Not long after Alex left Bixton to take up his duties at Foothills, Jack, at Hammerton, also received an advancement. In itself it was not of particular note, beyond an encouraging increase in salary, and a transfer from the day to the night force; but indirectly it resulted in an experience more thrilling than any Jack’s genius for tackling adventurous difficulties had yet brought him.
Wheeling by the office of the “Daily Star” one afternoon, he heard his name called, and turned his head to discover West, the reporter with whom he had made the memorable Oakton trip, hastening after him.
“Just the man I was looking for, Jack,” declared West, as the young operator wheeled to the curb. “I have a job for you.
“How would you like to tackle a bit of Black Hand investigation?”
Jack laughed. “You don’t mean it.”
“I certainly do. It’s this way,” went on the reporter, lowering his voice. “A Black Hand letter demanding money was received last week by Tommy Spanelli, of the Italian restaurant. It was mailed here; and we have the tip that last evening two foreigners were seen stealing across the old quarry turnpike, and into the woods, as though not wishing to be seen. Of course they may not be connected with this at all, but again they may; and I was put on the job to find out. The difficulty is that I am too well known. If they caught sight of me, they would be suspicious immediately.
“But they would never suspect a lad like you,” West proceeded; “and I know you could carry anything through that came along. So will you run out there and investigate for me?”
“Why, certainly. But just what shall I do?” Jack asked.
“Wheel up and down the quarry turnpike for an hour or so, then, if you have seen no one, beat around through the woods as far as the old stone quarry. And any foreigners you come upon, take a good look at. That’s all. And drop in at the office here in the morning, and report.”
“That’s easy. All right,” agreed Jack readily.