paid much attention, but
while speaking in answer to the visitor's statement, our hero discovered
that the supposed countryman was under a disguise, and his disguise was
a good one. Only a man like our hero would have pierced the "cover."
Jack did, however, hence the sudden change in the tones of his voice;
but he recovered himself in an instant and prepared for the game which
he concluded was on the tapis.

"You've been making some inquiries around town here to-day."

"I've been making some inquiries?"

"Yes."

"Oh, no, my friend, I've been seeking subscriptions."

"Oh, that's all?"

"Yes."

"You've only been seeking subscriptions?"

"Yes."

"Then I reckon I've made a mistake; I've been told you are making
inquiries about a girl named Canfield or Stevens, or some such name."

Jack had not only pierced the man's disguise, but his purpose, and
possibly his identity, and when his visitor made the statement recorded
Jack laughed and asked:

"Have you come to give me the desired information, my friend?"

"Well, yes."

"I'm sorry."

"You are?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Simply because my little narrative was all a fiction. You see, I work
up this story in order to catch the women's attention; I get them
engaged in conversation and then start in to sell my goods, or rather
get my subscriptions. I am sorry my little business trick has put you to
the trouble of coming here to see me."

The disguised man looked sort of blank when he received the above
explanation.

"Golly!" he exclaimed, "you're cute."

The expression of the visitor was two ended--sharp at both ends. It
might mean "You are cute because you are lying," or it might mean "You
are cute working that little game to gain customers." Jack was compelled
to diplomize a little further in order to learn just what the man did
mean.

"Yes, you are awful cute," said the man. "I learn you've been going
along the road in different towns telling different tales, and telling
'em good, too."

"Yes, I've done that."

"And you've changed your business about as often as you have your
stories."

Jack saw that his visitor was not as cute as he might be, even though he
were a regular detective, and our hero had determined that the man was a
professional.

"Who has been giving you that story?" queried Jack.

"Well,