"I agree with you. We won't bother them about our plans," and he waved his hand toward the scientists, who had, by this time, entered the house.
"In the first place," said Mark, as he and his chum turned from the yard, and walked along a quiet country road, "I think our best plan will be to find Dick Johnson, and ask him just where it was he met the man who gave him a quarter to bring the note to me."
"What for?" asked Jack.
"Why, then, we can tell where to start from. Perhaps Dick can give us a description of the man, or tell from what direction he came. Then we'll know how to begin on the trail."
"That's a good idea, I guess. We know where he disappeared to, or, rather, in nearly what direction, so that will help some."
"Sure. Well, then, let's find Dick."
To the inquiries of the two lads from the projectile, Dick Johnson replied that, as he had asserted once before, that the man was a stranger to him.
"He was tall, and had a big black mustache," Dick described, "but he kept his hat pulled down over his eyes, so I couldn't see his face very well. Anyhow, it was dark when I met him."
"Where did you meet him?" asked Mark.
"Not far from your house. He was standing on the corner, where you turn down to go to the woollen mill, and, as I passed him, he asked me if I wanted to earn a quarter."