for the spot where he had found the magneto.

Sambo Ebony was at large, and Tom believed that other things than the
magneto had been concealed at this spot. If Sambo intended any further
assaults on the retaining wall he would be quite likely to come this way.
So here Tom Reade was resolved to remain and watch, even if he had to put
in most of the night there.

Behind some bushes he and Dick found a hiding place looking out upon the
scene of the late conflict with "Mr. Ebony."

Without even whispered conversation time dragged slowly. More than an hour
dragged by, and both watchers were beginning to feel decidedly bored.

At last, however, footsteps came that way. Both watchers crouched lower
and waited.

The new-comer approached the place rather uncertainly. At last, however,
he stood revealed. Tom Reade felt like yelling in his utter astonishment.

For President Bascomb, of the Melliston Company, now stood before them.
After a glance about Mr. Bascomb walked slowly up and down, as though he
were waiting for some one.

Dick, of course, did not know Mr. Bascomb. However, as Tom kept silent
the young soldier did the same.

"What on earth can Bascomb be doing here?" Tom wondered. "Is he, too, one
of the conspirators? It is unbelievable! Yet with what speed he obeyed
Evarts's summons to come and bail him out! It makes me feel like a sneak
to be here spying on the president of the company that employs me---and yet
there's something here that certainly must be looked into!"

Fifteen minutes more dragged by, with Mr. Bascomb walking impatiently back
and forth, occasionally heaving a deep sigh or catching at his breath.

"Our worthy president is much excited, at any rate," Reade said to himself.

Finally steps were heard, both by Bascomb and by the pair who watched him.
Then another man came upon the scene.

"Evarts, why on earth did you send for me?" demanded Mr. Bascomb, as the
discharged foreman came up.

"Because I knew you'd be here---you don't dare do otherwise," was the
sneering reply.

"Try not to be impudent about it," advised Mr. Bascomb mildly. "As you
may remember, I've had to stand a lot from you."

"And not as much as you might have to stand, either, if I took it into my
head to make matters lively for you," jeered Evarts harshly. "Remember,
man, you'll do as I want you to do."

"I'm willing to do what I can for you," replied the president. "But---"

"Now, don't throw any of your '