[CHAPTER IX.]
A CONSPIRACY IS RIPENING.
"That you, boys?"
The speaker emerged from a patch of gloomy looking bushes, masking an old stone bridge.
"Yes, it's us all right, Herr Muller. On time, ain't we?"
It was Chance who spoke. Close behind came Merritt and another figure.
"Yes, you're on time, all right. But who's that with you? I don't want outsiders mixed up in this."
Merritt came forward with the third member of the newly arrived party. "This is Bill Kennell, an old chum of ours," he said. "He's all right, and we may find him useful in our plans."
"Very well, if you'll vouch for him."