“That is for you to discover,” said Fellows, folding his hands and leaning back in his chair. “I have been instructed to find out as much as possible regarding a man named Whitburn, and to see that he is protected against danger. You have been delegated to the mission.
“You, yourself, are in some danger. You may have suspected that from the note which I sent you this afternoon. If this man is the Whitburn who I believe he is — namely, the one who is in danger — you will have plenty of action ahead of you.
“If he is not the Whitburn whom I have been instructed to protect, you will be out of danger entirely — provided, of course, that you use discretion, and are not followed to Lake Marrinack.
“For if you are in the wrong place, and your presence there is not known, you will be quite safe.”
“I prefer danger to inaction,” remarked Harry.
“Every man to his choice,” said Fellows, with a smile. “For my part, I prefer inaction to danger. But we get a taste of both, in this business; and we have to take whichever comes along.”
Harry nodded in agreement.
“It may be difficult to communicate with us from Lake Marrinack,” observed Claude Fellows. “Your car carries its usual radio equipment. But you may not have a chance to use it.
“If necessary, write a letter, and send it to me; but be careful. A long distance call — only in case of absolute necessity. You have my home phone number. But on this trip, you may receive assistance. A messenger may come to see you.”
“How shall I know him?”