“I said so, yes,” was the slow reply.
“May I ask what you know about that old mill?” went on Pepper.
“Why, I—that is—it is a personal matter, a family matter,” stammered Bert Field.
“I thought that if you told us something about the old mill we might be able to help you,” went on Pepper. “Has Jabez Trask something to do with it?”
“Yes.”
“And that is why you were looking for Trask?”
“Yes.” Bert Field’s face became a study. He looked at Pepper and Andy with eyes that seemed to pierce them through and through. “I wonder if I can trust you?” he said slowly.
“You can,” answered Pepper.
“If the thing is on the level you can trust me,” added Andy. He saw that the strange lad was laboring under some subdued excitement.
“I—I guess I need a friend,” went on Bert Field. “I said once I might need help. I may be able to solve this mystery alone, but somehow I am beginning to doubt it.”