TWO MYSTERIOUS CHANGES
“Hey, you!” shouted Jimmie, dashing across the street in the direction of the queer outfit. “Come here! I want to see you!”
The pseudo milk vendor gave a quick glance at the approaching boy. A street lamp cast a flickering glare upon the automatic which Jimmie had drawn from his pocket. Without waiting to explain or ask questions the person addressed deserted the dog team instantly.
With but a single look over its shoulder the figure darted toward a building at the head of the quay. Boots clattered on the pavement, while the long stride clearly indicated to the boys that Jimmie and Jack had been correct in their surmise that the garb of a woman milk vendor had been assumed as a disguise.
Although Jimmie’s speed was great, the lad’s sprint was not sufficient to permit him to overtake his quarry.
“He’ll never make it!” declared Jack, tugging away at his own automatic and preparing to follow his comrade.
“Come on, fellows, let’s get a move on!” suggested Harry. “That fellow will just about get into a corner somewhere and knock Jimmie over the head. He’s capable of worse than that, I believe!”
All three lads hastened after the fleeing figure of their red-headed chum and the one whom he was pursuing.
An open door in the building indicated that the race had turned in that direction. Producing an electric searchlight Ned urged caution. Directly the lads heard the sound of a falling body. This was at once followed by an exclamation of surprise and disgust. They recognized the tones as those of their companion.
“Are you there, Jimmie?” called Ned, swinging the beam from his searchlight about the interior, lighting up a collection of merchandise piled in the warehouse. Jimmie was nowhere to be seen.