As soon as they reached town he started to accompany his chum home, hoping to have an opportunity to see Mr. Pender in secret.
Catching sight of that gentleman walking down for the evening mail, he made some excuse and broke away from Jack; who looked after him in bewilderment, grieved because Paul, for once, seemed to be keeping some secret from him.
Mr. Pender presently came out of the post-office. He had a letter in his hand, and was apparently much displeased at what it had contained.
"Why, hello! Paul, my boy! Glad to see you. How is the patrol coming on? Some day you must allow me to watch your manoeuvers up there in the woods. I'm deeply interested in all such goings-on, you know," he said, shaking hands, heartily.
"Yes, sir; I'll ask the boys for permission to invite you," began Paul.
"Were you looking for me, my boy?" asked the other suddenly, his keen eyes having doubtless detected something in the manner of the young scout master that gave him his idea.
"Yes, sir, I was," replied the one addressed.
"I wonder now if, on the top of bad news from Washington, you could be about to bring me new hope. Have you learned anything you want to tell me, Paul?"
"I've seen that red auto, and talked with the gentleman who has the glass eye!" said the boy, trying in vain to keep his eager voice from trembling with excitement.