f fear.

"It was very kind of you, boys, to follow after me to give me warning,"
he said, laying a hand on each of them. "But this time I rather suspect
it's going to turn out to be a flash in the pan. Because, you see, my
lads, I just said good-night to that same stranger at the door of my
place of business, where we have been holding a consultation. Possibly
he took a notion to see me safely home, not knowing but what I might be
held up a second time."

"Oh!" exclaimed Jack, in a disappointed tone, "then he's a friend of
yours, sir? How silly we have been! We thought we might be doing you a
service in warning you. Come along, Paul; let's fade away!"

"Not just yet, boys, please," said Mr. Clausin. "Your intentions were
all right, and for that I'm a thousand times obliged. Besides, you did
me a great favor last night, one I'm not likely to forget. I want you to
meet my friend. He's expressed himself as one who believes in the great
movement you lads represent in this town."

Then raising his voice he called out:

"Mr. Norris, step this way, please!"

Immediately the shadowy figure started toward them. It was evident that
the mysterious gentleman must have partly guessed the mission of the
boys, for he was chuckling softly to himself as he came up.

"This is something of a joke on me, Mr. Clausin," he remarked, as if
amused. "To think of one in my line of business being outwitted by a
couple of lads. But then even lawyers will have to look to their laurels
when they run up against boys who have been trained in the clever
tactics of this scout movement. Am I right in believing one of these
chaps must be Paul?"

"Yes, this one, Mr. Norris; and the other is his friend, Jack Stormways,
of whom I was also speaking to you," replied the merchant.

"Glad to meet you, boys, and shake hands with you both," observed Mr.
Norris warmly. "I've got a couple of my own boys down in the city, who
are just as wild over this scouting business as you fellows up here seem
to be. And my friend Clausin here, has been telling me a few interesting
things in connection with a runaway horse, and a burning house. Such
evidences make me feel more positive than ever that only good can come
out of the organization you belong to."

Of course the boys hardly knew what to say in connection with such a
handsome compliment; but they returned the warm pressure of the
gentleman's hand.

"I ought to tell you, Paul," remarked Mr. Clausin just then