"Let the word answer as a countersign."
This note puzzled me not a little, and I hardly knew what to do in regard to it; for I did not wish to be made a fool of, as well as the laughing-stock of the other detectives.
I finally determined to tack my faith to this unknown person who signed "Shadow," and that night took a couple of men to the spot designated, and captured the bond thief after he had taken the bonds from their hiding-place.
I got the reward, and kept five hundred myself, reserving the other five hundred until it should be demanded of me, when, where, or how, I had not the slightest idea.
Several weeks later, after the midnight hour, I was suddenly brought to a halt as I drew near my house, for across the walk was cast that shadow.
I knew it must be the same one, and belonging to the same person, for the hand was raised, and the index finger shaking.
Determined that this shadow should not disappear so suddenly and mysteriously again, I kept my eyes on it as I hastily sprang forward.
The shadow moved, and its owner suddenly stood before me—a lithe figure, in male attire, with a large-peaked cap.
I glanced keenly at the face.
It was a boyish-looking face, with eyes very deep-set, it seemed to me, and a face, besides, that lacked expression.