"By the way," remarked some one present, "Webster must join our——"
"Sh," cautioned Dave Dickinson, the proprietor of the billiard room. "Have you no more sense than to reveal yourself here? Remember that your lips are sealed by an oath on that subject."
There was a moment's silence; Webster looked from one to another, and noticed that an air of mystery had settled upon every countenance present.
"What's this?" he demanded with a laugh. "Is it a conspiracy to betray me into the hands of the enemy?"
"Not exactly," replied Dickinson, whose laugh was echoed by the crowd. "Sloan, you will give Mr. Webster his cue when a favorable opportunity occurs. We want him with us, by all means."
Webster's curiosity was satisfied an hour later, when he and Sam Sloan walked toward Miller's Hotel together.
"The fact is," said Sam, in a guarded tone, "since you went away we've formed a secret organization."
"A secret organization?"
"Yes; and we have held several meetings."
"Is it a success?"