"Well, is that any of your business?" was the challenge. "Isn't this a free country?"
"Of course," Jack answered. "But even in a free country there are certain laws about causing trouble, and listening to private talk."
"Who was listening?" demanded the fellow.
"You were!" Jack exclaimed.
At that moment Mr. Argent came sauntering along the piazza. The fellow turned sharply. Neither appeared to recognize the other.
"This chap is the same one I thought he was," explained Jack, "It was he and a partner of his who made the fuss in the Golden Crossing office, Mr. Argent. If you could find Mr. Perkfeld we might make a charge against him."
The man seemed disconcerted at this.
"Charge? What charge?" he blustered.
"You'll find out soon enough," Jack replied.
He started off, thinking Mr. Argent would keep the man there until Mr. Perkfeld could be summoned. But the fellow made a sudden dash, leaped to the saddle of a horse that was near the end of the porch, and was off down the road on a gallop.