"

"When Larry grabbed him by the arm and started to lead him out, I saw
the gentleman take a good look all around; and that's the truth,
Frank," Elephant remarked.

Frank hardly knew what to think. This might be a very significant
thing; and then again, if one looked at it another way, was it not
simply what any curious stranger, interested in the doings of the
venturesome Bird boys, might have done?

It was about ten o'clock, and growing quite hot, since the time was
July. Just as Andy had hinted, that bank of dark clouds hanging low
along the horizon in the southwest might take a notion to climb up in
the heavens at any time, and bring about a summer thunderstorm.

Apparently Frank did not bother his head in connection with such a
possibility; for a little later he wheeled his bicycle out of the shed
as though intending to leave the others temporarily.

"Be back in half an hour or so, Andy," he called over his shoulder, as
his cousin came to the door to see what he was about to do.

"Going over home for something, Frank?" called Andy; but if the other
heard he chose or some reason to decline to commit himself.

Had Andy been able to follow his course after he left the field he
would soon have known that Frank was rather heading for town than
intending to pedal in the direction of his own house, which was
situated on the outskirts of Bloomsbury.

And doubtless the curiosity of Andy would have mounted to near the
fever pitch did he but know that when Frank jumped from his wheel he
stood directly in front of the low building known as police
headquarters.

Without any hesitation the boy walked in through the open door. He had
often been here before; and knew the head of the force very well, also
the officers who constituted the Chief's staff.

Chief Waller was bending over his flat-top desk, and evidently reading
some communication or other. He looked up, and on seeing who his
caller was, smiled amiably; for Frank Bird was a favorite of his, and
possibly the best liked boy in Bloomsbury.

"Why, glad to see you, Frank; won't you sit down?" he said, offering
his hand to the boy.

"I didn't just drop in to chat, Chief," marked Frank, after he had
accepted the proffered hand, and been favored with a hearty grip.

"No, I suppose not, because you're a boy of business generally. Well,
what can I do for you, Frank?" asked the other, pleasantly.

"Your phone here is one of the long distance ones, isn't it, C