"Fred, I want you to go to the Randolph Hotel and stay about the hotel till you see Gibbs. When you do, go to him and address him by his right name. He denied his identity day before yesterday.
"James, Abbot and Howard will be in the hotel also, but you must not speak to them. They are to witness the meeting between you and Gibbs."
As the boys realized they were to play an important part in the lawyer's plan to clear Mr. Markham's name, their eyes grew big with excitement, and even Fred's father was surprised.
"But why do you need me, if Mr. Abbot and Mr. Howard are to be there?" asked young Bronson.
"Because courts sometimes have a prejudice against the testimony of professional investigators," replied his father. "Having seen Gibbs, you know him."
Though both boys were consumed with anxiety to learn what bearing the identification would have upon the case, they understood the nature of the lawyer too well to ask questions.
"Here is ten dollars for your expenses," continued Mr. Bronson, handing the money to Fred.
"But I won't need that much," protested the boy.
"You may—in case you are obliged to stay at the hotel a day or so. Now, go right over there."
"What shall I say if Charlie Gibbs asks me what I am doing in Manchester?" inquired Fred.