"Mr. Vincent informed me that you were coming to town with Sherwood Mayo," said Mann. "He said that you would be here today."
Yes," replied Stuart. "I came in Mayo's plane. I received Vincent's letter, telling me to stop in to see you, this afternoon."
"You are going back with Mayo?"
"At eight o'clock tonight."
"Bruxton," said Mann, in a confiding tone, "I know all about this affair that concerns you and Vincent. Like Vincent, I get my orders from a higher source, which I am not free to mention at this time.
"I can only tell you that the trouble which you encountered at Mayo's one night" — Stuart's eyes opened at the statement — "was turned to your advantage by — by this person for whom Vincent and I are working." Mann's words served as an explanation to Stuart Bruxton, even though details were lacking. He understood, now, that the man in black had been at Mayo's for the definite purpose of watching developments in Greenhurst.
"I have received instructions," continued Mann, "and they concern you, Bruxton.
Something is due to happen in Greenhurst — tonight."
"Shortly before midnight, four men will appear at Hawthorne's cottage. Two of them will be men whom you have encountered before — Jeremiah Benson and his man, Grady."
Stuart's eyes flashed at the mention of the fiends who had sought to kill him, that night in Maryland. Mann noted his expression and smiled slightly.