“The postmaster might be able to tell you where this Jabez Trask lives,” said the young major. “Why not ask him?”
“Well,—er—I don’t want to ask too many questions in public,” stammered Bert Field. “You see I—that is—can I trust you with my secret? You’ve trusted me with yours.”
“Certainly,” came from both of the Putnam Hall cadets.
“Well then, I want to find this Jabez Trask without his knowing anything about it.”
“Why, what in the world——” began Pepper, for he scented a mystery connected with the youth with whom he and his chum had just become acquainted.
“I can’t explain it—or at least I don’t wish to, now,” answered Bert Field, quickly. “Please don’t say anything about it to anybody.” He pulled a silver watch from his pocket. “Phew! after ten o’clock! I’ll have to be going! Goodbye! Maybe we’ll meet again!”
“Good-bye!” answered Pepper.
“Much obliged!” added Jack. And then the tall, thin boy turned out of the churchyard and hurried along the country road, some bushes and trees soon hiding him from view. The young major gazed after him curiously and so did Pepper.
“That’s a strange fellow,” was Jack’s comment. “But he certainly did us a good turn.”
“He sure did,” answered Pepper. “Wonder what he wants of this Jabez Trask?”