But even the keenest observer would not have detected the shape which appeared a moment later.

For this second figure was nothing more than a shadow, which virtually grew from the darkness. It seemed to flit along the sidewalk, as it took up the trail of the Red Envoy.

CHAPTER XXVI

HARRY MAKES A CAPTURE

“VINCENT!”

Harry Vincent sat up in bed when he heard the hissed exclamation close beside him. He had been half asleep when the summons had come; now he wondered if he was dreaming. A voice spoke softly, a few feet away.

“Sh!” came the warning. “This is Marquette!”

“What’s the matter?” whispered Harry.

“Stokes and Marsh are planning something,” replied Marquette. “That’s why I tipped you off to go to bed early. I went to my room; then sneaked downstairs. I overheard them, in the kitchen.”

“What did they say?”