“One—only one more thing.” Newton Mills appeared to hesitate. “I—I shall need an assistant. I should like this boy.” Again he turned to Johnny.
“How about it?” The sergeant’s eyes were on Johnny.
“If I may be excused from my duties at the station,” Johnny said eagerly.
“I’ll arrange that.”
“So now you are fixed.” The sergeant turned once more to Newton Mills.
“We will begin work at once.”
The veteran left the room. He was followed by Johnny.
That was the manner in which Johnny became the assistant of a veteran detective whom he had saved from disgrace. The enterprise promised adventures of a fresh and interesting character. Johnny entered upon it with unlimited enthusiasm.
CHAPTER XXI
THE SECRET NUMBER
When Drew Lane returned to the shack an hour later, he was treated to a great surprise.