Hiram in the Middle West

by Burbank L. Todd

"I suppose you think it's up to me to explain, Strong?" he asked.

"Well, I am curious," admitted Hiram.

"Of course, you, thinking my name was Orrin Post until now—"

"No. I might as well tell you that I suspected you had been known as Ted Chester about a year ago," interrupted Hiram, and he told him how he had come to that belief.

"Well, it is a fact. That was Orrin Post. I worked for him. He is the man who chased me when I was sick. I don't know how I came to give you his name, unless it was because he was on my mind. And in my opinion—then, at least—one name was as good as another."

"Was there any reason why you were afraid to use this one of Chester?"

"Only that I did not want to be traced."

"By whom?"

"By anybody."

"Then you knew," said Hiram thoughtfully, "that somebody was after you?"