“No one man nor a dozen men could find their way over the faint trails in time to surprise the gang. They keep lookouts on duty day and night. There isn’t a stranger who comes to Chesterton that is not watched. Two of their men are in the hotel this minute; they have had you and even your stupid colored youth under scrutiny.”
“Have they any suspicion of me?” asked Harvey with a grim smile.
“No; for you are too young and your actions are too open.”
“How about yourself?”
“I am hopeful that they are in the dark regarding me, though I am not positive; I am playing the role of a drummer for a hardware firm in New York. I have taken quite a number of orders, and all the time have been on the watch for a chance to go upon an exploring expedition through the surrounding wilderness. You understand the delicacy of my situation. A single attempt in that line, even if immediately abandoned, will give me away and end all possibility of my accomplishing any good. Still, I had made up my mind that the essay would have to be made, with all the chances against success, or I must abandon the business altogether. Your coming has raised the hope that you can aid me.”
CHAPTER XVIII.
PLANNING THE SEARCH.
Harvey Hamilton was about to speak when Detective Pendar raised a warning hand.
“Sh!” he whispered; “some one is in the hall.”
The youth listened intently, but could not detect so much as the “shadow of a sound.” None the less, his guest was right.
“He has gone by; listen!”