The stranger who had arrived in this vicinity was scarcely more than a phantom shape.
Silently, almost invisibly, he glided along the street in front of the lawyer's home. Then his tall form merged with the blackness of the lawn. It paused beside a clump of shrubbery.
Two whispered voices were engaged in conversation. The speakers did not know that they were being overheard.
"What's the lay tonight, Biff?"
"There's a guy we've got to get, Jake. We're taking no chances on missing him. Your spot is right here. If you see anybody sneaking around, grab him."
"O.K. Who else is watching?"
"Plenty of others. They're all posted, like you. That's why I don't want any of you to leave your places. I'll be out front in the car."
"If anybody comes up the walk?"
"I'll take care of that. You're after snoopers. That's all. Grab them — and give them the rod if you have to."
"The coppers?"