n't lose sight of that fellow. Walk fast, because
we ought to pass him by," observed the scout leader, starting out.

"But Paul, you don't mean to tackle him, do you?" asked his chum,
thrilled by the prospect of an encounter with the unknown.

"Why, not if I know it! He isn't likely to say or do anything when we
hurry past him, you see," came Paul's low reply.

"Oh! I get on now;" whispered Jack, as he clung to the arm of his mate;
"you expect to warn Mr. Clausin! That's a good idea. He'd know what to
do, of course."

Involuntarily Paul caressed the left sleeve of his khaki coat, where the
red silk badge that indicated his right to the exalted office of
assistant scoutmaster was fastened, just above the silver one telling
that he was also a second class scout patrol leader.

"Why should it," he said in reply; "when our motto is always 'be
prepared'? But don't say anything more, Jack, just now."

His companion saw the wisdom of what he said, for they had been rapidly
overtaking the figure that was trailing after Mr. Clausin.

The man looked back over his shoulder several times, as though he had
caught the sound of their footsteps, and was interested. Paul noticed,
however, that he did not show any intention of slinking away, and he
wondered at this.

When the boys passed him the man simply lowered his head, so that the
brim of his hat would shield his face. He gave no sign that he felt any
annoyance, and Paul could hear his chum breathe a sigh of relief.
Evidently Jack was keyed up to a point close to an explosion.

Mr. Clausin was now only a short distance ahead, and they hurried
faster, so as to overtake him quickly.

"Why, is that you, Paul?" he asked, as, hearing the patter of steps
close behind, he turned hastily.

"Yes, sir," replied the scout leader, somewhat out of breath from his
exertions, "we wanted to catch you before you left the town limits,
sir."

"To catch me," returned the gentleman, showing signs of interest. "And
why, may I ask, Paul?"

"Oh! Mr. Clausin," broke in Jack at this juncture, "somebody is
following you--a man who seems to be a stranger in town! After what
happened last night we thought you ought to know it. There he is,
standing in the shadow of that big elm back there."

To the utter astonishment of the two boys the gentleman, instead of
showing any alarm, such as they expected, seemed amused. He even
chuckled, as though something bordering on the humorous took the place
o