“I don’t suppose it’s any of my business, but I’d really like to know what’s in the wind. Those fellows are up to something.”
“I reckon so,” nodded Rodney; “but I opine it’s no concern of mine.”
Both were startled as Piper noiselessly appeared beside them.
“There are things going on in this town,” said Sleuth, his voice discreetly lowered, “of which the general public is wholly unaware.”
“Hello!” laughed Rodney, lifting his eyebrows. “The great detective is on the job. I judge you have inside information, Pipe?”
“Very little,” answered Sleuth; “but if I set out to get it I’ll not be balked. Once I take up a case worthy of my attention, I am relentless as Fate.”
“Do you have an idea this matter is a case worthy of your attention?” asked Nelson, winking slyly at Grant.
“That I can’t answer,” confessed Sleuth; “but it’s my theory that persons whose movements are secretive and mysterious deserve to be watched. Possibly I can tell you one little fact of which you are unaware.”
“Let flicker,” invited Jack. “We’re listening, all agog.”
“For some little time,” said Sleuth, in answer to this invitation, “certain fellows have been meeting regularly every Saturday night in the rooms of Ned Osgood.”