In a short time Mr. Lewis was back with a folded paper, which he handed to Bob.
“Now use tact in getting your information,” he said. “Remember, don’t let the people you inquire of in on the secret.”
“We won’t,” came the response, and after securing permission to use Mr. Holton’s sedan, they left for the man’s address.
What would they find? Would the people living near know anything about this person? Would the youths find that he had moved and, owing to his criminal record, had told no one of his new location? These questions were in the minds of Bob and Joe as they went farther toward their destination.
After a twenty-minute ride they pulled up on a poor cross street near the city limits and gazed to their left at a small house set back from the sidewalk. Directly beside it was another house of slightly better appearance.
“That’s the place,” pronounced Bob. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s at home.”
“Let’s go to the house next to it,” suggested Joe, getting out of the car. “We’ll trust to luck that the occupants are not related to the man we’re after.”
The boys made their way to the door and knocked. For over a minute they waited in silence. Then, as it was evident that there was no one at home, they turned to leave. But at that moment a small car moved up to the curb and stopped. Two men got out and started toward the house where the alleged crook lived. But the second they caught sight of Bob and Joe they turned back to their car.
“Come on,” whispered Bob. “Let’s follow them. I have a notion that one of those fellows is the man we’re after.”
Joe nodded in agreement.