"We might look him up," replied Ralph, and they were quickly out of the room and prancing across the parade ground toward the commandant's quarters, where the main offices were located. As it was past nine at night they had some difficulty in locating Joe, but he was eventually found, and at eleven o'clock they left the quarters in the rear of the hangars, and marched across the ground in the direction of their building.
Turning the corner they were confronted by an individual who caused the boys to gasp. It was the peddler,—the identical individual they had followed during the day. He glanced at the boys, then turned and hurried away.
"We mustn't let him get away this time," said Ralph.
The man evidently heard Ralph's voice, for he hurried his steps.
"Halt!" cried Alfred.
The man paid no attention to the command.
"Halt or we'll shoot!" shouted Ralph.
The man hesitated, then stopped and turned around.
"Face the other way," shouted Ralph.