HB 012 Footprints Under The Window-1933

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C:\Sweta\ebooks\hardy boyz1\Hardy Boyz1\HB 012 Footprints Under the Window-19 !pdb "#B $a%e: HB 012-Footprints !n"er the #in Creator &#: $%A" "#B 'ype: &%'t (ersion: 0 Uni)*e &# Seed: 0 Creation #ate: (/1)/1*+, +odi,i-ation #ate: (/1)/1*+, .ast Ba-k*p #ate:: 1/1/1*+0 +odi,i-ation $*%ber: 0 -: Converte" b- File.erlin :F//&P$01&2 !13%$ &H% #013/# B- F$A14501 #. 30'/1 1o. 12 in the HA$36 B/62 series &his is the ori7inal 1*,, text. 0n the 1*,, ori7inal8 the Har"- Bo-s brea9 :p a rin7 sm:77lin7 an" extortin7 ille7al Chinese aliens. 0n the 1*)2 complete revision8 the Har"- Bo-s ;oil a plot to steal a top-secret instr:ment vital to the space pro7ram. &he Har"- Bo-s series b- Fran9lin #. 3ixon8 the ;irst <( titles. &he ;irst -ear is the ori7inal -ear. &he secon" is the -ear it was revise". 01 02 0, 0= 0< 0) 0+ 0( 0* 10 11 12 1, 1= 1< 1) 1+ 1( 1* 20 21 22 2, &he &ower &reas:re 1*2+8 1*<* &he Ho:se on the Cli;; 1*2+8 1*<* &he 2ecret o; the /l" .ill 1*2+8 1*)2 &he .issin7 Ch:ms 1*2+8 1*)2 H:ntin7 ;or Hi""en >ol" 1*2(8 1*), &he 2hore $oa" .-ster- 1*2(8 1*)= &he 2ecret o; the Caves 1*2*8 1*)< &he .-ster- o; Cabin 0slan" 1*2*8 1*)) &he >reat Airport .-ster- 1*,08 1*)< #hat Happene" at .i"ni7ht 1*,18 1*)+ #hile the Cloc9 &ic9e" 1*,28 1*)2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 1*,,8 1*)2 &he .ar9 on the 3oor 1*,=8 1*)+ &he Hi""en Harbor .-ster- 1*,<8 1*)1 &he 2inister 2i7n Post 1*,)8 1*)( A Fi7:re in Hi"in7 1*,+8 1*)< &he 2ecret #arnin7 1*,(8 1*)) &he &wiste" Claw 1*,*8 1*)= &he 3isappearin7 Floor 1*=08 1*)= &he .-ster- o; the Fl-in7 %xpress 1*=18 1*)( &he Cl:e o; the Bro9en Bla"e 1*=28 1*)* &he Flic9erin7 &orch .-ster- 1*=,8 1+1 &he .elte" Coins 1*==8 1*+0
ABC Amber Palm Converter http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html

2= 2< 2) 2+ 2( 2* ,0 ,1 ,2 ,, ,= ,< ,) ,+ ,( ,* =0 =1 =2 =, == =< =) =+ =( =* <0 <1 <2 <, <= << <) <+ <( &he 2hort #ave .-ster- 1*=<8 1*)) &he 2ecret Panel 1*=)8 1*)* &he Phantom Frei7hter 1*=+8 1*+0 &he 2ecret o; 29:ll .o:ntain 1*=(8 1*)) &he 2i7n o; the Croo9e" Arrow 1*=*8 1*+0 &he 2ecret o; the 5ost &:nnel 1*<08 1*)( &he #ailin7 2iren .-ster- 1*<18 1*)( &he 2ecret o; #il"cat 2wamp 1*<28 1*)* &he Crisscross 2ha"ow 1*<,8 1*)* &he 6ellow Feather .-ster- 1*<=8 1*+1 &he Hoo"e" Haw9 .-ster- 1*<=8 1*+1 &he Cl:e in the %mbers 1*<<8 1*+2 &he 2ecret o; Pirates? Hill 1*<)8 1*+2 &he >host o; 29eleton $oc9 1*<+8 1*)) &he .-ster- at 3evil?s Paw 1*<*8 1*+, &he .-ster- o; the Chinese @:n9 1*)0 &he .-ster- o; the 3esert >iant 1*)1 &he Cl:e o; the 2creechin7 /wl 1*)2 &he Ai9in7 2-mbol .-ster- 1*), &he .-ster- o; the ABtec #arrior 1*)= &he Ha:nte" Fort 1*)< &he .-ster- o; the 2piral Bri"7e 1*)) &he 2ecret A7ent on Fli7ht 101 1*)+ &he .-ster- o; the #hale &attoo 1*)( &he Arctic Patrol .-ster- 1*)* &he Bomba- Boomeran7 1*+0 3an7er on the Aampire &rail 1*+1 &he .as9e" .on9e- 1*+2 &he 2hattere" Helmet 1*+, &he Cl:e o; the Hissin7 2erpent 1*+= &he .-sterio:s Caravan 1*+< &he #itch-.aster?s 4e- 1*+) &he @:n7le P-rami" 1*++ .-ster- o; the Firebir" $oc9et 1*+( 2tin7 o; the 2corpion 1*+*
055!2&$A&%3 B6 @. Clemens /hetta >4/22%& C 3!15AP Cop-ri7ht8 1*,,8 b- >$/22%& C 3!15AP8 0nc. All $i7hts $eserve" &he Har"- Bo-s: Footprints !n"er the #in"ow
C/1&%1&2 0 2i"ne- Pebbles 00 &he .-sterio:s >:est 000 A:nt >ertr:"e 0A &he Footprints A &he 3octor?s /r"ers A0 Chinese #ritin7

A00 A .essa7e ;rom Home A000 /rrin 1orth?s 2tor0' 5o:ie Fon7 0s An7r' D5antern 5an"D '0 &om #at?s %nemies '00 &he Chinese 1ote '000 &he 4ni;e '0A &he 3is7:ise 'A &he 2ecret >:est 'A0 &he 2tran7e 2p'A00 /rrin 1orth %xplains 'A000 Bac9 to the 5a:n"r'0' &he &rap-3oor '' 2am 5ee?s 2tor''0 Peril !n"er7ro:n" ''00 2am 5ee?s Hi"in7 Place ''000 Chan ''0A Prisoners !n"er7ro:n" ''A &he Footprints %xplaine"
CHAP&%$ 0 2031%6 P%BB5%2 #hen Fran9 an" @oe Har"- ret:rne" ;rom a hi9e "own the 2hore $oa" one a;ternoon an" ;o:n" in the mail-box a notice to the e;;ect that a messa7e was awaitin7 them at the local tele7raph o;;ice8 thewere imme"iatel- ver- m:ch excite". DHope nothin7 has happene" to 3a" an" .other on their trip8D exclaime" Fran9. D.a-be it?s E:st a messa7e sa-in7 the-?re comin7 home8D replie" @oe. DAn" 111 be 7la"8 too. 4eepin7 ho:se is all ri7ht in its wa-8 b:t a wee9 o; it is plent-.D Fran9 hastil- :nloc9e" the "oor8 stro"e to the telephone8 an" calle" :p the tele7raph o;;ice. He 7ave his name an" as9e" ;or the messa7e. He listene" ;or a moment. @oe8 watchin78 2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow saw Fran9?s e-es wi"en8 hear" .m 7asp in "isma-. D#hat is itF #hat is itFD as9e" @oe8 n:"7in7 him anxio:sl-. D>oo"ni7htGD D#hat is itFD "eman"e" @oe. D&ell a ;ellow8 won?t -o:G #hat was the messa7eFD DA:nt >ertr:"eGD D1ot comin7 hereFD DComin7 here8D a"mitte" Fran9 "ole;:ll-. D&oni7htFD D/n the nine-thirt- boat.D @oe Eer9e" o;; his coat an" "ive" towar" the sin9. D1ow we?ll have to clean :p the place8D he sai". D0; there is so m:ch as a teac:p o:t o; place we ?11 never hear the en" o; it. 6o: 9now A:nt >ertr:"e.D 6es8 the- 9new A:nt >ertr:"e. 2he was an el"erl- mai"en la"- whose temper was as :ncertain as her a7e. 2he ha" 7reat a;;ection ;or her two nephews b:t this a;;ection was care;:ll- conceale". A:nt >ertr:"e was

boss-- in ;act8 she was a t-rant. D2eems to me ever- time the ;ol9s 7o awa- an" we plan to camp o:t here an" have some ;:n8 A:nt >ertr:"e has to show :p8D 7r:mble" Fran98 as he 7rabbe" a broom. D&hat?s tr:e8D a7ree" his brother8 Db:t she never 9ept :s ;rom solvin7 an- m-steries. @:st 2i"ne- Pebbles , thin9 how man- times when she?s been here8 we?ve been on the trail o; some croo9s.D DHope she brin7s a m-ster- with her this time8D la:7he" Fran9. D&hin7s have been a bit ":ll latel-8D @oe re;lecte"8 Db:t the- won?t be a;ter she 7ets hereGD 5ittle "i" he realiBe at the moment how prophetic his wor"s were. D2he?ll thin9 we?ve been wor9in7 on a case instea" o; ho:se9eepin78D sai" @oe8 Di; she sees this ho:se the wait loo9s now 0D D1ever min" the "ishes8D sai" Fran9 s:""enl-. D#e?ll "o them later. #e?ll have to ;ix :p the 7:est room.D D&hat?s ri7ht8D a7ree" @oe8 who ha" been hoppin7 abo:t the 9itchen in a ;renB- an" 7ettin7 nothin7 "one. D&he 7:est room comes ;irst.D He tore o:t into the hall an" race" :pstairs8 Fran9 ;ollowin7. &he :pper ;loor o; the Har"- home was a scene o; violent commotion ;or the next hal; ho:r as the Har"- bo-s aire" rooms8 ma"e be"s8 chan7e" linen an" swept ;loors. 1ot :ntil the 7:est room was immac:late "i" the- t:rn their attention to the linen closet. &he- were appalle" at the H:antito; soile" clothin7. Both bo-s ha" completel- ;or7otten to sen" their shirts o:t to the la:n"r-8 as well as the other thin7s. = Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D#e?ll ta9e them "own to 2am 5ee8D "eci"e" @oe. DHe?s the best Chinese la:n"r-man in town. 0; we tell him the ;ix we?re in he?ll have them all rea"- b- tomorrow.?I D>oo" i"ea.D &he- 7athere" :p the linen an" st:;;e" it into the ba7. #hile thewere brin7in7 it "own stairs the ;ront "oor opene". Chet .orton8 ;at8 to:sle-hea"e" an" beamin78 steppe" into the hall. #hen Chet spie" the la:n"r- ba7 he chirpe": D#ashee; #asheeF An- colla?s to"a-FD ?? >an7wa- 0?? sho:te" @oe. D $:sh or"er ;or 2am 5ee.D D2am 5eeF 6o: can?t ta9e that la:n"r- to him8D sai" Chet. D#h- notFD DHe isn?t in Ba-port an- more8D Chet in;orme" them. DHe sol" o:t to another Chinaman a while bac9.D D&hat?s to:7h l:c98D sai" Fran9. DA:nt >ertr:"e is sprin7in7 a s:rprise visit on :s an" we have to 7et this wor9 "one in a h:rr-. #e tho:7ht we co:l" co:nt on 2am 5ee.D D6o: can?t co:nt on the new chap. He isn?t li9e 7oo" ol" 2am8D sai" Chet8 sha9in7 his hea". DHe wo:l"n?t "o his own 7ran"mother a ;avor. >ee8 he has a wic9e" 7rin.D D#ell8 0 "on?t care what he loo9s li9e8D insiste" @oe. D0; he?s in the la:n"r-8 b:siness 2i"ne- Pebbles < we have a Eob ;or him an" the sooner he 7ets starte" on it the better ;or :s. Come alon78 Chet.D &he bo-s le;t the ho:se an" h:rrie" "own to the shabb- little shop two bloc9s awa-. &he name o; 2am 5ee was still inscribe" :pon the si7nboar" that h:n7 above the "oor8 b:t when the bo-s steppe" insi"e thewere aware o; a chan7e" atmosphere. /r"inaril- 2am 5ee wo:l" come h:rr-in7 ;orwar" to serve them8 H:iet8

;rien"l- an" smilin7. &here wo:l" be m:ch Eo9in7 an" hi7h-pitche" chatter amon7 2am 5ee?s helpers be-on" the partition at the bac9. B:t now no one came. &here was no activit- whatsoever in the la:n"r-. D.a-be it?s a holi"a-8D whispere" @oe. Fran9 was E:st abo:t to rap on the co:nter when he hear" a voice. 0t was that o; a Chinaman8 "eep an" "iabolical. 0t sent a chill thro:7h him. DHe nearl- "ie8D sai" the voice slowl-. DBoat vell- hot.D D&oo -o:n7. Him l:c9- to live8?? interEecte" another voice8 sharp an" H:ic9. D1o 7oo". Catchee m:ch tlo:ble sometime. 1o li9ee8D ret:rne" the ;irst man. DAll ri7ht. All ri7ht8D 7rowle" a thir" man. He was obvio:sl- white8 which explaine" the ;act that his Chinese companions spo9e in ) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow pi"7in %n7lish. D0t won?t happen a7ain. 1o8 :se tal9in7-----D &here was a sharp exclamation in Chinese8 then a silence. A swi;t patterin7 o; slippers on the ;loor heral"e" the approach ;rom be-on" the co:nter o; the most villaino:s-loo9in7 /riental the bo-s ha" ever seen. He ha" a lon78 lean ;ace with hi7h chee9bones. His hea" was pointe" an" almost bal"8 while a cr:el mo:th was partl- conceale" b- a "roopin7 wisp o; m:stache. His e-es were as col" an" 7litterin7 as those o; a sna9e. D#h- -o: listenFD D#here?s 2am 5eeFD "eman"e" Fran9. D2am 5ee 7one. Far awa-. Bac9 to China. .e 5o:ie Fon7. #hat -o: wantF #h- -o: listenFD snarle" the man. D0; that?s the wa- -o: tal9 to c:stomers -o: won?t 7et m:ch b:siness8D remar9e" @oe. D#e have some la:n"r- here. #e want it "one b- tomorrow.D D1o can "o8D ret:rne" the Chinaman impatientl-. He rippe" a la:n"rchec9 ;rom a pa" on the co:nter. D&hlee-;o? "a-. 1ot be;o?.D DAll ri7ht8D si7he" Fran9. DHere?s the la:n"r-.D 5o:ie Fon7 seiBe" the soile" linen8 tosse" Fran9 the chec98 an" retreate". 2i"ne- Pebbles J D6o: 7o ?wa- now8D he snappe". D1o listen.D &he bo-s went o:t into the street. D1ice man8 ehFD 7rinne" Chet. D0?" hate to meet him in a "ar9 alle-8D a"mitte" Fran9. DHe?s an :7l-loo9in7 one.D &he- ret:rne" to the ho:se. &hro:7h Fran9?s min" was r:nnin7 the ;ra7mentar- conversation theha" hear" in the la:n"r-: DHim nearl"ie-Him l:c9- ;co live-Catchee m:ch tlo:ble sometime-D &here was somethin7 sinister abo:t that conversation8 somethin7 H:ite as sinister as the atmosphere o; the la:n"r-8 as sinister as 5o:ie Fon7?s evil ;ace. He H:ic9l- "ismisse" these tho:7hts8 however8 when the- entere" the ho:se a7ain an" pl:n7e" into the b:siness o; strai7htenin7 :p the premises. #ith the help o; Chet .orton theha" the place in per;ect or"er bnine o?cloc9 that evenin7. &he ho:se ha" been swept8 ":ste" an" aire"K the 7:est room was neat an" spotlessK even A:nt >ertr:"e wo:l" have "i;;ic:lt- in ;in"in7 an-thin7 to criticiBe. D1ow8D sai" Fran98 Dwe?ll 7o "own to the "oc9 an" meet o:r belove" A:nt.D 0t was "ar9 when the- reache" the whar; on Barmet Ba-. &he boat ha" not -et p:lle" in8 altho:7h theco:l" see the re" an" 7reen li7hts ( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow

o; the vessel ;ar o:t in the ba-. Chet n:"7e" Pran9. 0n the sha"ows hesi"e the passen7er o;;ice on the "oc9 thesaw three "ar9 ;i7:res. &he- were small8 neatl--"resse" /rientals tal9in7 DEarnestl- to7ether. /ne o; the men seeme" excite"8 an" raise" his voice. &ho:7h the ho-s co:l" not hear what he sai" the- reco7niBe" the tones. 0t was the sharp8 H:ic9 voice o; one o; the men who ha" been tal9in7 with 5o:ie Fon7 that a;ternoon. /ne o; his companions lai" a han" on his arm8 7est:rin7 towar" the bo-s nearb-. &he man 7lance" bac98 m:mble" somethin78 an" then the trio move" o;; into the sha"ows. D0; 5o:ie Fon7 were there he?" probabl- come over an" acc:se :s o; sp-in7 on them8D la:7he" Chet. 0n a ;ew moments the boat?s whistle so:n"e" an" slowl- the bi7 vessel came to rest at the "oc9. &he bo-s waite" patientl- b- the 7an7plan9 while passen7ers "isembar9e"8 b:t there was no si7n o; A:nt >ertr:"e. D&hat?s o""8D m:ttere" Fran9. D!s:all- she?s ri7ht at the hea" o; the para"e. A:nt >ertr:"e won?t ta9e secon" place to an-one.D D.a-be she misse" the boat8D Chet s:77este". DA;ter all the wor9 we "i"GD 7roane" @oe. 0t was soon evi"ent that A:nt >ertr:"e ha" 2i"ne- Pebbles * not ta9en passa7e. &he la"s were at a loss to acco:nt ;or it8 as p:nct:alit- was one o; that la"-?s most prominent virt:es. At that moment there came racin7 "own the 7an7plan9 a -o:n7 man8 7oo"loo9in78 pleasant-;ace"8 an" neatl- "resse". He 7lance" inH:irin7l- at the three bo-s. D0 m:st telephone ri7ht awa-8D he anno:nce"8 Dan" 0 "on?t want to miss the boat. 0s there a booth hereFD D&here?s one in the waitin7 room8D replie" @oe. D#e?ll show -o:8D vol:nteere" Fran98 escortin7 the stran7er insi"e. DAn" we?ll let -o: 9now when the boat?s warnin7 whistle blows.D D&han9 -o:8D sai" the -o:n7 man8 stri"in7 across the room. &o the amaBement o; the bo-s thesaw a Chinaman8 who ha" been sittin7 on one o; the benches8 7et :p H:ic9l- an" 7o over towar" the newcomer. At once the two entere" into an earnest conversation. D0t seems we?re bo:n" to b:mp into Chinamen at ever- t:rn to"a-8D la:7he" Fran9. D6o:?re ri7ht8D a7ree" @oe. D#ell8 that -o:n7 man ha" better h:rr- :p with his phons call8 or he?ll miss the boat.D &he stran7er evi"entl- realiBe" this8 ;or hL steppe" into the booth an" close" the "ooM 10 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow ti7htl-. @oe an" Chet sa:ntere" o:t to the "oc98 b:t Fran9 wal9e" slowl- towar" the bac9 o; the waitin7 room. He co:l" hear the traveller ;rom the boat sho:tin7 into the mo:thpiece8 b:t pai" no hee". 2:""enl- his attention was arreste" b- the n:mber bein7 7iven to the operator-it was the telephone n:mber o; the Har"home. @:st as Fran9 was abo:t to 7o over to as9 the -o:n7 man what his messa7e was8 there came a s:""en blast o; the steamer?s whistle. @oe an" Chet r:she" into the waitin7 room. D&ell the man the boat?s rea"- to leaveGD At the same moment the stran7er in the booth be7an to sho:t ;ranticallan" ban7 on the "oor8 as he str:77le" to 7et o:t. DHe?s loc9e" inGD exclaime" @oe. D5et me o:tG 5et me o:tGD sho:te" the prisoner. D0 m:st catch that boat.D

&he bo-s wrenche" an" t:77e" at the "oor8 b:t it wo:l" not open. &hehear" the last blast o; the whistle8 an" the clamor o; the en7ines to7ether with the sho:ts o; the "ec9han"s as the vessel be7an to p:ll awa- ;rom the "oc9. &he exasperate" ;ellow h:rle" himsel; at the obstinate "oor8 spl:tterin7 with an7er. &he Eoint e;;orts o; the 7ro:p8 however8 met with ;ail:re. Fran9 ran o:t8 leavin7 the others still str:77lin7 with the "oor8 an" ;o:n"8 2i"ne- Pebbles 11 Constable %ile- o; the Ba-port police ;orce stan"in7 on the whar; watchin7 the rece"in7 boat as it steame" o;; into the ba-. D.r. %ile-8 .r. $ile-8D he sai". D&here?s a man loc9e" in the telephone booth.D Constable $ile- stare" at him. DH:hFD he sai". D&here?s a man. loc9e" in the telephone booth.D D#hat telephone boothGD as9e" $ile- "ensel-. D0n the waitin7 room. He can?t 7et o:t.D D#h- "i" he loc9 himsel; inFD as9e" $ile-. ?? He "i"n?t. &he "oor Eamme". He?s misse" his boat.D D&hat was a ;oolish thin7 to "o8D sai" $ile- 7ravel-. DAn" -o: want me to help open the "oorFD &his ;act havin7 "awne" on him he too9 a small boo9 o:t o; his poc9et an" laborio:sl- th:mbe" the pa7es. DBein? a constable o; the cit- police ;orce8D he sai" tho:7ht;:ll-8 D0 "on?t 9now whether 0?m within m- ri7hts b- inter;erin? with the propert- o; a private corporation. &he telephone compan- owns the booth an" the boat compan- owns the waitin? room8 so i; 0 "on?t 7et into tro:ble with one 0?m li9el- to 7et into tro:ble with the other. 0 "on?t thin9 0?ve 7ot a:thorit-------D D/h8 ;or7et -o:r ol" a:thorit-8D exclaime" Fran9. D6o: won?t 7et into tro:ble with an-12 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow one. &he man is loc9e" in. 6o: "on?t want him to sta- there all ni7ht8 "o -o:FD D0?" have to arrest him ;or trespassin7 i; he "i"8D m:mble" $ile-8 inspectin7 the boo9. D1obo"- is allowe" to sta- in the waitin? room all ni7ht8 m:ch less in the telephone place. 0 7:ess mebbe 0?" better 7et him o:t o; there.D &he o;;icer nearl- wrec9e" the booth in his e;;orts to release the prisoner8 b:t the "oor was ;inall- opene" an" the -o:n7 man emer7e"8 re"-;ace" an" an7r-. D#hat a n:isanceGD he expost:late". D0?ve misse" m- boat E:st beca:se o; that con;o:n"e" "oor.D DHow "i" it happenFD as9e" @oe c:rio:sl-. D0 "on?t 9now. #hen 0 went to open it 0 ;o:n" it was Eamme"8 that?s all.D DPar"on me8D interr:pte" Fran98 Db:t 0 overhear" -o: 7ivin7 the telephone n:mber o; o:r ho:se.D D/h8 are -o: the Har"- bo-sGD D0?m Fran9 Har"-. &his is m- brother @oe. An" this is Chet .orton.D D0?m 7la" to 9now -o:8D sai" the traveller8 p:ttin7 o:t his han" to sha9e. D.- name is 2i"ne- Pebbles.D D#hat messa7e were -o: tr-in7 to telephone to :sFD as9e" Fran9. D0?m a;rai" it isn?t ver- 7oo" news8D replie" 2i"ne- Pebbles. CHAP&%$ 00 &H% .62&%$0/!2 >!%2& the Har"- bo-s waite" tensel- to hear thI ba" news that 2i"ne- Pebbles was abo:t to 7ive them.

DHas-has somethin7 happene" to o:r ;ather an" motherFD as9e" Fran9. D1o-no8D replie" the -o:n7 man. D0t?s abo:t -o:r a:nt.D DHas an-thin7 happene" to herFD as9e" @oe. D#ell-nothin7 ;atal8D sai" 2i"ne- Pebbles8 Db:t serio:s eno:7h to prevent her ;rom ta9in7 the boat.D D#as she ba"l- h:rtFD as9e" Fran9. Altho:7h A:nt >ertr:"e "i" ma9e the bo-s toe the mar98 nevertheless theha" a 7en:ine a;;ection ;or the 7oo" la"-. D2he inE:re" hersel;8 trippin7 over a loose plan9 in the "oc9 E:st be;ore the boat le;t. >ave her an9le a ba" wrench. 2he as9e" me to telephone -o: at Ba-port an" tell -o: she?" come alon7 as soon as she was able.D D0t?s too ba"8D commente" @oe. D.a-be we o:7ht to tr- to 7et in to:ch with her.D 1, 1= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D/h8 it isn?t serio:s eno:7h to 7et worrie" abo:t8 0?m s:re8D sai" Pebbles. D6o:r a:nt was more sha9en :p than an-thin7 else. 2he sho:l" be all ri7ht in a "a- or so.D D0?m sorr- to hear abo:t -o:r relative8D sai" Chet8 Db:t 0?m sorr-8 too8 ;or the steamship compan-.D DHow?s thatGD as9e" @oe. D2he?s apt to s:e them ;rom here to the 2:preme Co:rt8D snic9ere" Chet. At this moment Constable Bile- ;ishe" o:t his noteboo9. D0?ll have to ma9e o:t a report abo:t this smashe" telephone booth8D he anno:nce". D1ow8 -o:n7 ;eller8 -o:r name an" a""ress8 please. 6o:r a7e an" pro;ession8 color o; -o:r e-es8 hei7ht8 wei7ht-----D D4eportGD snorte" Pebbles in"i7nantl-. D0 "on?t have to 7et m- name in the police recor"s E:st beca:se 0 co:l"n?t open the "oor o; a telephone booth8 "o 0F #hen can 0 catch the next boat8 that?s what 0 want to 9now.D D&he next boat so:th "oesn?t leave :ntil ten o?cloc9 tomorrow mornin78D Chet in;orme" him. D6o:?ll have to spen" the ni7ht in Ba-port.D 2i"ne- Pebbles loo9e" "isma-e". DAll m- l:77a7e is on the boat8D he sai". Fran9 an" @oe loo9e" at each other. &he- were sorr- ;or the -o:n7 man in his pre"ica&he .-sterio:s >:est 1< ment-a pre"icament ca:se" entirel- on their acco:nt. D#h- not come an" spen" the ni7ht with :s;D Fran9 s:77este". D#e?re alone at the ho:se an" we have a spare room. 6o:?re welcome i; -o:?" li9e to "o that.D D#h-8 that?s ver- 7oo" o; -o:8D ret:rne" Pebbles 7rate;:ll-. D0; -o:?re s:re 0?m not p:ttin7 -o: to an- tro:ble-----D D0t ain?t re7:lar8D m:ttere" Constable Bile- as he p:t his noteboo9 awa-. DB- ri7hts 0 o:7ht to ma9e a complete report abo:t this a;;air. #ho?s 7oin7 to pa- ;or the "ama7e to that telephone boothFD D&he compan-8D sai" 2i"ne- Pebbles promptl-. D&heir "oors sho:l"n?t Eam.D As it happene"8 however8 it ha" not been the ;a:lt o; the telephone compan- that the "oor ha" Eamme". 5eavin7 the "oc98 the bo-s bro:7ht 2i"ne- Pebbles to their ho:se. Fran9 was p:BBle" b- the inci"ent o; the telephone booth. He was convince" that the "oor co:l" not have become st:c9 acci"entall-8 an" he won"ere" i; theN Chinaman to whom 2i"ne- Pebbles ha" been tal9in7 co:l" have ha" an-thin7 to "o with the a;;air. DBetter sta- ;or a while8D @oe sai" to Chet. D6o: "on?t have to 7o home

E:st -et. #e?ll ma9e some lemona"e8 an" 7et a bite to eat.D 1) Footprints !n"er theO #in"ow 0t was a warm ni7ht8 an" while Fran9 went to the 9itchen8 Chet an" @oe opene" the win"ows which ha" been close" ":rin7 the bo-s? absence ;rom the ho:se. 2i"ne- Pebbles too9 o;; his coat an" h:n7 it over the bac9 o; a chair. &he insi"e o; the 7arment was plainl- visible8 an" ;rom the inner poc9et proEecte" the en" o; a le7al-loo9in7 "oc:ment with heavre" seals. DAre -o: on a vacationFD as9e" @oe. 2i"ne- Pebbles shoo9 his hea". ?? 1o8?? he sai" brie;l-. ?? @:st a b:siness trip. 0t?s anno-in7 to miss that boat beca:se 0 lose an entire "a-8 b:t 0 s:ppose 0?ll E:st have to wait :ntil tomorrow.D DAre -o: a travellerFD as9e" Chet. D1o8 0?m not a traveller8D ret:rne" Pebbles. B:t he vol:nteere" nothin7 more. He "i" not even tell them where he came ;rom. 0t was obvio:s that he was a ver- close-mo:the" -o:n7 man so the bo-s "i" not press their inH:iries ;:rther. &he- all enEo-e" the re;reshments which Fran9 bro:7ht in. 3:rin7 the co:rse o; the evenin7 @oe la:7hin7l- mentione" the wor9 theha" "one in strai7htenin7 :p the ho:se be;ore A:nt >ertr:"e?s arrival an" tol" o; their experience with the new Chinaman8 5o:ie Fon7. D0t?s stran7e8D he sai"8 Dhow 2am 5ee move" o:t o; Ba-port witho:t sa-in7 7oo"b-e to an-one.D &he .-sterio:s >:est 1+ D&hat stor- remin"s me o; an. inci"ent in m- own home town8D sai" Pebbles. D#e ha" a la:n"r-man name" @oe 2in7 who was ver- pop:lar. /ne mornin7 he "isappeare" an" there was a new Chinaman in the la:n"r-. He "i"n?t 9now an-thin7 abo:t @oe 2in78 he sai". Abo:t a wee9 later 0 was ret:rnin7 home late at ni7ht an" 0 met @oe 2in7 on the street. D ?#hen "i" -o: come bac98 @oeF? D 0 as9e" the Chinaman. DHe shoo9 his hea" an" sai": ?.e not @oe. .e Charlie #:.? D#ell8 0 was positive he was @oe 2in7 b:t 0 "i"n?t ar7:e the matter. &wo "a-s later 0 went into the la:n"r- an" there was @oe 2in7 behin" the co:nter8 as lar7e as li;e. 0 as9e" him i; he ha"n?t met me on the street b:t he sai" he ha" E:st ret:rne" ;rom 1ew 6or9 that mornin7. 1ext "a- 0 passe" the place an" ;o:n" the la:n"r- close". Both @oe 2in7 an" the other Chinaman ha" "isappeare" an" no one in town ever saw them a7ain.D D#hat "o -o: thin9 was behin" it allFD sai" @oe. Pebbles shr:77e". D#ho 9nowsFD He too9 his watch chain ;rom his poc9et an" on the en" o; it the bo-s saw a pec:liar charm. 0t was trian7:lar in shape8 ma"e o; a transparent 7reen s:bstance in the centre o; which was a tin- silver serpent. 1( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D@oe 2in7 7ave me that charm one Christmas8D sai" Pebbles8 han"in7 the little obEect aro:n" the 7ro:p. D/"" thin78 isn?t itFD Chet loo9e" :p s:""enl-. DBainGD &he- listene". &he :nmista9able "r:mmin7 o; rain on the roo; co:l" be plainl- hear". Chet 7rabbe" his hat. D0?ll 7et a ":c9in7 i; 0 "on?t race ;or home8D he sai". D0?m a;rai" -o:?ll 7et a ":c9in7 an-wa-8D sai" Fran9. D&he rain is E:st startin7. 0?ll 7o so ;ast in that car o; mine8 0?ll "o"7e between the "rops.D D>oo"ni7ht8D he sho:te"8 as he strea9e" thro:7h the hall. D2ee -o: in the mornin7.D He was over the threshol" li9e a b:llet8 ha" slamme" the

"oor8 an" in another moment those in the ho:se hear" the clamoro:s :proar o; the roa"ster. D0 7:ess we mi7ht as well 7o to be"8D sai" Pebbles. D0t?s mi7ht- 9in" o; -o: ;ellows to p:t me :p ;or the ni7ht.D D1o tro:ble at all8D the- ass:re" him. D0t was 7oo" o; -o: to tell :s abo:t A:nt >ertr:"e. 0; -o: ha"n?t 7ot o;; the boat to 7ive :s that messa7e -o: wo:l"n?t have been le;t behin".D &he -o:n7 man pic9e" :p his coat. Fran9 &he .-sterio:s >:est 1* notice" that he ;ol"e" it care;:ll- to hi"e the "oc:ment with the re" seals. &he- showe" him :pstairs to the 7:est room8 saw that he was com;ortable ;or the ni7ht8 then went to their own room. &he rain ha" settle" to a stea"- "ownpo:r. D0 thin9 0?ll "ream o; Chinamen toni7ht8D -awne" Fran9 as he too9 o;; his shoes. D#hat with 2am 5ee an" 5o:ie Fon7 an" the Chinamen on the "oc9------D DAn" the Chinaman who tal9e" to .r. Pebbles8 an" that stor- he tol" :s8D a""e" @oe. However8 neither o; the la"s "reame" o; Chinamen8 ;or the- slept heavil-. %ven the storm that ra7e" the 7reater part o; the ni7ht "i" not aro:se them. #hen the- awa9ene" in the mornin7 their ;irst tho:7hts were ;or their visitor. Fran9 slippe" into his "ressin7-7own an" went across the hall. He 9noc9e" at the "oor o; the 7:est room. &here was no answer. He 9noc9e" a7ain. #hile Fran9 is waitin7 ;or an answer to his s:mmons8 we ma- ta9e a"vanta7e o; the moment to intro":ce the Har"- bo-s more clearl- to those rea"ers who have not alrea"- ma"e their acH:aintance in previo:s vol:mes o; this series. Fran9 an" @oe Har"- were the sons o; Fenton Har"-8 a "etective who won ;ame with the 20 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 1ew 6or9 Police 3epartment an" who retire" to con":ct a private "etective b:siness o; his own. He ha" move" to Ba-port8 a pleasant cito; ;i;t- tho:san" people on Barmet Ba-8 an" there his ;ame as one o; the 7reatest o; American "etectives ha" 7rown. >reat b:siness ;irms8 private in"ivi":als an" even the 7overnment ha" entr:ste" him with man"elicate an" "i;;ic:lt cases. Altho:7h his sons8 Fran9 an" @oe8 were still in Hi7h 2chool theha" alrea"- "etermine" :pon their choice o; pro;ession. %ach meant to be a "etective li9e his ;ather. /pport:nities to prove their worth ha" ;allen their wa- an" theha" solve" a n:mber o; m-steries that ha" ba;;le" the Ba-port police an"-on one occasion at least-their ;ather as well. D#ith l:c9 an" in7en:it- the- ha" won s:ch local rep:tations as amate:r sle:ths o; more than or"inar- abilit- that theha" obtaine" their ;ather?s consent to ;ollow in his ;ootsteps. 0n the ;irst vol:me o; this series8 D&he Har"- Bo-s: &he &ower &reas:re8D has been relate" the stor- o; the ;irst m-ster- s:ccess;:llsolve" b- the bo-s8 a stor- base" on the con;ession o; a "-in7 criminal. &heir s:ccess ha" le" to man- other cases8 an" in the imme"iatel- prece"in7 vol:me o; the series8 D#hile the Cloc9 &ic9e"8D the la"s ai"e" in vin"icatin7 a man acc:se" o; crime8 an" ha" manstirrin7 &he .-sterio:s >:est 21 a"vent:res in a spoo9- ho:se with a secreI room. 1ow8 as Fran9 waite" o:tsi"e the closet "oor8 he was on the threshol" o; one o; the most p:BBlin7 an" sensational m-steries that ha" ever

con;ronte" the Har"- bo-s. D#hat?s the matterFD as9e" @oe8 Eoinin7 him in the hall. DCan?t -o: wa9en himFD Fran9 9noc9e" lo:"l-. &hen he opene" the "oor. &he bo-s loo9e" insi"e. D#h-8 he?s 7oneGD exclaime" Fran9. &he room was "eserte". &he be" ha" been slept in b:t 2i"ne- Pebbles ha" "isappeare". A tin- obEect l-in7 on the ;loor was the onl- remin"er o; their recent 7:est. @oe pic9e" it :p8 an" ;o:n" it to be the little 7reen watch charm. &he bo-s loo9e" at each other8 completel- bewil"ere". DCan -o: beat thatFD sai" @oe at last. DHe cleare" o:t ":rin7 the ni7ht8 witho:t even sa-in7 7oo"b-e. !n7rate;:l8 0?ll sa-.D DPerhaps he?s "ownstairs8D Fran9 s:77este". At that moment8 ;rom the lower ;loor o; the ho:se8 the- hear" a heavth:". 0t was ;ollowe" b- a scream-the hi7h8 shrill scream o; a womanG CHAP&%$ 000 A!1& >%$&$!3% Dwhat was thatFD 7aspe" @oe. #itho:t a wor" Fran9 wheele" an" rase" towar" the hea" o; the stairs8 @oe close :pon his heels. As the- ran "own towar" the lower hall theco:l" hear 7roans. Fran9 reache" the livin7 room ;irst. &here lie stoppe" short with an exclamation o; amaBement. DA:nt >ertr:"eGD /n the ;loor besi"e the co:ch8 la- their a:nt. 2he was moanin7 an" r:bbin7 her hea"8 apparentl- hal;-st:nne" an" too wea9 to 7et :p. DA:nt-GD sho:te" @oe. DHow "i" -o: 7et hereGD &heir relative opene" her e-es an" loo9e" at them. DHelp me :p8D she m:ttere". D0 "on?t ;eel well.D &he- were at her si"e in a moment an" helpin7 her to her ;eet. A:nt >ertr:"e shoo9 her hea" in a "aBe" manner8 then sat "own heavil- on the so;a. 22 A:nt >ertr:"e 2, D0 ;ell o;; the co:ch8D she sai". DB:t how "i" -o: 7et hereFD the- as9e". DHow "i" -o: reach Ba-port when -o: misse" the boatFD A:nt >ertr:"e 7lare" at them with some ot her ol"-time ;ire. D1onsenseGD she snappe". D0 "i"n?t miss the boat.D DB:t we met the boat last ni7ht. .r. Pebbles sai" -o: h:rt -o:r an9le.D D.r. PebblesFD sai" A:nt >ertr:"e thic9l-. D#ho is .r. PebblesFD D3on?t -o: rememberF 6o: tol" him to tell :s -o: ha" h:rt -o:r an9le8D sai" Fran9. D0 "i"n?t tell an-one an- s:ch thin78D retorte" the irate la"-. 2he r:bbe" her ;orehea". D2:ch a hea"acheGD she exclaime". D0 "i"n?t h:rt m- an9le. 6o: m:st be "reamin7.D &he bo-s were p:BBle". &he- realiBe" that A:nt >ertr:"e was not hersel; b:t theco:l" not acco:nt ;or her presence in the ho:se :nless the stor- tol" b- 2i"ne- Pebbles ha" been ;ictitio:s. DHow "i" -o: come hereFD as9e" Fran9. D/n the boat. /n the boat8 o; co:rse8D she sai". D0 came here at some :nearthl- ho:r in the mi""le o; the ni7ht. &he "oor was open so 0 came ri7ht in. #hat else wo:l" 0 "oF 0 "i"n?t want to "ist:rb an-one so 0 "eci"e" to rest on the co:ch here. 0 was ;eelin7 mi7ht2= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow aleep-8 an-wa-. 0?m sleep- now. 0 "on?t 9now what?s the matter with me. %ver-thin7 seems to be 7oin7 aro:n" an" aro:n".D

D0 "on?t thin9 -o:?re well8 A:nt >ertr:"e8D sai" @oe in concern. D/; co:rse 0?m not well8D she snappe". D0?m ;eelin7 ver- ill. 0?ve been ill ever since 0 wo9e :p an" ;o:n" m-sel; on the boat last ni7ht.D D&hen -o: were on the boatFD D/; co:rse 0 was on the boatGD storme" their a:nt. D3on?t as9 so mansill- H:estions. 0?ve tol" -o: a h:n"re" times that 0 was on the boat. 0 sent -o: a tele7ram that 0 wo:l" be on the boat. #as it m- ;a:lt i; 0 ;ell asleep an" 7ot carrie" past Ba-portFD &hat8 then8 was the explanation. A:nt >ertr:"e ha" ;allen asleep an" ha" been carrie" past her "estination. 2he ha" remaine" on the boat :ntil it reache" Ba-port on the ret:rn vo-a7e8 ha" come at once to the Har"- home an" ha" 7one to sleep on the co:ch. &here was somethin7 verstran7e abo:t the whole b:siness8 however. 0t was not at all li9e A:nt >er-8 tra"e to be content with sleepin7 on the co:ch8 re7ar"less o; what ho:r she arrive". An" it was H:ite plain that this was not the ol"8 vi7oro:s8 storm-8 scol"in7 A:nt >ertr:"e o; other visits. Her ;ace was white8 an" she seeme" tire" an" ill. A:nt >ertr:"e 2< D0 can?t ;i7:re o:t wh- this chap Pebbles sho:l" tell :s that storabo:t -o:8D sai" Fran9. D0t was all a lie ;rom be7innin7 to en". He sai" -o: trippe" over a loose plan9 on the "oc9 an" h:rt -o:r an9le so -o: co:l"n?t 7o on the boat.D D0 "on?t 9now an-thin7 abo:t an- .r. Pebbles8D insiste" A:nt >ertr:"e. D1or an- loose plan9 nor-nor an-thin7. 0 "on?t ;eel well. &here was a -o:n7 man on the boat8 0 remember.D D>oo"-loo9in7 ;ellow in a 7ra- s:itFD as9e" @oe H:ic9l-. D6es. He wore a 7ra- s:it. He was ver- nice. 0 tol" him 0 was comin7 to visit m- nephews. He 7ot me a "rin9 o; water once.D D3i" -o: tal9 to another stran7ersFD as9e" Fran9. A:nt >ertr:"e a"mitte" that she ha". %ver-bo"-8 she insiste"8 ha" been ver- 9in" to her on the boat. D3on?t as9 me an- more abo:t it8D she or"ere". D0?m too "iBB-. 0 "on?t ;eel well. 0 thin9 0?" better 7o to be". 0 ha" a terrible "ream abo:t a Chinaman. /r was it a "reamF &here isn?t a Chinaman in the ho:se8 is thereFD D1o. /; co:rse not8D sai" Fran9. ?? &hen it m:st have been a "ream. 0 tho:7ht 0 saw a Chinaman come snea9in7 in thro:7h the win"ow.D A:nt >ertr:"e sh:""ere". DAh8 2) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow he was an :7l- br:te. B:t it m:st have been a "ream.D D&his beats an-thin7 0 ever hear" o;8D @oe m:ttere". DPebbles comes here an" clears o:t witho:t a wor" to an-one an" now we ;in" A:nt >ertr:"e in the ho:se.D &heir relative 7ot to her ;eet. D0?m 7oin7 to be"8D she m:ttere". D#o:l" -o: li9e some hot co;;ee8 A:nt >ertr:"eFD as9e" Fran9. D0 thin9 it wo:l" "o me 7oo". Brin7 it :pstairs to me. An" brin7 :p ms:itcase8 too8 li9e a 7oo" la".D 2he swa-e" an" wo:l" have ;allen ha" not @oe 7raspe" her b- the arm. &he bo-s were 7reatl- "ist:rbe" b- their a:nt?s pli7ht. &he- helpe" her to the secon" ;loor an" p:t the 7:est room in or"er. &hen thewent "own to the 9itchen an" ma"e some co;;ee. D3on?t -o: thin9 we?" better call a "octorFD s:77este" Fran9. D#e?ll wait a while. .a-be she?ll ;eel better a;ter she?s ha" some brea9;ast.D &he stran7e "isappearance o; 2i"ne- Pebbles bothere" them. &he- co:l" not :n"erstan" wh- the -o:n7 man sho:l" steal awa- as he ha" "one.

D3o -o: thin9 he was a robberFD as9e" @oe s:""enl-. DA robberF He "i"n?t steal an-thin7.D A:nt >ertr:"e 2+ DHow "o we 9nowFD "eman"e" @oe in excitement. D#e haven?t loo9e" aro:n". &hat storabo:t A:nt >ertr:"e ma- have been a r:se to 7et into the ho:se. .a-be he loc9e" himsel; in the telephone booth in the hope that we wo:l" as9 him to sta- here over ni7ht.?? &he bo-s h:rrie"l- ma"e a ro:n" o; the lower part o; the ho:se. &heinspecte" the silver8 the- investi7ate" the cash-box in their ;ather?s o;;ice where the ho:sehol" spen"in7 mone- was 9ept8 -et nothin7 seeme" to be missin7. #hen the co;;ee was rea"- an" theha" bro:7ht it :p to A:nt >ertr:"e8 the- too9 a"vanta7e o; the opport:nit- to ma9e a thoro:7h search o; the 7:est room in which 2i"ne- Pebbles ha" slept. D&here are some o; 3a"?s s:its in the closet8D Fran9 remembere". DHe mi7ht have stolen them.D &he- opene" the closet "oor an" loo9e" insi"e. /r"inaril- there were three or ;o:r o; .r. Har"-?s b:siness s:its han7in7 neatl- :pon their han7ers. 1ow one o; them la- in a h:""le :pon the ;loor8 an" the others ha" been "ist:rbe". A bl:e coat ha" been replace" with a 7ra- pair o; tro:sers. As the bo-s ha" pai" special attention to the closet the previo:s evenin7 when theha" been settin7 the room in or"er8 thewere positive that no one b:t 2i"ne- Pebbles ha" "ist:rbe" the 7arments. 2( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow =? 2oGD exclaime" @oe. D &hat?s what he was a;ter. B:t wh- "i"n?t he steal the s:itsFD DHe wasn?t a;ter the s:its8D ret:rne" Fran9 as he t:rne" one o; the coats insi"e o:t. D5oo9G &hose papers are 7oneGD 0t seeme" now that theha" arrive" at the explanation o; the s:""en an" m-sterio:s "e part:re o; their 7:est. CHAP&%$ 0A &H% F//&PB&1&2 hastil- the Har"- bo-s examine" each o; the s:its in the closet. &heha" notice"8 on the previo:s evenin78 that the insi"e poc9et o; evercoat ha" containe" papers an" letters. 1ow ever- poc9et was empt-. D3o -o: 9now i; an- o; the papers were importantFD as9e" @oe. Fran9 shoo9 his hea". D0 haven?t the sli7htest i"ea. &he- loo9e" li9e b:siness letters. &here mi7ht have been important papers amon7 them.D D#hat?s the matterFD as9e" A:nt >ertr:"e ;aintl-. ?? &hat ;ellow Pebbles went thro:7h the poc9ets o; 3a"?s s:its8D explaine" Fran9. DHe too9 all the papers ;rom them.D A:nt >ertr:"e sippe" her co;;ee. D&ell the policeGD she sai". &his s:77estion8 however8 "i" not meet withG the ;avor o; the Har"bo-s. #hen the- enco:ntere" a m-ster- the- were acc:stome" to ma9in7 it their own. 0n this case8 xnoreover. ,0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow there was 7oo" reason wh- the police sho:l" not be calle". &he- 9new that .r. Har"- ha" been wor9in7 on an important case8 so secret an" con;i"ential that he ha" never hinte" at its "etails. 0t was more than possible that the missin7 papers mi7ht be concerne" with this case. 0; the police were calle" in8 the nat:re o; the "oc:ments mi7ht become 9nown an" m:ch o; Fenton Har"-?s care;:l wor9 wo:l" thereb- be :n"one. A:nt >ertr:"e 7roane" an" thr:st the co;;ee c:p asi"e. D0 can?t "rin9 this co;;ee8D she sai". D0 "on?t want an- brea9;ast.D D3on?t want an- brea9;astGD 7aspe" @oe. &his was a s:re si7n that A:nt

>ertr:"e wasn?t well. 2he co:l" or"inaril- eat a mornin7 meal that wo:l" s:;;ice ;or two women o; her siBe. D1o8 0?m not well. >o awa- an" leave me8D she comman"e" pettishl-. D0 want to 7o to sleep.D /be"ientl- the bo-s tiptoe" o:t o; the room. #hen thewent "ownstairs Fran9 steppe" over to the telephone. D0?m 7oin7 to tell Chet abo:t this b:siness8D he sai". DHe?ll never ;or7ive :s i; we leave himo:t o; it.D DHe mabe able to s:77est somethin78 too8D replie" @oe. However8 when Fran9 telephone" their ch:m &he Footprints ,1 he ;o:n" that the pl:mp bo- was alrea"- excite" over news o; his own. D0 was E:st 7oin7 to call -o:8D he sai" when he hear" Fran9?s voice on the wire. D3i" -o: hear abo:t the ;i7ht last ni7htFD D1o. #hat happene"FD D/h8 there was a whale o; a battle "own on the "oc9s8D sai" Chet. D$e7:lar riot. Hal; a "oBen Chinese were mixe" :p in it. /ne o; them was stabbe" an" ha" to be ta9en to a hospital. Another was heave" into the water an" nearl- "rowne".D 0t ;lashe" into Fran9?s min" that Chinamen seeme" to enter this stran7e a;;air at ever- t:rn. &here was the "isappearance o; 2am 5ee8 the stran7e conversation in the la:n"r-8 the Chinamen on the "oc98 the stran7e Chinaman who ha" spo9en to 2i"ne- Pebbles in the waitin7 room8 the Chinese charm in the 7:est room8 the evil Chinaman o; A:nt >ertr:"e?s "ream. An" now8 this sensational battle amon7 Chinamen on the "oc9s. D#as 5o:ie Fon7 mixe" :p in the ;i7htFD D0 "on?t 9now. 0 "i"n?t hear an- names. 0t?s stran7e8 tho:7h8 that since that ;ellow blew into town we seem to be r:nnin7 into Chinamen at ever- t:rn.D D#e have a little m-ster- o; o:r own8D sai" Fran9. D.-ster-FD exclaime" Chet ea7erl-. ,2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D6o: remember o:r 7:est last ni7htFD DPebblesF 2:re. #hat?s happene"FD DHe cleare" o:t ":rin7 the ni7ht a;ter 7oin7 thro:7h the poc9ets o; all 3a"?s b:siness s:its.D Chet?s whistle o; amaBement so:n"e" clearl- over the telephone. D2o that?s the sort o; la" he wasG 3i" he ta9e an-thin7 elseFD D1othin78 so ;ar as we 9now. He le;t his Chinese charm behin" him8 bthe wa-. B:t there is more to it than that. &he stor- he tol" :s abo:t A:nt >ertr:"e was all a lie.D D#hat was the i"eaFD sH:ea9e" Chet. D&hat?s what we can?t ;i7:re o:t. A:nt >ertr:"e was in the ho:se when we wo9e :p this mornin7. 2he ;ell asleep on the boat. 0 thin9 she was "ope". 2he has been ;eelin7 H:eer ever since we ;o:n" her l-in7 on the ;loor-----D D/n the ;loorGD D2:re. 2he ;ell asleep on the co:ch an" t:mble" o:t. 2he?s been actin7 stran7el-- sa-s she "reame" there was a Chinaman in the ho:se last ni7ht-----D D2a-GD exclaime" Chet. D0?m comin7 over to see -o:. 0 have a ;eelin7 that -o: are 7oin7 to nee" me.D &he receiver clic9e". Chet wo:l" be on his wa- to the Har"- home as ;ast as the ol" roa"ster co:l" carr- him. &he Footprints ,, &he bo-s ha" brea9;ast8 an" altho:7h the- tal9e" over the stran7e

a;;air ;rom ever- an7le theco:l" arrive at no satis;actorconcl:sion. @oe was o; the opinion that the- sho:l" start o:t at once in search o; 2i"ne- Pebbles8 b:t Fran9 shoo9 his hea". D#e can?t leave A:nt >ertr:"e8 in the ;irst place8D he sai". D0; she isn?t ;eelin7 a 7reat "eal better in the next ho:r or so 0?m 7oin7 to sen" ;or the "octor. As ;or Pebbles8 he won?t 7o near the "oc9s beca:se he 9nows we?ll 7o there ;irst. #e co:l" sen" Chet "own abo:t boat time to loo9 ;or him b:t 0 "on?t thin9 the man will show :p.D D0?m worrie" abo:t A:nt >ertr:"e m-sel;8D @oe a"mitte". D0?m s:re she m:st have been "ope".?? DB:t wh-FD D&hat?s the m-ster-. 0; Pebbles merel- wante" to 7et into the ho:se an" steal the papers he "i"n?t have to wor9 o:t s:ch a wil" scheme as that.D D0?m 7oin7 to ta9e a loo9 aro:n" the place8D sai" Fran98 ;inishin7 his meal. D#e haven?t reall- ma"e an- search ;or cl:es.D &he- le;t the brea9;ast table an" care;:ll- inspecte" all the rooms in the lower part o; the ho:se. &he- ;o:n" a small8 m:""- mar9 in the ;ront hall b:t the- a7ree" that it mi7ht have been le;t b- A:nt >ertr:"e when she en,= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow tere" the ho:se earl- that mornin7. /n the Bill o; the livin7 room win"ow the- ;o:n" a n:mber o; tin- scratches. D0 "on?t remember havin7 seen those mar9s be;ore8D sai" @oe tho:7ht;:ll-. D1either "o 0. 3o -o: thin9 Pebbles went o:t thro:7h the win"owFD D#h- sho:l" heF &he ;ront "oor wasn?t loc9e".D Fran9 loo9e" o:t the win"ow. D&hat?s interestin78D he m:ttere". D#hat "o -o: seeFD D5oo9 there8 in the m:".D Beneath the win"ow8 in the soil le;t wet a;ter the ni7ht?s rain8 thesaw a ;ootprint clearl- o:tline". 0t was H:ite "istinct in the moist cla-. Fran9 hastene" towar" the bac9 "oor. D&his will bear loo9in7 into8D he sai" in evi"ent excitement. @oe ;ollowe"8 an" the brothers ran o:tsi"e8 t:rnin7 towar" the si"e o; the ho:se. &here8 beneath the win"ow8 the- ;o:n" not one ;ootprint b:t hal; a "oBen8 all lea"in7 towar" the path that met the ;ront wal9. DFootprints :n"er the win"owGD exclaime" FEran9 Har"- won"erin7l-. D#hat "o the- meanFD CHAP&%$ A the "octor?s ob"bbs the Har"- bo-s were care;:l to sta- well awa- ;rom the ;ootprints ;or ;ear o; "estro-in7 them8 b:t ;rom where the- stoo" thewere able to rea" a ;ra7mentar- stor- ;rom those telltale mar9s in the wet cla-. D2omeone8D sai" Fran98 Dcame ;rom the 7rass towar" the win"ow. He came ver- close to the win"ow. &hen the ;ootprints show that he went awatowar" the ;ront path. &o 7et to the path he m:st have wal9e" across the 7rass.D D#h- "i" he 7o to the win"owFD D%ither to loo9 insi"e or to climb insi"e.D &he bo-s examine" the part o; the ho:se beneath the win"ow. &he sill was not ;ar ;rom the 7ro:n" an" theco:l" not "etermine whether or not an-one ha" 7aine" entrance to their home in that manner8 ;or there were no mar9s on the woo"wor9. D.a-be the ;ootprints were ma"e b- 2i"ne- Pebbles8D @oe s:77este". D#e sho:l" meas:re them8 an-wa-.D

,< ,) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow @oe went into the ho:se an" ret:rne" with a meas:rin7 tape8 a pencil an" a sheet o; paper. &he bo-s selecte" one o; the ;ootprints an" ma"e care;:l meas:rements. &hen8 on the paper8 the- inscribe" a ro:7h "ia7ram o; the Dsample print. D5oo9s li9e a siBe six shoe8D sai" Fran9 in s:rprise. D&hat?s H:ite small. #h-8 mine ia an ei7ht.D D&hat means8 then8D observe" @oe8 Dthat the ;ootprints co:l"n?t have been ma"e b- Pebbles. He was abo:t a hea" taller than either o; :s. 0 "on?t thin9 he has a partic:larl- small ;oot.D DAn" -et8 who else co:l" have le;t those ;ootprintsF &he- were ma"e a;ter the rain stoppe".D DHow "o -o: 9nowFD D0; theha" been ma"e be;ore the "own-po:r8 the-?" have been washe" awa-.D #hile thewere consi"erin7 this the- hear" the siren o; an a:tomobile an" the ;amiliar clatter o; Chet .orton?s roa"ster. 0t "rew :p at the c:rb8 Eolte" to a stop8 an" their ;at ch:m va:lte" over the si"e witho:t the ;ormalit- o; openin7 the "oor. He ran across the lawn towar" them. D#hat?s newFD he "eman"e". D6o: havent ;o:n" Pebbles l-in7 in his 7ore8 have -o:FD Fran9 7est:re" towar" the ;ootprints. D&hose are o:r onl- cl:es8D he sai". &he 3octor?s /r"ers ,+ DFootprints8 ehFD exclaime" Chet D>oo" wor9. Feetmar9s are m- "ish. HmmGD He s:rve-e" them 7ravel-. D#ell8 the- tell a plain stor-. 2omebo"- E:mpe" o:t o; the :pstairs win"ow8 starte" o;; towar" the ;ront wal98 chan7e" his min" an" went bac9 towar" the 7ara7e. Have -o: loo9e" to see i; -o:r motorc-cles are stolenFD D0; he E:mpe" o:t o; an :pstairs win"ow8D sai" Fran98 Dhe m:st have been a b:tter;l-. He wo:l" have s:n9 into m:" to his an9les. An" as ;or 7oin7 to the 7ara7e8 he m:st have wal9e" bac9war"s i; he "i".D Chet was crest;allen. D.a-be 0?m wron78D he a"mitte". DHowever8 0?ll bet he too9 a motorc-cle.D 0nvesti7ation o; the 7ara7e8 however8 reveale" the motorc-cles an" the Har"- bo-s? roa"ster sa;e an" :nharme". DAs a "etective8 Chet8D 7rinne" @oe8 D-o:?" better 7o an" ta9e a seat near the bac9 o; the hall.D D#ell8 0 "on?t 9now all the ;acts in the case8D sai" the ;at one8 H:ite :n"ist:rbe". D&ell me what happene".D &he- relate" the ;:ll stor- o; the events o; the mornin7. #hen Chet was tol" o; A:nt >ertr:"e?s "ream he became vastl- excite". ??&here -o: areGD he sai" 7ran"l-. D&here?a -o:r whole m-ster- in a n:tshell.D ,( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D#hat "o -o: meantD as9e" @oe. D0t wasn?t a "ream. 2he "i" see a real Chinaman. He crawle" thro:7h the livin7 room win"ow8 an" went :pstairs to steal the papers ;rom -o:r ;ather?s coats. He "i"n?t expect to ;in" an-one in the 7:est room. Pebbles was there. Pebbles tac9le" the robber. &he Chinaman throttle" Pebbles8 carrie" the bo"- "ownstairs8 too9 the corpse awa- an" threw it into the ba-. 0t?s simple. Bo-8 what a 7hastl- crimeGD Chet was H:ite serio:s as he o:tline" this horrible explanation o; the ni7ht?s "oin7s.

D3o -o: mean to sa- a Chinaman co:l" m:r"er someone in the room next to :s an" we wo:l"n?t hear a so:n"FD chi"e" Fran9 incre":lo:sl-. D0 9now how -o: ;ellows sleep8D Chet ass:re" them. DA Fo:rth o; @:lcelebration co:l" be hel" in the next room an" -o: wo:l"n?t wa9e :p.D D6o:r theor- is ;:ll o; holes8D sai" @oe. D6o: "on?t li9e that theor-FD as9e" Chet cheer;:ll-. DAll ri7ht8 then. Here?s another. #e strive to please. Pebbles 7ot into the ho:se to steal the papers. He too9 them an" 9new he wo:l" be s:specte"-----D D1at:rall-.D DHe 9new he wo:l" be s:specte" so he went aro:n" to the si"e o; the ho:se an" le;t ;oot&he 3octor?s /r"ers ,* prints tin"er the win"ow. #h- sho:l" he leave ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow when he co:l" 7et o:t b- the ;ront "oor8 which wasn?t loc9e"F 2o -o: wo:l" thin9 the ;ootprints were ma"e b- someone who "i"n?t 9now the "oor was open. &hen8 when he saw A:nt >ertr:"e asleep in the livin7 room he "is7:ise" himsel; as a Chinaman an" wal9e" bac9 an" ;orth :ntil she wo9e :p an" saw him.D D&hat theor-8D sco;;e" Fran98 Dis even craBier than the ;irst.D D/h8 well8D si7he" Chet8 Di; -o: "on?t want m- help8 7o ahea" an" solve the m-ster- b- -o:rselves.D At that moment the bo-s hear" a cr- ;rom within the ho:se. ?? A:nt >ertr:"e 0D sai" Fran9. L? 2he?s callin7 :s.D P:ic9l- the- ran :pstairs. &he moment the- entere" the 7:est room thesaw that their relative was reall- ill. Her ;ace was ;l:she" with ;ever an" she tosse" restlessl- on the be". D0-0 thin9 -o:?" better 7et the "octor8 Fran98D she sai" ;eebl-. D0 "on?t ;eel well at all.D Fran9 h:rrie" "ownstairs to the telephone. He calle" the o;;ice o; the ;amil- ph-sician8 3r. Bates8 an" explaine" the circ:mstances. D0?ll be ri7ht :p8D sai" the "octor. D#hile thewere awaitin7 his arrival the=0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow "i" what theco:l" to ma9e their a:nt more com;ortable8 b:t it was evi"ent that her con"ition was 7rowin7 worse. Her min" seeme" to be wan"erin7 an" she spo9e ;reH:entl- o; the Chinaman she ha" seen in her "ream. D2:ch an evil ;aceGD she repeate" a7ain an" a7ain. D0 "on?t believe it was a "ream at all8D Chet insiste". D&here was a real8 live Chinaman in this ho:se last ni7ht.D D0 "on?t 9now what to ma9e o; the whole stran7e b:siness8D Fran9 con;esse". #hen the "octor arrive" a ;ew min:tes later the bo-s tol" him how A:nt >ertr:"e ha" ;allen asleep on the boat8 how she ha" entere" the ho:se in the earl- ho:rs o; the mornin78 an" how theha" "iscovere" her in the livin7 room. DCertainl- somethin7 m:st have happene"8D he a7ree". ?? 2he was in 7oo" health when she le;t her homeFD D0 "on?t thin9 she wo:l" have starte" ;or Ba-port i; she ha"n?t been ;eelin7 well8D sai" Fran9. &he bo-s ha" sai" nothin7 abo:t 2i"ne- Pebbles an" the a;;air o; the missin7 papers. &he "octor went :pstairs. He was with A:nt >ertr:"e ;or a short time an" when he ret:rne" his ;ace was 7rave. D#o:l" an-one have a motive ;or "opin7 -o:r a:ntFD he as9e". &he 3octor?s /r"ers =1 D&hat?s what has been p:BBlin7 :s8D sai" @oe. D#e tho:7ht she mi7ht

have been "ope" b:t we can?t ima7ine wh-. 2he sai" she spo9e to several stran7ers on the boat an" that one man 7ot her a "rin9 o; water.D D&here is no "o:bt8D sai" the "octor8 Dthat she is s:;;erin7 ;rom the e;;ects o; some 9in" o; "r:7. 2he is ;eelin7 the a;ter-e;;ects now. As a matter o; ;act8 she is H:ite ill an" she is li9el- to become worse. Her s-stem co:l"n?t stan" the strain. #here are -o:r parentsFD D&he-?re awa- on a trip8D Fran9 tol" him. D#ell8 0?" a"vise -o: to 7et a n:rse to loo9 a;ter her. 0 9now a woman who will be 7la" to come here ;or a ;ew "a-s :ntil -o:r a:nt is on her ;eet a7ain. 3o -o: want me to sen" her hereGD D0; -o: thin9 best8 3octor8D sai" Fran9. D0 "o thin9 it best8D he replie" serio:sl-. &he ph-sician too9 o:t his pen an" noteboo9 an" scribble" on a pa". D6o: can 7et this prescription ;ille" at the corner "r:7 store an" it will help -o:r a:nt?s con"ition. 0?ll sen" the n:rse aro:n" ri7ht awa- an" 0?ll "rop in m-sel; this evenin7.D D&han9 -o:8 3octor8D the- sai". He le;t the prescription an" pic9e" :p his hat. DCan?t :n"erstan" it8D m:ttere" 3r. Bates. D#h- an-one sho:l" 7o to the tro:ble o; "opin7 a harmless la"--it?s be-on" me.D =2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow DA:nt >ertr:"e hasn?t an enem- in the worl"8D remar9e" @oe. D#ell8 i; 0 were -o: 0 sho:l" tr- to 7et in to:ch with .r. an" .rs. Har"- ri7ht awa- an" as9 them to come home.D D#e?ll "o o:r best8D the- promise". &he "octor went awa-. Chet was nearl- pop-e-e" with excitement. D 3ope" 1D he exclaime". ?? &hat explains the whole b:siness. 0t?s as clear as m:".D D#hat?s -o:r theor- nowFD as9e" Fran9. Chet was solemn as he explaine" his newest brain-wave. D4i"napersGD he sai". D&he- "ope" -o:r a:nt an" planne" to hol" her ;or ransom.D D#h- "i"n?t the-8 thenFD sai" @oe. Chet was nonpl:sse". D&hat8D he sai"8 Dis the m-ster-.D D6o:?re a lot o; help8D observe" Fran9. D0; an-one "r:77e" A:nt >ertr:"e with the i"ea o; 9i"napin7 her8 then wh- on earth "i"n?t thehol" herF As soon as that n:rse arrives 0 thin9 we?ll see i; we can?t "i7 :p a ;ew theories o; o:r own.D D#h- "o -o: nee" more theoriesFD "eman"e" Chet with 7reat in"i7nation. D0?ve 7iven -o: three or ;o:r o; them. All 7oo" ones8 too. 0 tell -o:8 0?m not appreciate" here. 0 spen" a lot o; har" wor9 on this case an" all 0 7et is the horse-la:7h. #hat have -o: in &he 3octor?s /r"ers =, the wa- o; ;oo"F 0t?s almost an ho:r since 0 ha" brea9;ast.D He amble" o;; into the 9itchen8 H:ite :n"ist:rbe" b- the reception his precio:s theories ha" receive"8 an" reappeare" in a moment with a tremen"o:s we"7e o; pie. D0 alwa-s thin9 better when 0?m eatin78D he explaine". D0?ll have some more smart i"eas ;or -o: in a ;ew min:tes.D Fran9 7ot :p ;rom his chair. DCome on8D he sai". D5et?s 7o bac9 an" loo9 at those ;ootprints a7ain.D CHAP&%$ A0 chinese wettin7: it was ;ort:nate that Chet .orton was a 7oo"-nat:re" -o:th8 otherwise he mi7ht have 7one awa- in a h:;; beca:se his brilliant s:77estions ha" been so cas:all- "ismisse" b- the Har"- bo-s. However8 nothin7 ever

"ist:rbe" Chet an" a piece o; pie was alwa-s eno:7h to soothe his ;eelin7s. P:ite as i; he ha" never vent:re" a s:77estion at all8 he le;t the ho:se with the Har"- bo-s an" the- a7ain examine" the m-sterio:s ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow. &he slice o; pie was so lar7e an" Chet was so b:s- "emolishin7 it8 that he expresse" no more theories. &he bo-s examine" the lawn care;:ll- to see i; theco:l" ;in" an- more ;ootprints b:t in this thewere :ns:ccess;:l ;or there were no mar9s in the sprin7- t:r;. D#e?ll have a har" time ;in"in7 this ;ellow Pebbles8D @oe "eclare". DAs a matter o; ;act8 0 "on?t thin9 Pebbles was his name at all.D D0; he meant to steal 3a"?s papers it isn?t li9el- that he wo:l" 7ive :s his ri7ht name8D a7ree" Fran9. == Chinese #ritin7 =< DHe was :sin7 an anon-mo:s8 ehFD m:mble" Chet8 with his mo:th ;:ll o; pie. DA whatFD DAn anon-mo:s. 0 mean8D amen"e" Chet hastil-8 Dhe was :sin7 a nom "e pl:me8D D6o: mean an alias8D sai" Fran9. D0n plain %n7lish8D sai" Chet8 D0 mean he wasn?t :sin7 his ri7ht name.D D&hat?s what 0 sai" in the ;irst place8D "eclare" @oe. Chet no""e". D0 H:ite a7ree with -o:.D He vent:re" towar" a cl:mp o; b:shes alon7 the si"e o; the ho:se8 i"l- 9ic9in7 asi"e the branches with his toe. 2:""enl- he st:;;e" the last o; the pie-cr:st into his mo:th8 :ttere" a 7:r7le o; tri:mph an" "ive" into the b:shes. D#hat nowFD sai" @oe. D>ot itG >ot itGD m:mble" Chet8 emer7in7 ;rom the b:shes with somethin7 cl:tche" in his han". D 0 tol" -o: 0 mi7ht ;in" somethin7. 0t?s a cl:e. An" 0?ll bet it has -o:r ol" ;ootprints beaten all hollow.D &he Har"- bo-s came over8 c:rio:s to 9now what Chet ha" "iscovere". He opene" his han" care;:ll-8 as i; he ha" capt:re" a b:tter;l- an" was a;rai" it wo:l" escape ;rom his 7rasp. D#hat is itFD as9e" Fran9. =) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 0n Chet?s han" thesaw a ;ol"e" ;ra7ment o; paper. At ;irst the bo-s were incline" to ma9e li7ht o; the ;in" as bein7 an or"inar- scrap o; waste paper b:t when Chet :n;ol"e" it the- re7ar"e" it with 7reat respect. !pon the paper8 heavil- inscribe" in blac9 in98 as tho:7h painte" with a br:sh8 were several Chinese characters. D>oshGD breathe" @oe. DChinese writin7.D D1othin7 else b:t8D 7loate" Chet. D1ow8D he "eman"e" tri:mphantl-8 Dis that a cl:e or isn?t itFD D.a-be it?s onl- a la:n"r- chec98D sai" Fran9 ":bio:sl-. D0t loo9s li9e one.D Chet was in"i7nant. D1ow "on?t 7o t:rnin7 m- cl:e into a la:n"r- chec98D he sai". D&hat?s a Chinese messa7e. Bo-8 oh bo-8 0 wish 0 ha" ta9en :p Chinese when 0 was 7oin7 to school. 0; we co:l" onl- rea" thisG 0?ll bet it?s important.D @oe too9 the chec9 an" examine" it care;:ll-. D&hree collars8 ;o:r shirts an" a pair o; soc9s8D he translate". Chet snatche" bac9 the slip o; paper. DCollars an" soc9s8 m- nec9GD he sai". D0t?s probabl- a messa7e anno:ncin7 a revol:tion in China or somethin7. 3on?t -o: see what it means F #h-8 it proves A:nt >ertr:"e wasn?t "reamin7 last ni7ht. 0t?s

certain there was a Chinaman in the ho:se. He le;t thoss Chinese #ritin7 =+ ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow an" he "roppe" that messa7e ;rom his poc9et.D D0 thin9 it mabe a val:able cl:e8 all ri7ht8D a"mitte" Fran9. D#e?ll have to ;in" o:t what it means.D @:st then thesaw a sto:t8 pleasant-;ace" woman comin7 :p the ;ront wal9. D&his m:st be the n:rse8D sai" Fran9. &he bo-s went aro:n" to the ;ront o; the ho:se to meet her. D#ere -o: sent b- 3r. BatesFD inH:ire" @oe politel-. D0 was8D replie" the woman. D.- name is .rs. Co"-8 an" 0?m a n:rse. 0; -o:?ll be 7oo" eno:7h to show me into the ho:se 0?ll 7et b:s- ri7ht awa-.D Her manner was ro:7h b:t 9in". Fran9 too9 the satchel an" the- escorte" .rs. Co"- into the ho:se. ?D0; there is an-thin7 -o: nee"-D be7an @oe. D0?ll as9 ;or it8 never ;ear8D concl:"e" the n:rse8 as she opene" her satchel an" too9 o:t a :ni;orm an" a cap. D@:st show me to m- room an" leave the ho:se to me. 0 :n"erstan" -o:r ;ol9s are awa-.D &he bo-s showe" her :pstairs8 :shere" her to A:nt >ertr:"e?s room8 an" then "eparte". D&hat?s a relie;8D remar9e" @oe as thewent "ownstairs. DA:nt >ertr:"e is in 7oo" han"s8 at an- rate.D =( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D2o are -o: an" @oe8D remin"e" Chet. D6o:?ll have to toe the mar9 now.D He too9 ;rom his poc9et the slip o; paper he ha" ;o:n" beneath the b:shes. D#hat are we 7oin7 to "o abo:t thisGD D0 wish 2am 5ee ha"n?t 7one awa-8D sai" Fran9. DHe wo:l" have translate" that ;or :s in a secon".D @oe s:77este" that the- ta9e the paper to 2am 5ee?s s:ccessor at the la:n"r-8 b:t the other bo-s "i" not approve o; the i"ea. D&a9e it to 5o:ie Fon7FD snorte" Chet. D1ot me. 0 "on?t li9e that rascal. He?" probabl- tell :s somethin7 that wasn?t on the note at all.D D0 "on?t tr:st him m-sel;8D Fran9 a7ree". D#e?" better loo9 aro:n" ;or a more "epen"able Chinaman.D @oe s:77este" that the- 7o "own to the "oc9s. He still ;elt that themi7ht be able to trace the missin7 2i"ne- Pebbles. D3on?t -o: rememberGD he sai". DPebbles spo9e to a Chinaman a;ter he 7ot o;; the boat. An" there were a n:mber o; others han7in7 aro:n" the "oc9 at the time. &he whole a;;air mabe connecte" with that ;i7ht earl- this mornin7.D DAn" what a ;i7ht it wasGD exclaime" Chet. D0; the police ha"n?t shown :p in time there wo:l" have been corpses all over the place8D Chinese #ritin7 =* Fran9 as9e" him i; the police ha" learne" the reason ;or the ;i7ht b:t Chet sai" that the inO E:re" Chinaman8 who ha" been ta9en to tho hospital in the nei7hborin7 town o; 5a9esi"e8 ha" re;:se" to tal9. D&he-?re a secretive crow"8D he sai"8 ?? &he- li9e to settle their little H:arrels in theh own wa- witho:t 7ettin7 mixe" :p with the law. 0 "o:bt i; the police will ever 9now E:st wh- that battle be7an.D &he others a7ree" that the- mi7ht pic9 :p some in;ormation b- visitin7 the scene o; the ;i7ht. 0t wo:l" "o no harm8 at an- rate8 to inH:ire abo:t 2i"ne- Pebbles at the steamship o;;ice. He mi7ht have le;t Ba-port b- an earl- mornin7 boat.

2atis;ie" that A:nt >ertr:"e was in 7oo" han"s the- ;elt ;ree to leave the ho:se. Chet arme" himsel; with several apples an" st:;;e" a ;ew bisc:its into his poc9ets in case he sho:l" be overcome b- h:n7er in the co:rse o; the mornin7. As the- "rew near the corner la:n"r- where the si7n o; 2am 5ee still sw:n7 over the "oor8 Fran9 remar9e" that it wo:l" "o no harm to remin" 5o:ie Fon7 o; the la:n"r- theha" le;t with him the previo:s a;ternoon. DHe mi7ht have it rea"- ;or :s to"a- a;ter all8D s:77este" @oe. &he "oor o; the shop was close". &his was <0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow :n:s:al beca:se the "a- was warm. Fran9 trie" the "oor8 b:t it was loc9e". &here was no si7n o; li;e aro:n" the place. D&hat?s H:eer.D he sai". D0 never hear" o; a la:n"r- closin7 :p in the mi""le o; the wee9.D D0 7:ess -o:?" better sa- 7oo"b-e to all -o:r shirts8D sai" Chet. 0t was evi"ent that the place was "eserte". 5o:ie Fon7 mi7ht be merelta9in7 a "a-?s holi"a- or he ;li7ht have close" :p the place an" "eparte" ;rom Ba-port ;orever. &here was no notice on the "oor to in"icate the reason ;or this s:""en cessation o; b:siness. D&hat?s a ;ine 9ettle o; ;ish8D sai" Chet .orton. DChinaman ;i7htee at ni7ht. Closee la:n"lee next "a-. &his whole b:siness 7ets m-sterio:ser an" m-sterio:ser.D As no 7oo" wo:l" be serve" b- starin7 at the loc9e" "oor8 the bo-s move" on. 0nsi"e o; a ;ew min:tes thewere within si7ht o; the "oc9s. D0 won"er what we?ll learn here8D sai" @oe. Chet too9 an apple ;rom his poc9et8 polishe" it on his sleeve8 an" "estro-e" hal; o; it at one bite. DProbabl- nothin78D he m:mble". B:t he was wron7. CHAP&%$ A00 A .%22A>% F%/. H/.% constable con rile- was an important man that mornin7. As he stro"e solemnl- bac9 an" ;orth on the steamship "oc9 he represente" the law in all its maEest-. Also8 he represente" 0n;ormation. %ver-one who came to the whar; that "a- stoppe" to 7et a ;irst-han" acco:nt o; the "ramatic "oin7s o; the previo:s ni7ht. 1ews o; the ;i7ht amon7 the Chinamen ha" sprea" swi;tl- thro:7ho:t Ba-port. $ile-8 his han"s claspe" behin" his bac98 his chest o:t an" his chin in the air8 was even more "i7ni;ie" than :s:al. He was a ver- "ili7ent constable8 was $ile--a "ili7ent man who too9 himsel; serio:sl-. &he :n;ort:nate ;act that he was so thic9-hea"e" ha" ma"e him the "espair o; his s:periors. He ha" been a patrolman on a "owntown beat b:t a pic9poc9et ha" stolen his han"c:;;s an" ni7htstic9. 2o Constable Con $ileha" been place" on tra;;ic ":t-8 where nobo"- co:l" steal an-thin7 ;rom him. /n tra;;ic ":t- he ha" 7iven the .a-or o; <1 <2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow Ba-port a tic9et witho:t that 7entleman "eservin7 one. &he .a-or ha" ta9en the matter :p with the Chie;8 an" as a res:lt the worth- $ileha" been trans;erre" to the "oc9s8 where it was ass:me" that he co:l" "o no possible harm. #hen he saw the Har"- bo-s an" Chet .orton approachin7 him this mornin7 he ;rowne". He 9new them o; ol". Chet .orton ha" 9noc9e" o;; his helmet

with a snowball the previo:s winter. &he Har"- bo-s ha" solve" some o; his best cases be;ore he co:l" 7et reall- starte" on them an" ha" ma"e him loo9 ;oolish more than once. D>oo" mornin78 .r. %ile-8D the trio sai" sweetl-. D.ornin?. .ornin?8D 7r:nte" the policeman8 with the air o; a man with wei7ht- problems on his min". D0 hear -o: bro9e :p a bi7 ;i7ht last ni7ht8 Constable8D sai" Chet. %ile- 7lance" at him s:spicio:sl-. Chet ha" a rep:tation as a Eo9esmith. D#ell now8 an" 0 wo:l"n?t sa- 0 exactl- bro9e :p the ;i7ht8D sai" $ile-. DAs a matter o; ;act8 0 was home in be". 0 ain?t on ni7ht ":t-. B:t i; 0 ha" been here8D he "eclare" pompo:sl-8 ?? that ;i7ht wo:l" have been b:ste" :p a lot sooner than it was8 let me tell -o:.D D6o: misse" the ;i7htFD sai" @oe. D&hat?s A .essa7e ;rom Home <, too ba". #e came "own beca:se we tho:7ht -o:?" be able to tell :s all abo:t it.D D#ellGD sai" %ile-. DAn" can?t -o: as9 meF @:st beca:se 0 wasn?t hereworse l:c9- "oesn?t mean 0 "on?t 9now all the "etails.D D#e?re in l:c98 ;ellows8D sai" Chet. DConstable $ile- is 7oin7 to tell :s the "etails. 6o: "i"n?t 7et here :ntil it was all over8 "i" -o:8 ConstableFD D1one o; -o:r chee98 now8D sai" $ile-. D0 "i"n?t 7et here :ntil this mornin?8 beca:se 0?m on "a- ":t- as 0 sai".D D0?ll bet -o: were 7la" o; that. #hat with people bein7 stabbe" an" ":mpe" into the water it wo:l"n?t have been ver- com;ortable on ni7ht ":t-8D sai" Chet. Fran9 n:"7e" him to be H:iet. DFrom what 0 can learn8D sai" $ile- with a severe 7lance at Chet8 Dthe whole b:siness was a ;oo".D DA whatFD sai" Fran98 p:BBle". DA ;oo". /ne o; them ;oo"s amon7 Chinamen. 6o: 9now.D D5i9e chop s:e-FD inH:ire" Chet8 intereste". D A ;oo"8 0 sai"8?? "eclare" $ile-. ?? A battle. A war. A ;oo".?? DA ;e:"GD exclaime" @oe. D#hat were the- ;i7htin7 abo:tFD as9e" Chet. D1obo"- 9nows8D $ile- replie". D&he wa<= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow this here battle last ni7ht starte"8 it seems there were some Chinamen "own here on the "oc9 waitin? ;or the boat to come in. 6o: were here8 0 remember.D D#e saw them8D sai" Fran9. D#ell8 0 went o;; ":t- at mi"ni7ht an" thewere still here. 2till han7in? aro:n". 2ai" thewere E:st waitin? ;or another boat to come in. 0 ha" no ;a:lt to ;in" with that8 so 0 went.D D@:st in time8D m:rm:re" Chet. DAn" the min:te 0?m o:t o; the wa-8 tro:ble starts8 o; co:rse. Another Chinaman came "own to the "oc9 an" pic9e" a H:arrel with one o; the ;ellows who was here alrea"-. 2o then he went awa-------D D#hich ChinamanFD as9e" Chet. D&he secon" Chinaman.D D#hich one was thatF &he one who was here ;irstFD D1o8D spl:ttere" $ile-. D&he secon" Chinaman was the one who ha" the row with the ;irst Chinaman. He 7ot here secon".D D&he ;irst oneFD Constable Blle- ;l:she". D0?m tellin? this stor-8D he sai" "ar9l-. D&he secon" Chinaman went awa- b:t alon7 abo:t three o?cloc9 in the mornin7 he came bac9 with

some more Chinamen.D DAn" the others were still hereFD D2till here. 2till waitin? ;or another boat8 A .essa7e ;rom Home << the- sai". An" when the other Chinamen lan"e" here it wasn?t two sha9es o; a lamb?s tail be;ore thewere ;i7htin? li9e cats. D&he- were ;i7htin? all over the place an" the ni7ht man in the steamship o;;ice p:t in a call ;or the police b:t it was all over be;ore theco:l" 7et here. /ne Chinaman was l-in? on the "oc9 with a 9ni;e in him8 an" another was swimmiri? aro:n" in the water8 hal; "rowne". 2o the- p:lle" the one o:t an" sent the other to the hospital an" not a wor" can the- 7et o:t o; him abo:t how it happene" or who "one it.D D#ho "i" it8D correcte" Chet. D&hat?s what the- can?t ;in" o:t8D explo"e" %ile-. D0?ve E:st tol" -o:8 -o: n:mbs9:ll8 that he won?t tell them who "one it.D ?? 2orr-. .- hearin7 isn ?t what it :se" to be.?? D0t never was8D 7rowle" $ile-. D#hat was the Chinaman?s nameFD as9e" Fran9. D&om #at.D D&om #atGD exclaime" @oe. D#h-8 we 9now him. He wor9s in that resta:rant "own on Pine 2treet. At least8 he :se" to wor9 there. P:iet little ;ellow.D D#ell8D 7r:nte" %ile-8 Dhe was mi7ht- nearl- H:iete" ;or 7oo".D DAn" none o; the Chinamen were arreste"FD as9e" @oe. <) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D&he- were all 7one except the man in the water an" the la" with the 9ni;e in his sho:l"er8D sai" %ile-. D6o: can?t arrest a man ;or swimmin? aro:n" the "oc9 at three o?cloc9 in the mornin78 or ;or 7ettin? a 9ni;e st:c9 in him8 can -o:FD D0t wo:l" be most :nE:st8D a7ree" Chet solemnl-. Havin7 receive" this acco:nt o; the battle8 the bo-s than9e" Constable %ile- warml- an" went on over to the tic9et o;;ice o; the steamship compan-. &he- 9new the a7ent in char7e. DHello8 ;ellows8D he sai" breeBil-8 when the- came :p to the win"ow. D#hat can 0 "o ;or -o:F #here "o -o: want to 7oF 1ew 6or98 Boston8 Hali;ax8 1ew /rleans8 C:ba8 Berm:"a--D D#ee9-en" Ea:nt to China will "o me8D sai" Chet. D3on?t tal9 abo:t China8D sai" the a7ent. D0?ve hear" eno:7h abo:t the Chinese to"a- to last me a li;etime.D D#ere -o: on ":t- ":rin7 the row last ni7htFD as9e" Fran9. D1o8 0 was home an" in be"8 than9 7oo"ness.D D&hen -o: wo:l"n?t 9now i; a -o:n7 man name" Pebbles le;t Ba-port on the two-thirt- boatFD D0 wasn?t here8 b:t 0 9now he "i"n?t. &he A .essa7e ;rom Home <+ ni7ht man tol" me no one le;t Ba-port on that boat. He mi7ht have 7one on one o; the steamers this mornin78 tho:7h8 D#hat "oes he loo9 li9eFD &he bo-s "escribe" 2i"ne- Pebbles to thC best o; their abilit-. &he a7ent shoo9 his hea". DHe "i"n?t show :p here this mornin7. &hat is8 he "i"n?t b:- a tic9et.D &he res:lt o; their inH:ir- ha" been :nsatis;actor-. &he- 9new that 2i"ne- Pebbles ha" not bo:7ht a boat tic9et8 b:t that he mi7ht have le;t Ba-port b- steamer E:st the same. D#hat?s the i"eaFD as9e" the a7ent c:rio:sl-. D3oin7 some "etective wor9FD D#e were E:st won"erin7 where he ha" 7one8D replie" Fran9 evasivel-.

D0 co:l" as9 the boat captains. #hat?s the name a7ainF Pebbles. &hemi7ht remember.D &he- than9e" the a7ent an" "ri;te" "isconsolatel- o:t o; the o;;ice. Constable %ile- was stan"in7 at the e"7e o; the "oc9 contemplatin7 the horiBon. &hehear" the stri"ent hon9 o; an a:tomobile horn. #ith a crash an" a roar a car shot "own ;rom the roa"wa- onto the "oc9. Constable $ileE:mpe" an" nearl- topple" into the water. &he ancient vehicle s9i""e" an" Eolte" to a stop. At the wheel was @err- >ilro-8 an" we"7e" <( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow in the seat besi"e him were Phil Cohen an" &on- Prito. All three were ch:ms o; Chet .orton an" the Har"- bo-s. DCall ;or the Har"- bo-sG Call ;or the Har"- bo-sGD chante" the trio8 as the ol" car steame" an" tremble" as i; on the ver7e o; a complete brea9"own. D#hat?s the matterFD as9e" Fran9. D6o:?re wante" at home8D sai" &on- Prito. D#e calle" aro:n" to see -o: an" a n:rse sai" to loo9 -o: :p an" tell -o: that -o: were wante" at home ri7ht awa-8D explaine" Phil. D#e 7ot scare"8D @err- explaine"8 Dwhen we saw the n:rse. 0s someone illFD D0 tho:7ht -o:r ;ol9s were all awa-8D a""e" &on- with concern. D2he "i"n?t sa- who was ill8D sai" Phil8 re;errin7 to the atten"ant8 Db:t she sai" excite"l-8 ?Fin" @oe an" Fran9 an" brin7 them home at onceG? D D0 steppe" on the 7as8 an" believe me8 we?ve been "oin7 some spee"in78D exclaime" @err-. D>la" we ;o:n" -o:. Hop inGD &he Har"- bo-s scramble" into the rear seat8 an" the ol" a:to 7ave a 7reat leap as the "river let in the cl:tch. @oe an" Fran9 loo9e" at each other8 worr- written on their ;aces. ?? >oo"ni7htG?? 7aspe" @oe. D0 hope nothin7 more has happene" to A:nt >ertr:"eGD CHAP&%$ obbin north?s storEer9- 7ilbo-?s venerable E:n9-heap bro9e its own spee" recor" that mornin7 a;ter the Har"- bo-s ha" E:mpe" into the rear seat. #ith a tremen"o:s :proar o; bac9-;irin7 an" clatter o; loose m:"7:ar"s it Eolte" bac9 :p Hi7h 2treet. Both Fran9 an" @oe were alarme" over the news theha" receive". &heir ;irst tho:7ht was that A:nt >ertr:"e ha" ta9en a t:rn ;or the worse. &here;lecte" wretche"l- that the- sho:l" not have le;t the ho:se at all. #hen the car reache" the ho:se the- hastil- ba"e 7oo"b-e to their ch:ms8 leape" o:t o; the car an" r:she" :p the wal9. However8 when the- ran into the hall the- ;o:n" .rs. Co"- emer7in7 placi"l- ;rom the livin7 room. DHow is she;D 7aspe" Fran9. D6o:r a:ntFD sai" .rs. Co"-. D/h8 she?s sleepin? as peace;:l as a lamb. 3on?t worr- -o:r hea"s abo:t her as lon7 as 0?m here.D D&hen wh- "i" -o: sen" ;or :sFD <* )0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow .rs. Co"- loo9e" blan9l- at them thro:7h her spectacles. D0 "i" sen" ;or -o:8 "i"n?t 0FD she sai". ?? 6es. #h- "i" -o: want :s F D as9e" Fran9. D0?m blesse" i; 0 can remember8D she sai" simpl-. D0 9now there was somethin78 b:t it seems to have slippe" m- min". 5et me see-----D

&he 7oo" woman p:rse" her lips8 tappe" her chin with her ;ore;in7er an" stare" intentl- ?at the ceilin7 as she trie" to remember wh- she ha" sent the :r7ent messa7e. 2he was prompte" b- an impatient co:7h that so:n"e" sharpl- ;rom be-on" the "rawin7-room "oor. D/h8 -esGD she exclaime". D0 remember now. 0; he ha"n?t co:7he" 0 "eclare 0 thin9 0?" have ;or7otten all abo:t him. &here?s a man in there. He wants to see -o:8D an"8 7reatl- please" with hersel; at this tri:mph o; memor-8 .rs. Co"- went on :pstairs. D#hen Fran9 an" @oe went into the "rawin7-room the- ;o:n" a hi7hlexcite" an" 7reatl- a7itate" man awaitin7 them. &he- reco7niBe" himas /rrin 1orth8 a wealth- steamship owner who live" in 5a9esi"e not ;ar ;rom Ba-port. /rrin 1orth was a bi78 b:rl-8 broa"-sho:l"ere" man with a coarse8 re" ;ace8 cl:ms- han"s an" a st:bborn8 obstinate chin. He was ;on" o; sa-in7 that he was a sel;-ma"e man /rrin 1orth?s 2tor- )1 ;or lie ha" risen to power an" wealth b- his own e;;orts. A ;isherman?s son8 he ha" wor9e" har" an" lon7 :ntil he ha" bo:7ht a boat o; his own. From that8 b- his own r:thless e;;orts8 he ha" 7aine" control o; a small ;leet o; vessels. 0n the co:rse o; -ears he ha" become wealthier an" it ha" been hinte" that not all his riches ha" been honestlearne". 0n mi""le li;e he ha" bo:7ht the ;leet o; a ban9r:pt tra"in7 compan-8 an" b- b:siness metho"s which were not above a s:spicion o; sha"iness he ha" throttle" competition an" a""e" to his ;leet :ntil he was now one o; the most power;:l men in the state. &his was the man8 then8 who sat impatientl- in the Har"- home. Fran9 an" @oe were so astonishe" that theco:l" scarcel- spea9. DAre -o: Fenton Har"-?s sonsFD D6es8 2ir8D sai" Fran9. D.- name?s 1orth. /rrin 1orth. #here is -o:r ;atherFD DHe is on a trip E:st now8 .r. 1orth8D sai" Fran9. D#e reall- "on?t 9now E:st where he is.D &he man m:ttere" somethin7 :n"er his breath. He bro:7ht a h:7e ;ist crashin7 "own :pon the table. D0?ve 7ot to 7et in to:ch with him8D he raspe". D$i7ht awa-.D D0?m a;rai" that?s impossible.D )2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D0t ain?t impossible8D roare" 1orth in an :7l- manner. D3on?t tell me -o:r ;ather "i"n?t leave his a""ress. 6o: can reach him i; -o: want to. &ell him /rrin 1orth wants him bac9 in Ba-port at once.D &he bo-s "i" not li9e their caller?s "omineerin7 manner. &heha" hear" man- stories o; his cr:el8 schemin7 an" :nscr:p:lo:s nat:re. D0 have tol" -o: the tr:th8 .r. 1orth8D sai" Fran9 calml-. &he man rose s:""enl- ;rom his chair an" stro"e nervo:sl- abo:t the room. D0?ve 7ot to see himGD he sho:te". D3o -o: heart 0?ve 7ot to see him at once. 0t?s important. 0 can?t be 9ept waitin7 li9e this. 0?m not :se" to it.D Fran9 shr:77e". D#e "on?t 9now where o:r ;ather is. !nless -o: can locate him -o:rsel; 0?m a;rai" -o:?ll E:st have to wait.D 1orth 7lare" at him. D2oG 0?ll have to wait8 ehF #ell8 let me tell -o: this8 -o:n7 ;eller. /rrin 1orth "on?t wait ;or nobo"-.D DPerhaps8D s:77este" @oe mil"l-8 Di; -o:?ll explain -o:r b:siness we mabe able to help -o:.D &he shipowner la:7he" contempt:o:sl-.

D6o:GD he sai". DA co:ple o; bo-sG 0 "on?t tell m- b:siness to babies.D /rrin 1orth?s 2tor- ), D0n that case8D observe" Fran9 aci"l-8 D-o: are wastin7 -o:r time tal9in7 to :s. >-oo" mornin78 .r. 1orth.D He opene" the "rawin7-room "oor as i; to show the b:rl- visitor o:t. At once /rrin 1orth became calmer. D3on?t be in s:ch a r:sh8D he sai". D.ebbe i spo9e a little too ;ast. A;ter all-D he sat "own a7ain8 Da;ter all8D he m:ttere"8 D-o: mabe able to help me.D D#e?ll be 7la" to "o what we can8D Fran9 ass:re" him. 1orth 7r:nte" "o:bt;:ll-. D6o:?re s:re -o:r ;ather isn?t in Ba-portFD he sai". D0 ima7ine we wo:l" 9now abo:t it i; he came bac98D smile" @oe. D&hen how8D roare" 1orth8 D"oes it happen that 0 7ot those papers in the secon" mail this mornin7 with a Ba-port postmar9 on the envelopeF How "oes it happenF Answer me thatGD D#hat papersFD as9e" Fran9. 1orth "rew a b:l9- envelope ;rom his poc9et an" tappe" it with a st:bb;ore;in7er. D&heseG Papers in an important case -o:r pa is han"lin7 ;or me. %verone o; ?em came bac9 to me this mornin7. 0n the secon" mail. 0; -o:r pa "i"n?t sen" ?em8 then who "i"F An" wh-FD Fran9 an" @oe loo9e" at each other. PapersG )= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow .aile" in Ba-portG 0nstantl- their min"s ;lashe" to the papers missin7 ;rom Fenton Har"-?s poc9ets. D#h-8 that?s stran7e8D sai" Fran9. D#e ha" a b:r7lar- here last ni7ht an" some o; 3a"?s papers were stolen. &hose ma- have been amon7 them.D DB:t no one 9new abo:t these papers8D roare" 1orth. D0 7ave them to -o:r ;ather on the H:iet.D DAn" thewere maile" to -o: this mornin7FD D6o: hear" me8D 7rowle" 1orth. He thr:st the envelope over to Fran9. D5oo9 at that8D he sai"8 in"icatin7 the a""ress an" the postmar9. D.aile" here in Ba-port. &o ma""ress in 5a9esi"e.D %a7erl- the bo-s examine" the envelope. &he a""ress was t-pewritten. &he postmar9 showe" that the letter ha" been maile" in Ba-port at ei7ht o?cloc9 that mornin7. 0t wo:l" reach 5a9esi"e in the secon" mornin7 mail8 as /rrin 1orth ha" sai". DPerhaps this throws some li7ht on the b:r7lar-8D m:se" Fran9. D&hese m:st be the stolen papers. B:t wh- wo:l" 2i"ne- Pebbles-----D D#hoFD sho:te" /rrin 1orth8 his ;ace "ar9 with an7er an" astonishment. D3o -o: 9now himFD as9e" Fran9 H:ic9l-. /rrin 1orth?s 2tor- )< D2i"ne- PebblesF 0 sho:l" sa- 0 "o 9now him.B:t what has he to "o with thisGD DHe sta-e" here last ni7ht as o:r 7:est8D @oe explaine". D#e met him "own at the "oc9 an" he misse" his boat so we as9e" him to spen" the ni7ht here. D#hen we wo9e :p this mornin7 we ;o:n" he ha" "isappeare". An" papers were missin7 ;rom 3a"?s poc9ets.D D2i"ne- Pebbles-sta-e" here-ran awa-- papers missin7-D stammere" 1orth. D0 "on?t believe it.D D#hat "o -o: 9now abo:t PebblesFD D0 "on?t 9now m:ch abo:t him8D "eclare" 1orth8 Db:t 0?m s:re he ain?t a croo9. 1ot that -o:n7 ;eller. He wor9s in 5a9esi"e. 0Ae seen him o;ten.D D#or9s in 5a9esi"eFD exclaime" the Har"- bo-s. 1othin7 that 2i"ne-

Pebbles ha" sai" on the previo:s ni7ht ha" in"icate" that he live" an-where near Ba-port. D2:re. He wor9s at a roa"ho:se :p the river. Chinese Eoint.D &his was another shoc9. 0t seeme" to ;it in neatl- with the other pieces o; the Ei7saw p:BBle the m-ster- presente". &he bo-s were 7reatl- excite" now. &he- were positive that some sinister connection existe" between 2i"ne- Pebbles an" the Chinamen on the "oc9. DB:t nobo"- can ever tell me that 2i"ne- Pebbles swipe" them papers8D "eclare" /rrin )) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 1orth ;irml-. D0 "on?t 9now the ;eller real well b:t 0?m s:re he ain?t a croo9. Besi"es8 there wo:l"n?t be no sense to it. #h- wo:l" he steal them papers an" mail them to met An" how wo:l" he 9now abo:t ?em in the ;irst placeFD D/n the other han"8D Fran9 pointe" o:t8 Dwe 9now he was here an" we 9now he cleare" o:t o; the ho:se be;ore we were :p an" we 9now that the papers are missin7 ;rom the 7:est room. 2omeone le;t ;ootprints :n"erneath one o; the "ownstairs win"ows8 too.D D&he- weren?t Pebbles?s ;ootprints8 then8D 7r:nte" 1orth. D0 "on?t believe he ha" an-thin7 to "o with it. An-wa-8 0 "on?t care. &he papers ain?t stolen. 0?ve 7ot ?em ri7ht here. &he point is this: #hat am 0 7oin? to "o with ?emF &he-?re mi7ht- important an" 0 7ave ?em to -o:r pa so he co:l" han"le this bi7 case ;or me. #hat am 0 7oin? to "oF #ait till -o:r pa comes bac9F &:rn the papers over to somebo"- elseF 0?m le;t stran"e".D D0 thin98D sai" Fran98 Dthat -o:?" better wait :ntil 3a" comes bac9.D D0 can?t wait8D howle" 1orth. D0n that case perhaps -o:?" better t:rn the case over to someone else. 0; 3a" le;t the papers in one o; his coat poc9ets it m:st have meant that he co:l"n?t han"le the a;;air :ntil he came bac9 ;rom his trip8 an-wa-.D /rrin 1orth?s 2tor- )+ D&here?s sense to that8D 7r:nte" 1orth. DB:t we?" li9e to ;in" o:t wh- Pebbles too9 them-i; he "i" ta9e them.D D0?ll ;ix him i; he too9 ?em. 0?ll have him ;ire" ;rom his Eob. 0?ll have him thrown into Eail. 0; he 9nows what?s in them papers-----D A s:""en tho:7ht evi"entl- ;lashe" thro:7h. /rrin 1orth?s min" ;or his e-es 7lowe" with a "an7ero:s li7ht. His ;ists clenche". D0; he 9nows what?s in them papers an" means to tran" 7o:7e some mone- o:t o; me8D he raspe"8 Dhe?ll wish he?" pic9e" on somebo"- else. He?ll wish he?" never been bornGD D; he shipowner snatche" :p the envelope an" thr:st it bac9 into his poc9et. &hen he 7rabbe" his hat ;rom the table. He was an :7l-8 ;ormi"able ;i7:re as he towere" above the bo-s in the room. D1obo"- pla-s them 7ames on /rrin 1orth an" 7ets awa- with ?em8D he snarle". D0?ve cr:she" too man- men in m- time.D D#here can we ;in" 2i"ne- PebblesFD as9e" Fran9. DCome to 5a9esi"e. Come to m- o;;ice tomorrow an" 0?ll tell -o: where to ;in" him8D sai" 1orth. D0; it?s the same man-which 0 "o:bt-we?ll settle :p with him. .- o;;ice at ten o?cloc9.D D#e?ll be there8D the- promise". )( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow DAll ri7ht. An" i; -o: have an- wor" ;rom -o:r ;ather8 7ive me a call on the telephone.D /rrin 1orth Eamme" his hat "own abo:t his ears8 pic9e" :p his heavstic9 an" stro"e o:t o; the room. &he bo-s showe" him the wa- o:t8 an" with a m:ttere" wor" o; 7oo"b-e he cl:mpe" o;; "own the wal9.

CHAP&%$ 0' 5/!0% F/1> 02 A1>B6 altho:7h the Har"- bo-s ;elt that theha" ma"e 7reat pro7ress in the m-ster- b- reason o; the important news theha" learne" ;rom /rrin 1orth8 thewere more p:BBle" than ever when the shipowner le;t them. D0 can?t :n"erstan" wh- a man sho:l" steal papers an" mail them ri7ht bac9 to the owner8D sai" @oe. D0t seems a craB- st:nt to me.D D0t ma- not be as craB- as it loo9s8D reEoine" his brother. D.a-be 2i"ne- Pebbles is a blac9mailer. For all we 9now8 there mabe in;ormation in those papers that mi7ht h:rt /rrin 1orth. $emember8 he sai" he 7ave them to 3a" on the H:iet. &he- were con;i"ential. /nce the papers were maile" bac9 to the owner no one co:l" prove that Pebbles stole them. An" i; he rea" them he wo:l" have the in;ormation an" he mi7ht tr- to blac9mail 1orth on the stren7th o; it.D D.r. 1orth s:77este" somethin7 o; the sort himsel;.D D&hat mabe the explanation o; the whole )* @i;e: +0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow a;;air. 6et it?s stran7e that .r. 1orth seems so s:re that the 2i"nePebbles he 9nows can?t be the thie;.D D#ell8D @oe sai"8 D;or that matter we?re not s:re that the 2i"nePebbles we 9now was the thie;. 0; he "i"n?t ma9e those ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow8 then there was someone else.D D0t?s eno:7h to ma9e a ;ellow?s hea" swim8D Fran9 remar9e". D#e sho:l" 9now more abo:t it tomorrow. /""8 isn?t it8 that this ;ellow Pebbles wor9s at a Chinese placeFD D0t all seems to come bac9 to Chinamen ever- time8D his brother a"mitte". &he bo-s ma"e no ;:rther pro7ress on the case that "a-8 nor were thes:ccess;:l in their e;;orts to locate .r. an" .rs. Har"-. &he- sent several messa7es to places where the- :n"erstoo" their parents were to stop8 b:t ha" receive" no replies as -et. 3r. Bates calle" that evenin7 to see A:nt >ertr:"e8 who was still wea9 an" ill b:t ha" been restin7 well an" ha" shown some improvement :n"er the care o; .rs. Co"-. &hat motherl- la"- ha" ta9en ;:ll char7e o; the ho:se an" the bo-s were spare" the bother o; preparin7 meals. #hat was more8 the- escape" the toil o; washin7 "ishes. DClear o:t o; m- 9itchen8D she or"ere" cheer;:ll- when the- o;;ere" to help. D0?m r:nnin7 this ho:se :ntil -o:r a:nt is on her 5o:ie Fon7 0s An7r- +1 ;eet a7ain8 poor "arlin?. @:st let me mana7e thin7s m- own wa- an" we?ll all be satis;ie".D D0t s:its me8D "eclare" @oe8 Dri7ht "own to the 7ro:n".D D&here?s somethin7 0 meant to as9 -o:8D she sai". D#here are all the ;resh towels an" pillow-slips an" the li9eFD D&he-?re at the la:n"r-8D the bo-s tol" her. D&he- wo:l" have been rea"- to"a- b:t there?s a new la:n"r-man on the Eob an" he isn?t verobli7in7. Besi"es8 his place was close" to"a-.D D0; -o: "on?t 7et them tomorrow8D sai" .rs. Co"- 7riml-8 Dtell me8 an" 0?ll ;ix him.D 2he sat "own at the 9itchen table an" be7an to rea" her ;ort:ne in the tea-leaves in her c:p. 0t appeare" that .rs. Co"- was s:perstitio:s an" that she ;irml- believe" that the ;:t:re co:l" be ;oretol" b- this metho". 2he 7i77le" "eli7hte"l- as she in;orme" the bo-s that the c:p promise" her that she wo:l" be invite" to a bi7 part- within the wee9 an" that there was to be a parcel in the mail ;or her within the next

;ew "a-s. &hen she ;rowne". D#hat?s thisF #hat?s thisFD m:ttere" the 7oo" woman. D&ro:ble8 as s:re as -o:?re born. /h8 merc-8 wh- "i" 0 have to rea" m- c:p this ni7htF &here?s eno:7h tro:ble witho:t 9nowin7 abo:t it be;ore it comes.D D#hat 9in" o; tro:ble is it to be8 .rs. +2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow Co"-GD as9e" Fran98 who "i" not believe in teac:p rea"in7. 2he t:rne" the c:p to the li7ht. D&here?s a letter C here8D sai" .rs. Co"- tensel-. D6o: can notice it as plain as "a-. 1ow what co:l" that meanF &ro:ble "ealin? with the letter CF An" it?s han7in? ri7ht over :s. .-8 m--0 "on?t li9e this at all8 at all.D DChinamen8D m:ttere" @oe. D#hat?s thatFD as9e" .rs8 Co"-. D1othin78D sai" @oe8 an" the- ma"e their escape ;rom the 9itchen. D0 won"er i; there is an-thin7 in this ;ort:ne-tellin7 st:;; a;ter allFD sai" Fran98 as thewere preparin7 ;or be". D0; tro:ble is 7oin7 to come it will come8 an" that?s all there is to it8D replie" @oe philosophicall-. D#e E:st have to be rea"- ;or it.D 1ext mornin7 a;ter brea9;ast the- set o:t ;or 5o:ie Fon7?s la:n"r- ;or the p:rpose o; claimin7 the wee9?s washin7. &heha" "etermine"8 i; the- ;o:n" the place still close"8 to report the matter to the police. B:t there was no nee" o; that. &he establishment was a scene o; thrivin7 activit-. 2team iss:e" in a clo:" ;rom the ;ront "oor8 an" when the bo-s steppe" insi"e the evil ;ace o; 5o:ie Fon7 poppe" :p ;rom behin" the co:nter li9e a Eac9-in-the-box. 5o:ie Fon7 0s An7r- +, DH:lloG 6o: come ;o? la:n"l-. 1o 7ot8D he sai" sharpl-. D#hat?s the i"eaFD "eman"e" Fran9. D2oll-. 1o 7ot. &omolla8 mebbe.D D&omorrowG &hat?s another "a- lost8D complaine" @oe. D#h- weren?t -o: wor9in7 -ester"a-F &hat?s wh- we can?t have o:r la:n"r- to"a-.D ?? 1o wor9 -es ?"a-8 Dsai" 5o:ie Fon7. ?? Bee7 Chinese hoi?"a-.D &he Har"- bo-s "o:bte" this. 2am 5ee ha" alwa-s 7iven notice when he inten"e" to observe a holi"a-8 an" theco:l" not recall that he ha" ever close" his la:n"r- in the mi""le o; s:mmer. DAll ri7ht8D si7he" Fran9. He leane" a7ainst the co:nter8 in no h:rrto leave. D6o: "i"n?t close :p on acco:nt o; the battle "own on the "oc9s8 "i" -o:FD DBee7 ;i7ht8 ehF Fella 7et stab. >oo". He loo9 ;o? tlo:ble.D D3i" -o: 9now the man who 7ot stabbe"8 &om #atF How is he 7ettin7 alon7GD D0n hospital. Him 7et all betta soon. &oo ba".D D&oo ba" he 7ot h:rtFD D1o. &oo ba" he 7et all betta8D sai" 5o:ie Fon7 :ns-mpatheticall-. DHe loo9 ;o? tlo:ble.D DHow was he loo9in7 ;or tro:bleFD += Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 5o:ie Fon7?s e-es narrowe" s:spicio:sl-8 an" he "i" not repl-. Fran98 while tal9in7 to the Chinaman8 ha" notice" that alterations ha" been ma"e in the la:n"r- since he ha" last entere" the place. #here he remembere" a win"ow to have been in the rear wall8 there was now a "oor. &he woo"wor9 was new8 an" a partition ha" been erecte" at the bac9. 0n the mi""le o; the ;loor he saw ;reshl- painte" woo" that seeme" to in"icate the presence o; a trap"oor. #h- all these chan7es8 he won"ere". Perhaps these alterations explaine" the closin7 o; the

la:n"r- on the previo:s "a-. He was s:re that there were men behin" the partition. &here was not the :s:al cheer;:l b:stle in the la:n"r- an" he saw no si7n o; 2am 5ee?s ol" helper. B:t ;rom be-on" the partition came the so:n" o; whisperin78 o; an occasional r:stle. He saw that 5o:ie Fon7?s e-es "arte" towar" the partition a7ain an" a7ain. He also saw that the Chinaman was 7ettin7 impatient8 evi"entl- waitin7 ;or them to leave. D#here?s 2am 5ee now;D @oe inH:ire". DAn- chance that he?ll be comin7 bac9FD D1o wantee hear abo:t 2am 5eeGD sho:te" 5o:ie Fon7 with s:""en an7er. D1o tal9ee ?bo:t him. >one awa-. 1o come bac9.D He was in a towerin7 ra7e. His lan9-8 s9inn- han" pointe" towar" the "oor. 5o:ie Fon7 0s An7r- +< D>o Aa-GD he or"ere" shrill-. D#h- -o: Qome here an" tal9ee8 tal9ee8 as9 H:estionG 5a:n"l- not le""- :ntil tomolla. >o Aa-. Come bac9 tomolla.D D/h8 well8D sai" @oe easil-8 Di; that?s the wa- -o: ;eel abo:t it8 we?ll be on o:r wa-.D D2:re8 an" we?ll be bac9 tomorrow ;or the la:n"r-8D promise" Fran9. D>o Aa-G >o Aa-GD screeche" 5o:ie Fon7. He wave" his arms wil"l-. D1ice man8D m:rm:re" Fran98 when thewere o:t on the street a7ain. DHe seems to ra7e whenever 2am 5ee is mentione".D D0 hope he "oesn?t treat all his c:stomers the same wa-8D ret:rne" @oe. DHe won?t sta- in b:siness ver- lon7 at that rate.D Fran9 was thin9in7 o; the alterations he ha" notice" in the la:n"r-. He sai" tho:7ht;:ll-: D0 have a notion that 5o:ie Fon7 isn?t "epen"in7 entirel- on the la:n"r- b:siness ;or a livin7.D D#hat "o -o: meanFD D3i"n?t -o: see all the carpentr- wor9F &hat new partition an" the extra "oor an" the openin7 in the ;loorin7F 0?ll bet that?s wh- 5o:ie close" the place :p -ester"a-. He wante" to 7et the wor9 "one witho:t bein7 "ist:rbe". #h- sho:l" he ma9e all those chan7es in a la:n"r-F &here?s somethin7 H:eer abo:t it.D +) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow DAn" 0?m s:re there was somebo"- behin" the partition.D A;ter tal9in7 it over the bo-s a7ree" that the temperamental 5o:ie Fon7 wo:l" bear watchin7. &he m-sterio:s "epart:re o; honest ol" 2am 5ee an" the s:""en chan7e in the whole atmosphere o; the place were circ:mstances that hinte" at somethin7 sha"- an" ille7al. As it was nearl- time ;or their appointment with /rrin 1orth in 5a9esi"e8 thewent bac9 to the ho:se an" too9 their roa"ster o:t o; the 7ara7e. 0t was a bi7 car that ha" seen better "a-s. &heha" bo:7ht it while thewere investi7atin7 a m-sterio:s series o; a:tomobile the;ts8 as relate" in D&he 2hore %oa" .-ster-D o; this series8 an" since that time theha" bo:7ht new parts an" ha" repaire" the en7ine :ntil the- now ha" a reall- serviceable car. 0n a ;ew min:tes thewere spee"in7 alon7 the roa" to 5a9esi"e. D1ow8D sai" Fran98 D;or .r. 2i"ne- Pebbles.D DPerhaps this isn?t the same 2i"ne-.D D#e?ll soon ;in" o:t. 0; he is o:r 2i"ne- he will have a har" time explainin7 the "isappearance o; .r. 1orth?s papers.D CHAP&%$ ' DDlantern lan"D when the Har"- bo-s reache" the o;;ice b:il"in7 o; /rrin 1orth?s tra"in7 compan- the- 7ave their names to a secretar-.

D.r. 1orth is expectin7 -o:. Come this wa-8 please.D He :shere" them into a l:x:rio:s inner o;;ice where the boat owner sat writin7 at a maho7an- "es9. /rrin 1orth loo9e" :p. D.ornin?8 la"s8D he r:mble". D6o:?re ri7ht on time. #ell8 0?ve ;ixe" ever-thin7 :p.D D&hat?s 7oo"8 2ir8D sai" Fran9. D6o: want to have a loo9 at 2i"ne- Pebbles. &hat?s the ;irst point. &he secon" point is this: -o: "on?t want 2i"ne- Pebbles to have a loo9 at -o:.D &he bo-s no""e" in a7reement. 0; this man was in"ee" the 2i"ne- Pebbles who ha" been their 7:est the- "i" not want to aro:se his alarm :ntil thewere s:re o; his i"entit-. /therwise he mi7ht escape be;ore theco:l" have a chance o; H:estionin7 him. D0t has to be "one on the H:iet8D contin:e" ++ +( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 1orth. D0; he is reall- the same man we?ll have a tal9 with him. 0; not8 we?ll leave him alone.D DHow can we mana7e to see him witho:t bein7 seenFD as9e" @oe. D0?ve ;ixe" that8D 7rowle" 1orth. D2i"ne- Pebbles-this 2i"ne- Pebbleswor9s at a place calle" ?5antern 5an"8? E:st o:tsi"e 5a9esi"e. 0t?s a roa"ho:se an" eatin7 place r:n b- some Chinese people. 1ow8 i; we 7o o:t there we can hi"e in a little b:il"in7 E:st o;; the co:rt-ar". 0t?s :se" as a shelter ;or some o; the cha:;;e:rs on wet ni7hts. #e won?t be seen an" we can watch what?s 7oin7 on. #e?ll see Pebbles8 beca:se he acts as a sort o; assistant mana7er aro:n" the place an" he?ll verli9el- be chec9in7 over the s:pplies that come to the resta:rant in the mornin7.D D0t seems to be a 7oo" plan8D sai" Fran9. /rrin 1orth sni;;e". D2:re it?s a 7oo" plan. 0 tho:7ht it :p m-sel;8D he sai". DB:t somehow 0 7ot a ;eelin? -o:?ll ;in" that he ain?t the man -o: want. 0 can?t ;i7:re o:t wh- this Pebbles wo:l" want m- papers. B- the wa-8 have -o: ha" an- news o; -o:r paFD Fran9 shoo9 his hea". D#e trie" to 7et in to:ch with himb:t we "i"n?t have an- l:c9.D 1orth ;rowne". D5antern 5an"D +* D0 wish he wo:l" come bac9. 0 "on?t 9now where 0 stan" in this b:siness.D He 7ot :p ;rom his chair. DCome alon78 then8D he sai". D6o: have a car hereGD D#e came here in o:r roa"ster8D Fran9 sai". D0?ll lea" the wa- in m- own car. #e?ll par9 E:st o:tsi"e the 7ro:n"s.D /rrin 1orth steppe" into a slee9 bl:e se"an at the "oor o; the b:il"in7 an" the- starte" o;;. &he bo-s ;ollowe" him thro:7h the streets o; 5a9esi"e8 o:t on a hi7hwa- that parallele" the river. 0n abo:t ten min:tes the- reache" the 7ro:n"s o; the roa"ho:se. From the hi7hwa- the b:il"in7 itsel; co:l" not be seen ;or it was hi""en b- a 7rove o; trees. &here was a h:7e si7n8 however8 at the entrance o; the si"e roa". 0t rea": D5antern 5an"-Foo"- 3ancin7.D 1orth?s car came to a stop. &he bo-s "rew the roa"ster :p at the si"e o; the roa" an" steppe" o:t. D#e?ll wal9 :p an" then slip aro:n" to the bac9 o; the place thro:7h the trees8D sai" their 7:i"e. D0 ;ixe" it :p with one o; the men wor9in7 here. He?s to leave the bac9 "oor o; the rest room open.D &he- tr:"7e" :p the win"in7 path. #hen thewere within si7ht o; the

resta:rant8 a lon7 white str:ct:re s9irte" b- a wi"e veran"a8 the(0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow le;t the roa" an" str:c9 o:t beneath the trees :ntil the- circle" the place an" came in si7ht o; a co:rt-ar" at the rear. &here was no one in si7ht. DP:ic9l-8 nowGD comman"e" 1orth. He spe" o:t ;rom beneath the trees an" stro"e swi;tl- towar" a tinwhite b:il"in7 at the si"e o; the co:rt-ar". &he Har"- bo-s ;ollowe". &he- reache" the shelter witho:t bein7 observe". A lar7e win"ow 7ave them an :nobstr:cte" view o; the entire co:rt-ar". From the open win"ows o; the roa"ho:se 9itchen on the other si"e o; the -ar" theco:l" hear the clatter o; "ishes an" the chatter o; voices. &here was a r:mble as a tr:c9 rolle" into the co:rt-ar". 0t came to a halt near the 9itchen "oor an" the "river steppe" o:t o; the cab. He be7an to :nloa" bas9ets o; ;r:it an" ve7etables. &he 9itchen "oor opene" an" a -o:n7 man steppe" o:t. D&hat?s himGD whispere" 1orth. &he bo-s watche" the -o:n7 man who came over to the tr:c9. At ;irst 7lance thewere convince" that he was none other than the 2i"nePebbles who ha" sta-e" at their home an" "eparte" witho:t waitin7 to sa- 7oo"b-e. He was the wi"th o; the co:rt-ar" awa-8 however8 an" as he was inspectin7 the bas9ets an" tal9in7 to the tr:c9-"river the bo-s co:l" not 7et D5antern 5an"D (1 a clear view o; his ;ace. &he- watche" him as he si7ne" a slip an" went bac9 into the roa"-ho:se a7ain. D#ellFD sai" 1orth. D0s it the same ;ellowFD ?? 0 co:l"n ?t be s:re8?? a"mitte" Fran9. ?? He is o; the same hei7ht an" b:il" b:t 0 "i"n?t see his ;ace ver- clearl-. How abo:t -o:8 @oeFD DAt this "istance 0?" sa- he was the same 2i"ne- Pebbles. B:t8 li9e -o:8 0 "i"n?t 7et a 7oo" 7limpse o; his ;ace.D D6o:?" better ma9e s:re8D 7r:nte" /rrin 1orth. D#e?ll wait a while. He?ll be o:t a7ain.D &he tr:c9 r:mble" awa-. A Chinaman emer7e" ;rom the 9itchen8 crosse" the -ar" an" "isappeare" thro:7h a "oorwa- on the other si"e. A;ter a while 2i"ne- Pebbles came o:t a7ain with a shea; o; papers in his han". #histlin78 he ma"e his wa- to the entrance o; the co:rt-ar". He passe" "irectl- in ;ront o; the win"ow8 an" as he was hatless8 the bo-s saw his ;ace "istinctl-. &he resemblance was startlin7. B:t he was not the 2i"ne- Pebbles theha" 9nown. His hair was "ar9er in color. His e-es were "ar9er. His mo:th ha" a more "etermine" expression. 0n man- respects he was almost the "o:ble o; the -o:n7 man the Har"- bo-s ha" (2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow enco:ntere" on the "oc9-b:t he was not the same one. Fran9 an" @oe 7lance" at each other in open "isappointment. /rrin 1orth rea" their expressions. D1ot the same8 ehFD D0 can?t :n"erstan" it8D sai" Fran9. DHe loo9s nearl- the same. 0t?s almost impossible that there sho:l" be two men o; the same name an" loo9in7 so nearl- ali9e.D D!nless he "-e" his hair8D vent:re" @oe. DHis hair ain?t chan7e" color since 0 ;irst 9new him8D insiste" 1orth. D1o8 2ir8 this can?t be the same 2i"ne- Pebbles.D .r. 1orth seeme" to thin9 the H:estion was settle". &he Har"- bo-s8 however8 were not H:ite satis;ie". &he- wante" to hear the -o:n7 man?s voice. 0t seeme"8 as Fran9 ha" sai"8 impossible that there sho:l" be

two -o:n7 men o; i"entical names an" almost i"entical appearance. D0?ve hear" o; people havin? "o:bles8D sai" /rrin 1orth8 Db:t 0 never -et hear" o; "o:bles havin? the same name.D DPerhaps o:r man was impersonatin7 the real 2i"ne- Pebbles8D s:77este" Fran9. /rrin 1orth pon"ere" this i"ea ;or a moment. D.i7ht be somethin7 in it8 at that.D At that moment a car rolle" slowl- into the D5antern 5an"D (, co:rt-ar". 0t was a taxicab8 which came to a s:""en stop8 an" the "river steppe" o:t to open the si"e "oor. A Chinaman emer7e". He clambere" o:t o; the car an" too9 some mone- ;rom his poc9et an" pai" the taxi "river. &hen he wal9e" slowl- over towar" a si"e entrance8 limpin7 sli7htl-8 as tho:7h the e;;ort reH:ire" taxe" his stren7th. &hro:7h the win"ow the bo-s ha" a 7limpse o; his ;ace. Fran9 :ttere" a 7asp o; astonishment8 ;or he ha" reco7niBe" the Chinaman. D#h-8 it?s &om #atGD he exclaime". D#hoFD "eman"e" 1orth. D#hat?s his nameF 3o -o: 9now himFD ?? &om #atG &he Chinaman who was stabbe" in the ;i7ht on the "oc9 the ni7ht 2i"ne- Pebbles "isappeare".D &he- watche". &he little Chinaman opene" a "oor an" steppe" insi"e. A moment later 2i"ne- Pebbles came r:nnin7 across the co:rt-ar"8 an" ;ollowe" the wo:n"e" man thro:7h the same "oorwa-. D1ow wh-8D as9e" @oe so;tl-8 Dis &om #at comin7 ;rom the hospital to see 2i"ne- PebblesFD D0 thin9 we?ll sta- aro:n" here ;or a while an" tr- to ;in" o:t8D ret:rne" his brother. CHAP&%$ '0 &/. #A&?2 %1%.0%2 D6o: 9now this ChinamanFD as9e" .r. 1orth. D#e have seen him in Ba-port8D Fran9 tol" him. D&here was a ;i7ht amon7 Chinamen on the "oc9s the ni7ht be;ore last an" he was stabbe". He was ta9en to the hospital in 5a9esi"e.D DP:eer b:siness8D m:ttere" /rrin 1orth. D#hat was the ;i7ht abo:tFD D1o one 9nows b:t the Chinamen8 an" the- won?t tal9 abo:t it. 0?" li9e to spea9 to &om #at8D sai" Fran9. D#ell8D sai" /rrin 1orth8 D0?m a b:s- man an" 0 haven?t time to waste. 0?ve shown -o: 2i"ne- Pebbles8 so what "o -o: want to "o nextFD D0 thin9 we?" better sta- an" sco:t aro:n" a bit8D "eci"e" @oe. D@:st as -o: li9e8D ret:rne" the boat owner. D6o:r car is par9e" "own b- the roa". 0?m 7oin? bac9 to m- o;;ice.D He t:rne" to leave. (= &om #at?s %nemies (< D0; -o: 7et an- more news8D sai" .r. 1orth 7r:;;l-8 Dor i; -o: hear ;rom -o:r ;ather8 be s:re to let me 9now.D D#e will8D the- promise". DAll ri7ht8 then. 0?m on m- wa-.D He le;t them8 an" a moment later the- hear" him stri"in7 thro:7h the :n"er7rowth an" shr:bber- at the rear o; the roa"ho:se. D#hat nowFD sai" @oe. D#hat "o -o: sa- to 7oin7 ri7ht o:t an" tal9in7 to this 2i"ne- PebblesF 0; some impostor is :sin7 his name he?ll want to 9now abo:t it.D B:t @oe was ca:tio:s. D#e?" better be care;:l8D he sai". DA;ter all8 we?re not positive he isn?t the 2i"ne- Pebbles we 9now.D @:st then the "oor o; the si"e entrance opene"8 an" &om #at8 the

Chinaman8 hobble" o:t8 with 2i"ne- Pebbles hol"in7 him b- the arm. &he pair came "own the steps an" across the co:rt-ar" tal9in7 earnestlto7ether. &he- went o:t to the -ar" 7ate8 crosse" the o:ter roa"wa- an" stoo" beneath a cl:mp o; trees. D0 wish we 9new what thewere tal9in7 abo:t8D sai" @oe. D0; we co:l" 7et aro:n" behin" those trees witho:t bein7 seen we mi7ht be able to listen.D &he bo-s slippe" o:t o; the little rest room8 stole aro:n" to the roa"8 crosse" it an" ma"e () Footprints !n"er the #in"ow their wa- H:ietl- thro:7h the b:shes hac9 o; the roa"ho:se propert-. A;ter a wi"e "eto:r the- hear" a m:rm:r o; voices. &he- a"vance"8 scarcel- ma9in7 a so:n". 2oon thesaw &om #at an" Pebbles thro:7h the screen o; leaves. &hen the- hear" a voice. D6o: sa- -o: E:st 7ot o:t o; the hospital a ;ew min:tes a7o. #hat sent -o: there in the ;irst placeFD D.e 7ot h:rt. /ne-two ni7hts a7o8D replie" &om #at. DChinabo- tr9illee me.D D&rie" to 9ill -o:FD as9e" Pebbles in s:rprise. D#h- sho:l" an-one trto 9ill -o:FD DBi7 ;i7ht8D ret:rne" &om #at. DB:t what was the ;i7ht abo:tFD D1o savv-. Fella no li9ee me. Come :p with bi7 9ni;e. 0 7et h:rt.D DAn" -o: "on?t 9now wh- -o: were stabbe"FD as9e" Pebbles incre":lo:sl-. D.e 7ettee sH:are8D .promise" &om #at solemnl-. D6o:?ll 7et sH:areF #ith whomFD D5o:ie Fon7 7an7.D &he Har"- bo-s starte". 2o 5o:ie Fon7 was involve" in the battle on the whar;G D#hat has 5o:ie Fon7 been "oin7FD as9e" Pebbles. DHow will -o: 7et sH:are with himFD D5an" in Eailee 9lic9. .e tell police. 2m:7lee.D D6o:?ll lan" him in Eail ;or sm:77lin7GD &om #at?s %nemies (+ &here was a low whistle. D6o:?" better watch -o:r step8 that?s all 0 can sa-. #ell8 let?s 7et "own to b:siness. #h- "i" -o: want to see meFD as9e" Pebbles. D#h- -o: come to "oc9 in Ba-portFD D#h- "i" 0 come to the "oc9 in Ba-portG #henF #hat are -o: tal9in7 abo:tFD D.e see -o:. 1i7ht o; ;i7ht. 6o: come in on boat. 6o: come bac9.D D6o:?re craB-GD retorte" Pebbles in"i7nantl-. D0 haven?t been in Ba-port ;or a wee9. An" 0 haven?t been on a boat since last s:mmer. #ho tol" -o: all thisFD D.e8 0 see -o:GD exclaime" &om #at in excitement. D6o: "i"n?t see me. 6o: co:l"n?t have seen me. 0?ve been wor9in7 here at ?5antern 5an"? ever- evenin7.D D6o: thin9 mebbe me blin"ee in e-eFD "eman"e" &om #at. D.e see -o: on "oc9 E:s? be;o? bi7 ;i7ht start.D D6o: "i"n?t see me on an- "oc9 be;ore an- ;i7ht starte"8D "eclare" Pebbles. D0; that?s wh- -o: came to see me -o:?ve pic9e" the wron7 man.D D.e see -o: on "oc9GD D1o -o: "i"n?t. 0?m not craB- eno:7h to 7et m-sel; mixe" :p in anChinese ;e:". #hat ma9es -o: thin9 0 was thereFD D2amee ;ella8D "eclare" &om #at. (( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow

D#ell8 -o:?re wron78 then. 0 haven?t been in Ba-port ;or a wee9. As9 an- o; the people who wor9 here. &he-?ll tell -o: the same.D Fran9 an" @oe ha" crept closer. From the shelter o; the trees theco:l" plainl- see Pebbles an" the Chinaman. &he white man seeme" an7r-. As ;or &om #at8 he was p:BBle" an" con;:se"8 as i; he "i" not 9now what to believe. 2:""enl- the bo-s hear" a bloo"-c:r"lin7 snarl. 3own the roa"wastrea9e" a 7a:nt8 7ra- obEect. 0t was an enormo:s "o78 lean an" ;erocio:s8 with slaverin7 Eaws. 0t r:she" towar" the trees. ?? 5oo9 o:tG?? -elle" Pebbles. ?? He?s hea"in7 this wa-.D &om #at :ttere" a howl o; terror an" scramble" to one si"e. He 7rabbe" a branch an" trie" to ha:l himsel; into the nearest tree. #ith a -elp an" a snarl the animal le;t the roa" an" leape" at Pebbles. &he -o:n7 man eva"e" the r:sh8 however8 b- "o"7in7 behin" a thic9 cl:mp o; b:shes. Fran9 an" @oe were ;roBen with astonishment. At that moment the "o7 saw them. &he animal spran78 h:rtlin7 thro:7h the :n"er7rowth. Fran9 an" @oe scramble" "esperatel-. All tho:7ht o; concealment was 7one. 2nappin7 wic9e"l-8 the bi7 br:te crashe" thro:7h the wee"s an" br:sh8 close at their heels&om #at?s %nemies (* Behin" them theco:l" hear the shrill cries o; the Chinaman8 the sho:ts o; 2i"ne- Pebbles. &he ;erocio:s "o7 co:rse" ma"l- in p:rs:it. @oe trippe" over a branch an" ;ell sprawlin78 b:t pic9e" himsel; :p in an instant an" ran on. &he "o78 however8 ha" pic9e" Fran9 as his pre-8 an" was onl- a ;ew ;eet behin". Altho:7h Fran9 was a 7oo" r:nner he 9new he co:l" not hope to sha9e o;; the animal?s p:r-? s:it. He was hampere"8 too8 b- the :n"er7rowth in his path. 2:""enl- there was a howl o; tri:mph. &he lean bo"- o; the animal la:nche" itsel; thro:7h the air8 crashin7 heavil- :pon Fran9?s bac9. Bo- an" br:te h:rtle" to the 7ro:n". Fran9 twiste"8 tr-in7 to protect his ;ace an" throat with one arm8 while he battle" to ;i7ht o;; the ma" attac9er. Borne "own b- the wei7ht o; the ma""ene" animal he was at a "isa"vanta7e. &he in;:riate" beast slashe" an" tore sava7el- at his sho:l"er8 an" its sharp ;an7s so:7ht the bo-?s throat. Fran9 ha" :ttere" a sho:t as he was str:c9 "own. @oe hear" it an" t:rne". #hen he saw his brother 9noc9e" "own b- the ma""ene" animal he loo9e" swi;tl- abo:t him ;or a weapon8 an" at his ;eet saw a heav-8 9notte" stic9. He snatche" it :p an" ran thro:7h the wee"s to Fran9?s ai". CHAP&%% 'H &H% CH01%2% 1/&% in spite o; his str:77les Fran9 mi7ht have been ba"l- inE:re" h- the ;erocio:s "o7 ha" it not been ;or @oe?s timel- arrival with the cl:b. CrashG &he weapon came "own :pon the "o7?s hea" with all the ;orce at @oe?s comman". &he animal :ttere" a howl o; ra7e an" leape" bac9. 0t ;ace" @oe8 its bloo"shot e-es 7larin7 with hatre". @oe spran7 in a7ain8 swin7in7 the cl:b hi7h. 0t str:c9 the animal across the nose an" "rove the :7l- "o7 bac9 on its ha:nches. &hat was eno:7h. &he br:te -elpe" in a7on-8 wheele"8 an" sc:ttle" o;;. DAre -o: h:rtFD as9e" @oe anxio:sl- as his brother str:77le" to his ;eet. Fran9 r:e;:ll- contemplate" his torn an" r:mple" clothin7. ?L1ot h:rt at all8?? he sai" breathlessl-. ?M:t that "oesn?t mean -o:

"i"n?t "o me a mi7ht- 7oo" t:rn. 0 co:l"n?t have ;o:7ht that :7l- br:te o;; m:ch lon7er. 0 won"er who owns the animalGD *0 &he Chinese 1ote *1 &owar" them ran 2i"ne- Pebbles closel- ;ollowe" b- the Chinaman. &he latter was 7abblin7 with excitement b:t Pebbles was H:ite calm. #hen he came :p to the bo-s he sai" to Fran9: D6o:?re l:c9- that br:te "i"n?t tear -o: to pieces8 -o:n7 ;ellow.D D0?" have been ba"l- ma:le" i; it ha"n?t been ;or m- brother8D a"mitte" Fran9. D@:st the same8D contin:e" 2i"ne- Pebbles8 D0 can?t sa- 0?m sorr- -o: 7ot a lesson. Perhaps it will teach -o: not to 7o aro:n" sp-in7 on people.D At that moment &om #at came r:nnin7 :p. #hen he saw the Har"- bo-s he reco7nise" them at once. DHoG Dhe sH:eale". D3etective ;ellaG Hi"e behin? tlees.D Pebbles sw:n7 aro:n" an" ;ace" the Chinaman sH:arel-. D#hat?s thatFD he "eman"e". D3etectivesGD D2:reGD exclaime" &om #at. D2ee :m o;ten in Ba-port.D 2i"ne- Pebbles thr:st his han"s into his poc9ets an" ;ace" the bo-s sternl-. D5oo9 here8D he sai". D#hat?s the i"eaG #ho are -o:8 an-wa-F 6o: were hi"in7 here in the b:shes listenin7. #hat?s it all abo:tFD D.e ;ix:mGD "eclare" &om #at shrill-. *2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D1o li9ee sp-. .ebbe 5o:ie Fon7 sen":m.D For the Har"- bo-s it was an aw9war" moment. &he- realiBe" that 2i"nePebbles was H:ite E:sti;ie" in "eman"in7 an explanation. /ne thin7 was certain. &his man was not the 2i"ne- Pebbles theha" met in Ba-port. 0t was evi"ent that he "i" not reco7niBe them. &here was onlone thin7 to "o8 Fran9 "eci"e"8 an" that was to ta9e the pair into their con;i"ence. D6o: "on?t 9now :s8 .r. PebblesFD he sai". D4now -o:F /; co:rse 0 "on?t. 0?ve never seen either o; -o: be;ore. An" how "o -o: 9now m- nameFD D3i"n?t -o: meet :s on the "oc9 at Ba-port two ni7hts a7oFD sai" Fran9. Pebbles was astonishe". He loo9e" ;irst at &om #at8 then at the bo-s. D2a-8D he m:ttere"8 D0 can?t :n"erstan" this. First o; all the Chinaman sa-s 0 was on the Ba-port whar; the other ni7ht an" now -o: two come alon7 an" sa- the same thin7. #hat?s behin" itF 0s this a Eo9eF #hwere -o: sp-in7 on meFD D#e were sha"owin7 -o: ;or the same reason &om #at came here to see -o:8D sai" Fran9. DHe tho:7ht -o: were the 2i"ne- Pebbles who was on the "oc9 at Ba-port. 2o "i" we.D D3o -o: mean8D "eman"e" Pebbles an7ril-8 &he Chinese 1ote *, Dthat some ;ellow is 7oin7 aro:n" :sin7 m- nameFD D1ot onl- -o:r name b:t -o:r ;ace8D 7rinne" @oe. DHe?s -o:r "o:ble. 6o:r livin7 ima7e %ven -et 0?m not s:re -o: aren?t the man.D Pebbles loo9e" bewil"ere". D0 can?t :n"erstan" this at all8D he sai". Fran9 t:rne" to &om #at. &he Chinaman8 slen"er an" sli7ht o; b:il"8 with a sallow8 e;;eminate ;ace8 was starin7 intentl- at Pebblea. D0s this the man -o: saw on the "oc98 &omFD &om #at shoo9 his hea" slowl-. D/ne time me thin9ee -es8D he sai". D1ow me thin9ee no. H:n "i;;lent.D D#h- "i" -o: come here to see .r. PebblesFD

D.e meet:m ;ella on "oc9ee at Ba-po?t8D explaine" &om #at. DHe tellee me he savv- all ?bo:t 5o:ie Fon7 7an7. ?#hat -o:r nameF? 0 as9ee him. ? Pebbles8? him sa-. ? 2i"ne- Pebbles.? Bi7 ;i7htee start. .e 7ett:m h:rt. 3octo? man tell:m 2i"ne- Pebbles wo?9s at 5anteln 5an".D D2o -o: came o:t here to see him an" as9 &n?mwhat he 9new abo:t 5o:ie Fon7?s 7an7FD sai" Fran9. 2i"ne- Pebbles shr:77e" his sho:l"ers helplessl-. D0t?s too "eep ;or me8D he sai". D0 "on?t 9now this 5o:ie Fon7. 1ever hear" o; him. *= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 0 wasn?t on the "oc9 at Ba-port. 0 "on?t 9now an-thin7 abo:t it.D D0t?s simpl- a case o; mista9en i"entit-8D sai" @oe. D#e have been tr-in7 to ;in" this other 2i"ne- Pebbles an" we hear" that a man bthat name wor9e" here. #e ma"e the same mista9e &om #at "i".D D0 hope he "oesn?t 7o aro:n" robbin7 an- ban9s8D sai" Pebbles. D0; this ;ellow loo9s li9e me an" :ses m- name 0 ma- ;in" m-sel; boo9e" ;or a penitentiar- term. #h- are -o: ;ellows so ea7er to la- -o:r han"s on himF &om #at sa-s -o: are "etectives.D Fran9 explaine" that thewere the sons o; Fenton Har"-. He tol" how theha" enco:ntere" the other 2i"ne- Pebbles on the "oc98 how theha" ta9en him to their home an" how he ha" "isappeare". DAn" at the same time8D he concl:"e"8 Dsome o; m- ;ather?s val:able papers "isappeare"8 too.D 2i"ne- Pebbles 7roane". D&his namesa9e is 7oin7 to 7et me into tro:ble8D he sai" serio:sl-. D#hat?s all this tro:ble abo:t the 5o:ie Fon7 7an7FD as9e" @oe8 t:rnin7 to the Chinaman. &om #at?s ;ace s:""enl- became expressionless. D1o savv-GD &he Chinese 1ote *< D2:re8 -o: :n"erstan". Are -o: a ;rien" o; 5o:ie Fon7FD An expression o; hatre" ;lic9ere" across the man?s smooth ;ace. D.e hatee 5o:ie Fon7GD D6o: hate him. #h-GD &he Chinaman shr:77e". He was not "ispose" to tell too m:ch. D0s there a ;e:" between 5o:ie Fon7?s 7an7 an" -o:r crow"FD D.ebbe8D ret:rne" the Chinaman non-com-mittall-. D#hat starte" the ;i7ht on the "oc9FD D1o savv-.D &he bo-s saw that thewere not 7oin7 to 7et m:ch in;ormation ;rom &om #at. D#hat 0?" li9e to 9now8D 7r:mble" 2i"ne- Pebbles8 Dis where that "o7 came ;romFD D3oesn?t he belon7 to -o:FD as9e" Fran9. D1ever saw him be;ore. 5oo9e" li9e a $:ssian wol;ho:n" to me. 0t?s the ;irst time 0?ve ever seen the br:te aro:n" 5antern 5an".D D&hat?s another H:eer an7le8D remar9e" @oe. D&he "o7 came as i; somebo"- ha" set him on :s.D D3o7 come a;te? me8D sai" &om #at s:""enl-. DHe came a;ter -o:F #h-FD D1o savv-8D ret:rne" the Chinaman promptl-. *) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D0 wish -o:?" tell :s more abo:t this whole a;;air8 &om8D sai" Fran9. D#e?re tr-in7 to help -o:. #e "on?t li9e 5o:ie Fon7 an- more than -o: "o. #hat brin7s him to Ba-port an-wa-F #here is 2am 5eeFD &om #at shr:77e" a7ain. DHe?s 7oin7 to tell :s he "oesn?t savv-8D 7r:nte" @oe in "is7:st.

D1o savv-8D sai" &om #at8 r:nnin7 tr:e to ;orm. D.i7ht as well tal9 to a stone wall8D observe" Pebbles. D6o: won?t 7et an-thin7 o:t o; him8 that?s certain.D D&his other Pebbles tol" -o: he 9new somethin7 abo:t 5o:ie Fon7?s 7an78D persiste" Fran9. D3i" he tell -o: an-thin7 elseFD &om #at shoo9 his hea". 2:""enl- @oe ha" an inspiration. D0 s:ppose -o: can rea" Chinese writin78D he sai". &om #at blin9e". D2ometime8D he replie" ca:tio:sl-. @oe r:mma7e" in his poc9ets ;or the note he ha" ;o:n" beneath the b:shes near the win"ow o; the Har"- home. He ;o:n" it8 :n;ol"e" it an" han"e" it to the Chinaman. DCan -o: rea" thatFD &om #at too9 the note8 an" st:"ie" it care;:ll-. &hen his expression chan7e"8 as he m:ttere" a ;ew excite" wor"s in Chinese. &he Chinese 1ote *+ D#here -o: 7etee thisFD he "eman"e" H:ic9l-. D#e ;o:n" it a;ter 2i"ne- Pebbles ha" cleare" o:t o; o:r ho:se. 0t was :n"er the b:shes8 near some ;ootprints.D &he Chinaman m:ttere" to himsel;8 st:"-in7 the note a7ain. D6o: watchee -o:? stepGD he exclaime". DBa" ;ella at -o:? ho:se. 3lop this note.D DA ba" ;ellow "roppe" that note. #ho was heF #hat "oes it sa-FD DPlent- tlo:ble8D 7r:nte" &om #at. 2i"ne- Pebbles became exasperate". D#ellGD he exclaime". D&ell :s what the note sa-s.D CHAP&%$ '000 &H% 410F% at ;iest &om #at was not incline" to translate the note. #ith lo-altto his race he "i" not want to explain an-thin7 to the white bo-s. B:t Fran9 an" @oe insiste". 2i"ne- Pebbles b:llie" him a little. DBea" it8D the latter snappe". D0t isn?t -o:r note.D &om #at si7he". D1ote sa- .isteh Ha?"- ma9e no plo7less on 1olth case.D D.r. Har"- is ma9in7 no pro7ress on the 1orth caseGD exclaime" Fran98 astonishe". DAre -o: s:re that?s what it sai"FD D6o: thin9ee me lie8 -o: lea" note -o:?sel;8D sai" &om #at. D1o8 0 "on?t thin9 -o:?re l-in7. 0 was onl- s:rprise". 0s that all that?s written thereGD &om #at loo9e" at the note a7ain. DHim sa- .isteh Ha?"- is o:t o; town. 0t is time to stli9e.D D&ime to stri9eGD 7aspe" @oe. D#hat "oes that meanFD *( &he 4ni;e ** &om #at shr:77e". ?? &ime to stri9eG?? repeate" Fran9. ?? 0 "on?t li9e that.D D2o:n"s li9e tro:ble8D a7ree" 2i"ne- Pebbles serio:sl-. D#hat "o -o: thin9 it meansFD D3a" has been wor9in7 on a case ;or /rrin 1orth8D @oe explaine". D0 can?t ima7ine wh- an- Chinaman sho:l" be intereste"8 however.D D2ome Chinaman is ver- m:ch intereste"8 that?s clear8D "eclare" Pebbles. D0?" a"vise -o: chaps to be on -o:r 7:ar".D DA7ainst whomFD sai" @oe. D&hat?s the H:estion. 6o: "on?t 9now what it?s all abo:t.D DBa" ;ella8D 7r:nte" &om #at s:""enl-. He thr:st the note o:t an" pointe" to a tin- mar9 in in9 in the lower le;t-han" corner.

D#hat "oes that meanFD as9e" Fran9. D.e savv-8D sai" &om m-sterio:sl-. DBa" ;ella come -o:r place.D D0 wish we 9new what case o:r ;ather was wor9in7 on ;or .r. 1orth8D m:ttere" @oe. D#e?re H:ite in the "ar9 now.D D.r. 1orth won?t tell -o:FD s:77este" Pebbles. D0 har"l- thin9 so. He "i"n?t vol:nteer an- in;ormation an-wa-. #hen this other Pebbles "isappeare" ;rom o:r ho:se some papers vanishe" at the same time an" 0 thin9 thewere in;ormation in the 1orth case.D 100 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D&hen he too9 them8D sai" Pebbles "ecisivel-. D#e?re not s:re.D @oe explaine" ;:rther abo:t A:nt >ertr:"e?s "ream abo:t the Chinaman8 an" the circ:mstances o; the stran7e ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow. D&his note opens :p a new an7le8 -o: see. A:nt >ertr:"e ma- not have been "reamin7. &here ma- have been a real Chinaman in the ho:se.D 2i"ne- Pebbles whistle" so;tl-. D0t?s too "eep ;or me8D he a"mitte". At that moment there was a startlin7 interr:ption. A c:rio:s r:stlin7 amon7 the leaves o; the trees was ;ollowe" b- a whirrin7 so:n". 2omethin7 bri7ht an" 7leamin7 ;lashe" in the s:n. &om #at :ttere" a startle" cr-8 an" leape" bac98 E:st as a 7leamin7 obEect whiBBe" thro:7h the air an" b:rie" itsel; in the 7ro:n" at his ;eet. For a moment the bo-s were ":mb;o:n"e". &hen Fran9 spran7 ;orwar"8 snatchin7 :p the obEect H:iverin7 in the earth. 0t was a 9ni;e8 a lon78 sharp8 evil-loo9in7 9ni;e. Ha" &om #at ;aile" to leap bac9 in the nic9 o; time the bla"e wo:l" have str:c9 him with terri;ic ;orce. D#ho threw thatFD sho:te" 2i"ne- Pebbles. &om #at was white with ;ear. He co:l" not spea9. #ith a tremblin7 ;in7er he pointe" towar" the b:shes. Fran9 an" @oe wheele" an" &he 4ni;e 101 spran7 towar" the shr:bber-. &he- crashe" into the :n"er7rowth in the "irection ;rom which the 9ni;e ha" come8 an" ca:7ht si7ht o; a "artin7 sha"ow amon7 the trees. DA;ter himGD he sho:te". &he sha"ow vanishe" as swi;tl- an" as m-sterio:sl- as it ha" appeare". &ho:7h the bo-s ran towar" the place with all possible spee"8 the;o:n" no one. D>o that wa-8 @oeGD :r7e" Fran98 7est:rin7 towar" the le;t. D0?ll ta9e this si"e o; the b:sh. D#e?ll 7et him8 b:t be care;:l.D &he- separate" an" went crashin7 thro:7h the heav- 7rowth. 0n the "istance Fran9 hear" the H:ic9 snappin7 o; twi7s8 an" ;ollowe" the so:n". He emer7e" :pon a narrow-trail8 at the en" o; which was a tinclearin7. &he openin78 ;or the moment8 was "eserte". &hen8 o:t o; the "ense screen o; leaves8 emer7e" a man. He came o:t H:ite silentl-. 2carcel- a branch stirre" in his wa9e. He spe" across the space8 pl:n7e" into the b:shes on the other si"e an" was 7one. Fran9 ha" no more than a ;leetin7 7limpse o; his -ellow8 evil ;ace8 b:t that was eno:7h. D5o:ie Fon7GD he 7aspe". He ran "own the trail an" entere" the clearin7. &here he pa:se" an" listene"8 hopin7 to hear some so:n" o; the ;:7itive?s ;li7ht. He hear" nothin7 b:t a 7reat crashin7 in the 102 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow b:shes abo:t a h:n"re" -ar"s awa-8 in"icatin7 the presence o; @oe. Fran9 thr:st asi"e the :n"er7rowth where he ha" last seen the Chinaman8 an" ;ollowe"8 b:t he hear" no ;:rther so:n". He searche" the b:shes

thoro:7hl-. A;ter a while he was Eoine" b- his brother. DCan?t ;in" a si7n o; him8D pante" @oe. D0 saw him8D sai" Fran9. DHe was too H:ic9 ;or me8 tho:7h. 0 thin9 we?ve lost him.D D6o: saw himG #o:l" -o: 9now him a7ainF #hat "i" he loo9 li9eFD D0t was 5o:ie Fon7GD @oe was asto:n"e". DAre -o: s:reFD D5o:ie Fon7 or his "o:ble. 0 ca:7ht onl- a 7limpse o; him b:t 0 "on?t thin9 0?m mista9en.D &he bo-s res:me" their search8 b:t a;ter ten min:tes? ;r:itless h:nt thro:7h the br:sh thewere obli7e" to a"mit "e;eat. 5o:ie Fon7-i; it ha" reall- been the Chinaman-ha" 7iven them the slip. &he- ret:rne" to the place where theha" le;t &om #at an" 2i"nePebbles. &he ;ormer was sha9in7 with ;ear. His ;ace was 7ra-. He was ;ran9l- terri;ie". His narrow escape ;rom "eath ha" le;t him completelsha9en an" :nnerve". DBo-GD exclaime" Pebbles. DAnother inch &he 4ni;e 10, an" we?" have ha" a corpse on o:r han"s. Co:l"n?t -o: catch the ;ellowFD Fran9 shoo9 his hea". D0 saw him b:t he 7ot awa-.D &om #at cl:tche" ea7erl- at his sleeve. D6o: see himF #hoFD D0 thin9 it was 5o:ie Fon7.D &om #at 7roane". He covere" his ;ace with his tremblin7 han"s. D1o 7oo". 1o 7oo"8D he m:ttere". DA!ee samee "ea" man now.D D6o:?re not "ea" -et8D sai" Pebbles. D3o -o: mean to sa- this 5o:ie Fon7 is tr-in7 to 9ill -o:FD DAlmost 9illee me on "oc98D moane" &om #at. D1ext time him ma9ee s:re.D DB:t wh-FD "eman"e" Fran9. D#hat has 5o:ie Fon7 a7ainst -o:FD D1o can tal9. Him enem-. Him 9illee me next time. 2h:t me :p.D DHe is 7oin7 to 9ill -o: to sh:t -o: :p so -o: won?t tal9 an- moreFD &om #at no""e"8 tremblin7. 2i"ne- Pebbles shr:77e" his sho:l"ers. D&hat?s nonsense. >o tell the police. &ell them he threw a 9ni;e at -o:. &he-?ll ;ix him in a h:rr-.D D5o:ie Fon7 in Eailee8 me "ie allee samee. 5o:ie Fon7 man come ?lon7 some ni7ht. &om #at "ie.D 10= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow &he little Chinaman seeme" convince" that there was no hope ;or him. %ven 5o:ie Fon7?s arrest wo:l" not save him ;rom reven7e an" "eath at the han"s o; the lea"ers8 an" a cr:el8 heartless "eath it wo:l" he. D0 thin9 -o: o:7ht to tell the police8D a"vise" Fran9 serio:sl-. &om #at wo:l" not hear o; this. He shoo9 his hea" a7ain. DChinabo- no tellee police8D he "eclare". D1o 7oo". Ca:se plenttlo:ble.D D6o: seem to he in ;or plent- o; tro:ble an-wa- i; there?s a ;ellow on -o:r trail with a 9ni;e8 that?s all 0 can sa-8D remar9e" Pebbles. DAn" a "o78 tooGD he exclaime" as a s:""en tho:7ht str:c9 him. D0?ll bet that animal belon7e" to 5o:ie Fon7. 0t was -o: the "o7 was a;ter.D D.ebbe8D ret:rne" &om #at in a s:b":e"8 colorless voice. D#ell8D sai" Fran98 Dwe?re not 7oin7 to "esert -o:8 that?s certain. #e?" li9e to 9now more abo:t this 5o:ie Fon78 too.D &om #at?s ;ace bri7htene". D6o: help meFD

D/; co:rse we will.D DPersonall-8D observe" 2i"ne- Pebbles8 D0 thin9 -o:?re lettin7 -o:rsel; in ;or a lot o; 7rie;. Chinese ;e:"s are 7oo" thin7s to leave alone.D CHAP&%$ '0A &H% 302>!02% little "i" the impet:o:s Har"- bo-s realiBe to what len7ths thewo:l" have to 7o to ;:l;ill their promise to &om #at. &heha" 7iven their wor" to help the ;ri7htene" Chinaman a7ainst 5o:ie Fon7 an" his crow"8 b:t as -et the- "i" not realiBe the extent o; their tas9. D#here "o -o: liveFD sai" Fran9. DAre Oo: still wor9in7 in Ba-portGD D1o wor9ee in Ba-port now8D ret:rne" &om #at. D5o:ie Fon7 catchee me.D D6o: can?t 7o bac9 to -o:r ol" EobFD &om #at was ;irm on this point. 1othin7 wo:l" in":ce him to ret:rn to his ol" place in the cit-. 0; he showe" himsel; at his ;ormer ha:nts8 he tol" them8 he wo:l" be "ea" within twent--;o:r ho:rs. D&hen where "o -o: plan to 7oFD &he Chinaman sai" he "i" not 9now. DHe ha" better come with :s8D @oe s:77este". D#e can hi"e him at o:r ho:se.D DAn" i; 5o:ie Fon7 catches him there8D remar9e" 2i"ne- Pebbles8 D-o:r home will be 10< 10) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow t:rne" into a ;ine imitation o; a battle;iel". 6o:?ll be "o"7in7 ;l-in7 9nives an" b:llets ;rom mornin7 :ntil ni7ht.D D&here?s onlone answer to that8D ret:rne" @oe. D5o:ie Fon7 m:stn?t 9now he is sta-in7 with :s.D D5o:ie Fon7 ;in" o:t some wa-8D m:ttere" the little Chinaman. D#e?ll "is7:ise -o:8D sai" Fran9. 2i"ne- Pebbles la:7he". D&hat?s an i"ea. >et him a pair o; 7reen 7o77les an" a lon7 white bear".D @oe re7ar"e" the Chinaman solemnl- ;or a moment. D>reen 7o77les8 nothin78D he sai" s:""enl-. D#e can "ress him :p as a 7irl. He?s E:st the t-pe.D &om #at too9 alarm at this s:77estion. He shoo9 his hea" violentl-. D1o "lessee me :p allee samee li9e 7irl8D he obEecte". D1o li9ee.D D#ell8 what are -o: 7oin7 to "oFD as9e" 2i"ne- Pebbles. D0; -o: 7o bac9 to Ba-port as -o: are now 5o:ie Fon7 will ;in" -o: an" that will be -o:r ;inish.D &he Chinaman shivere". D&hese bo-s will ta9e -o: to their home an" hi"e -o: there. 6o: won?t have to sta- "resse" as a 7irl all the time. As it is8 -o: haven?t anplace to 7o now.D &he 3is7:ise 10+ D1o place to 7o8D sai" &om #at sorrow;:ll-. D#ill -o: "o itFD as9e" Fran9. D#e?ll loo9 a;ter -o:. &here?s an extra room at o:r ho:se an" -o:?ll be H:ite com;ortable.D DAllee li7ht8D a7ree" &om #at. DB:t where are we 7oin7 to 7et clothes ;or him i; we?re 7oin7 to "ress him :p as a 7irlGD as9e" @oe. D&hat?s a problem8D Fran9 a"mitte". At this point 2i"ne- Pebbles came to their assistance. D#e have a ;ew mai"s wor9in7 at ?5antern 5an"8? D he sai". D&he-?ll be 7la" to help. Come to thin9 o; it8 there is one 7irl who is E:st abo:t &om #at?s siBe. Come alon7 an" 0?ll see what she can "o ;or :s.D &he- le;t the shelter o; the trees8 crosse" the roa" an" went into the

co:rt-ar". &om #at loo9e" apprehensivel- ;rom si"e to si"e8 evi"entla;rai" that the villaino:s 5o:ie Fon7 mi7ht still be han7in7 abo:t. 2i"ne- Pebbles8 however8 set his ;ears at rest. D5o:ie Fon7 is probabl- hal;wa- bac9 to Ba-port b- now8D he sai". DHe isn?t ta9in7 anchances on bein7 ca:7ht an" arreste" ;or throwin7 that 9ni;e.D He le" them to the si"e entrance o; the roa"-ho:se an" thewent in. Passin7 thro:7h a corri"or the- emer7e" into a h:7e main room 10( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow with a shimmerin7 "ance ;loor. A prett- 7irl was ":stin7 ;:rnit:re. DHello8 @ean8D sai" Pebbles as the -o:n7 woman loo9e" :p an" smile" at them. DHow?s -o:r war"robeFD D.- war"robeGD as9e" the 7irl8 p:BBle". D#h- 2i"ne-8 -o: 9now ver- well that the wa7es 0 7et here won?t let me "ress li9e the P:een o; 2heba.D DHave -o: an extra o:t;it -o:?" li9e to sellFD D#e?ll b:- -o: a new one8D vol:nteere" Fran9 H:ic9l-. D1o 7irl wo:l" miss a chance o; 7ettin7 a new o:t;it8D sai" @ean8 "implin7. D#hat sort o; clothes "o -o: wantFD D@:st a plain "ress8 shoes8 sil9 stoc9in7s an" a hat8D sai" Pebbles. D/:r ;rien" here8D an" he in"icate" &om #at8 Dhas "eci"e" that he?" li9e to "ress :p as a 7irl.D @ean loo9e" at the wretche" Chinaman an" then she be7an to 7i77le. D6o: aren?t Eo9in78 are -o:FD D/; co:rse we?re not Eo9in78D ret:rne" 2i"ne- Pebbles. D0; -o: have an o:t;it -o:?" li9e to 7et ri" o;8 han" it over an" -o:?ll be savin7 a h:man li;e. &his poor chap has an enem- an" we want to 7et him o:t o; here in "is7:ise.D @ean became serio:s. D0?ll see what 0 can ;in" in m- room.D &he 7irl h:rrie" awa-. &he 3is7:ise 10* D1o li9ee8D m:ttere" &om #at. D1o li9ee "lessee :p allee samee 7irl.D DB- the time we 7et thro:7h with -o:8D promise" 2i"ne-8 D-o: won?t 9now -o:rsel; in the mirror. A little to:ch o; ro:7e8 pow"er an" lipstic9 an" we?ll ma9e a new man o; -o:. A new 7irl8 0 mean.D @ean ret:rne" in a ;ew min:tes with the8 "ress an" other articles o; apparel. D0 thin9 these o:7ht to ;it8D she sai". DHe ma- tr- them on8 an-wa-.D DCome alon78 &om8D sai" 2i"ne- Pebbles8 D6o: ma- :se m- room ;or the H:ic9 chan7e act.D $el:ctantl- the Chinaman ;ollowe" them to a room on the secon" ;loor. 2i"ne- tosse" the clothes on the be". D#e?ll wait ;or -o:.D &he bo-s with"rew8 leavin7 &om #at loo9in7 ":bio:sl- at the 7arments. &he- waite" in the hall an" listene" to the s:b":e" 7r:nts an" m:tterin7s ;rom be-on" the "oor. &he mai"8 @ean8 came :pstairs abo:t ten min:tes later8 E:st as &om #at 9noc9e" timi"l- on the "oor to si7ni;- that he was rea"-. DCome on o:t an" let?s have a loo9 at -o:8D sai" Pebbles. &he "oor opene". A weir" obEect appeare". &om #at ha" "one his best b:t he was H:ite conscio:s that his best was not 7oo" eno:7h. 110 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow &he "ress8 in the ;irst place8 was on bac9war"s. He ha" trie" to reme"this "e;ect b- hitchin7 :p the s9irt with a h:7e sa;et- pin. .o"estlhe ha" not remove" his tro:sers an" the sil9 stoc9in7s were "rawn over the tro:ser le7s in a ba77- an" shapeless manner. He tottere" on the hi7h heels o; the shoes an" the hat was awr-.

D1o li9ee8D he m:ttere". &he 7irl b:rst into a shrie9 o; la:7hter. A moment later she was Eoine" b- 2i"ne- Pebbles an" the Har"- bo-s. &he- roare" with mirth. &om #at 7lare" at them. D1o Eo9eeGD he sai". D/h8 it?s too ;:nn-GD 7aspe" the 7irl. DHe has ever-thin7 on wron7.D An el"erl-8 near-si7hte" chambermai" came "own the hall at that moment. C:rio:sl- she a"vance" towar" them8 too9 one loo9 at &om #at8 stare" an" sai": D.erc-G 0t?s a ;emale tramp 1 .r. Pebbles8 7et that woman o:t o; this place at once.D 2i"ne- Pebbles controlle" his mirth. D>o bac9 in there an" tr- a7ain8D he sai" to &om #at. D6o: "on?t wear sil9 stoc9in7s over -o:r tro:sers. &a9e the pants o;;. An" -o: have the "ress on bac9war".D &he chambermai" shrie9e" an" ;le". @ean became h-sterical. &om #at8 7r:mblin78 went bac9 into the room an" slamme" the "oor. &he 3is7:ise 111 D0?ll 7o an" len" him a han"8D sai" Fran9. A little later8 when he emer7e" with &om D#at a7ain8 the "is7:ise was more than passable. &he "ress ;itte" his sli7ht ;i7:re per;ectl-8 the hat "roope" co-l- over one e-e an" the stoc9in7s were trim an" neat. @ean clappe" her han"s. D#h-8 that?s simpl- per;ectGD she exclaime". D1ow a little to:ch o; ma9e-:p-----D 2he ;le" towar" her own room an" ret:rne" H:ic9l- with pow"er8 ro:7e an" lipstic9. 2he a"vance" :pon the embarrasse" &om #at. D1o li9ee. 1o li9ee8D he sai" hastil-8 bac9in7 awa-. Fran9 an" @oe snic9ere". D#hether -o: li9e it or not -o:?re 7oin7 to be "is7:ise" properl-8D sai" the 7irl ;irml- as she 7raspe" his chin. DHol" still8 now.D %xpertl- she "abbe" ro:7e an" pow"er on his chee9s8 applie" lipstic98 pencille" his e-ebrows an" then stoo" bac9 to s:rve- her han"iwor9. D&hereGD she anno:nce" pro:"l-. D#hat "o -o: thin9 o; him nowFD DHe?s a 9noc9o:tGD exclaime" 2i"ne- Pebbles E:bilantl-. An" to tell the tr:th8 it wo:l" have ta9en more than a secon" 7lance to penetrate &om #at?s "is7:ise. He stoo" be;ore them as a neat8 sh- an" rather prett- 7irl8 his "elicate 112 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow ;eat:res an" clear complexion a""in7 to the e;;ect. @ean was enth:siastic. DHe co:l" 7o on the sta7e. &hat ma9e-:p wo:l" ;ool an-one8D she sai". D0t sho:l" ;ool 5o:ie Fon78 at an- rate8D remar9e" @oe. D1ow let?s 7et bac9 to Ba-port.D 0n the ;ace o; all this approval &om #at lost some o; his resentment a7ainst his chan7e" appearance. He went bac9 into the room8 re7ar"e" himsel; criticall- in the mirror8 an" then smile". DHow 0 wal9FD he inH:ire" in a hi7h voice. D5i9ee thisFD An" he trippe" "aintil- across the room in an excellent imitation o; a 7irlish wal9. D6o:?ll "o8D 7rinne" Pebbles. D6o:?ll 7et awa- with it as lon7 as -o: "on?t tal9 too m:ch. An" -o: m:stn?t ;or7et to 7i77le ever- ;ew min:tes8 ;or no reason at all8 an" pow"er -o:r nose whenever -o: see a mirror.D &he bo-s than9e" @ean ;or her assistance an" promise" to replace the borrowe" clothin7 with a new o:t;it as soon as theco:l" ma9e the necessar- p:rchases in Ba-port. D/n one con"ition8D 2i"ne- Pebbles remin"e" her.

D#hat is thatFD she inH:ire". D6o:?re to ;or7et all abo:t this. 6o: "on?t remember that a Chinaman ever came in here &he 3is7:ise 11, tliis mornin7 or that -o: ever helpe" "ress him :p as a 7irl.D D0 won?t breathe a wor" o; it8D she promise". D>oo".D &he- went "ownstairs an" le;t the roa"ho:se. /:t in the co:rt-ar" 2i"ne- Pebbles 7ave &om #at a ;inal inspection an" "eclare" that he wo:l" pass ;or a 7irl in an- compan-. D6o: chaps ha" better 9eep in to:ch with me8D he sai" to the Har"bo-s. D0; 0 can help -o: at all 0?ll be 7la" to "o so. An" besi"es8 0?m c:rio:s to 9now more abo:t this chap who is :sin7 m- name.D DAn" -o:r ;ace8D la:7he" @oe. D&he ;ace is probabl- his own b:t it?s "ollars to "o:7hn:ts that the name isn?t. 0; he is 7oin7 aro:n" robbin7 people?s ho:ses 0?ll ;in" m-sel; in Eail b- mista9e i; he isn?t stoppe".D D#e?ll let -o: 9now i; we hear an-thin7 more abo:t him8D sai" Fran9. &he- sai" 7oo"b-e to their new ;rien" an" went "own the roa" with &om #at8 who "i" not appear at all cheer;:l in his :nacc:stome" 7arb. Bthe time the- reache" the roa"ster8 however8 the bo-s ha" pers:a"e" him that it was ;ar better to en":re a little inconvenience an" remain alive than to co:rt "eath at the han"s o; 5o:ie Fon7 an" his 7an7. CHAP&%$ 'A &H% 2%C$%& >!%2& D0?. Eealo:s8D sai" Callie 2haw. D2o am 08D a""e" &ola .orton. DAn" 08D remar9e" Chet .orton8 Dam 7oin7 to ta9e -o: two la"s to tas9 ;or hol"in7 o:t on me.D Fran9 an" @oe trie" to loo9 innocent. 0t was earl- that a;ternoon8 a;ter &om #at ha" been H:ietl- sm:77le" into the Har"- home an" thewere "rivin7 "own Hi7h 2treet8 when their ;rien"s calle" to them ;rom the si"ewal9. Callie 2haw8 a prett-8 brown-e-e" 7irl whom Fran9 partic:larl- a"mire" was a close ;rien" o; lola .orton8 Chet?s sister. Altho:7h @oe Har"was never 9nown to pa- an- special attention to 7irls it was well 9nown that he was willin7 to conce"e that lola was Dall ri7ht -as a 7irl.D &his8 ;rom @oe8 almost amo:nte" to ;latter-. D3o -o: :n"erstan"FD la:7he" Callie8 loo9in7 at Fran9. D0 repeat that 0?m Eealo:s.D D.e too8D "eclare" lola8 loo9in7 at @oe. D6o:?re both in wron78D ch:c9le" Chet. 11= &he 2ecret >:est 11< DCome on. &ell :s all abo:t it. #ho is the new 7irl ;rien" an" whose partic:lar 7irl ;rien" is sheFD D#hat 7irl ;rien"FD as9e" Fran9. D1o :se preten"in7 -o: "on?t 9now what we?re tal9in7 abo:t. &he 7irls 9now all abo:t it so -o: ma- as well ?;ess :p. #ho was the swellloo9in7 7irl -o: two were "rivin7 with this mornin7FD D#ho sai" we were "rivin7 with a swell-loo9in7 7irlFD as9e" @oe. D0 sai" so8D ret:rne" Chet. DAn" 0 repeat it. As a matter o; ;act8 0 saw -o:. 0 nearl- t:mble" o;; m- motorc-cle. #ho is she8 an-wa- & Co:l"n?t -o: 7ive a ;ellow an intro":ctionF 1ew 7irl in townFD D2orr-8D sai" Fran9 airil-8 Db:t she?s ver- partic:lar abo:t the compan- she 9eeps.D D/hGD exclaime" Chet. D2he?s ver- partic:lar abo:t the compan- she

9eeps8 ehF #ell8 wellG #hat "oes she mean b- 7oin7 "rivin7 with -o: two8 thenFD D&hat?s ri7ht8 Chet8D la:7he" lola. D3on?t let them bl:;; -o:.D D#ell-as a matter o; ;act8D explaine" @oe8 Dshe was with :s-sort o; bacci"ent.D D0t "i"n?t loo9 m:ch li9e an acci"ent to me8D sai" Chet. D&here she was8 sittin7 ri7ht between the pair o; -o:8 as i; she?" 9nown -o: ;or -ears.D 11) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D#hat?s her name8 Fran9FD as9e" Callie. L0-0 "on?t 9now8D st:ttere" Fran9. He co:l" not ver- well explain that the m-sterio:s ;rien"?s name was &om #at. An" neither o; the bo-s ha" tho:7ht o; a s:itable 7irl?s name ;or their "is7:ise" 7:est. L? 6o: "on?t 9nowG?? sco;;e" Chet. L? &ell that to the marines. #h-8 -o: too9 her ri7ht into -o:r ho:se. #ho is she8 @oeFD @oe rac9e" his brains ;or a s:itable name to bestow on &om #at b:t he co:l" thin9 o; nothin7. D#hat?s her name8 @oeFD :r7e" lola. D#at8D bl:rte" @oe. D0 sai" ?#hat?s her nameF? D repeate" lola. DAn" 0 sai" ?#at8? D replie" @oe. D0 9now -o: "i". Co:l"n?t -on hear me& #hat?s her nameFD DHer name8D sai" @oe "esperatel-8 Dis #at. .iss #at.D D/h8 0 see. .iss #atFD D.iss whatFD "eman"e" Chet. D6es8D sai" @oe. Chet ;rowne". D#hich one o; :s is craB- nowFD he inH:ire". D0 sai"8 ?.iss whatF? D DAn" 0 sai" ?-es8? D sho:te" @oe. D&hat?s no answer to a civil H:estion.D Chet 7rowle". D&he 7irl?s name8D lola in;orme" him eweetl-8 Dis .iss #at.D &he 2ecret >:est D K 11+ D/hGD sai" Chet. D1ow we 9now what?s what.D DAn-thin7 elseFD inH:ire" Fran9. D2a-8 loo9 here8D obEecte" Chet8 Dit seems to me that -o: two are hol"in7 o:t a secret on :s. 0?" li9e to 9now more abo:t this m-sterio:s .iss #at.D D2o sa- we all8D a""e" >allic 2haw. D#e?ll be late ;or o:r en7a7ement8D observe" @oe8 ;or he saw that this ar7:ment mi7ht lea" to complications. D2orr-. A;rai" we m:st be 7oin7.D D2orr-GD chante" Fran98 an" the roa"ster l:rche" awa-. Chet 7lare" a;ter them. D#e "i"n?t 7et m:ch satis;action8 "i" weGD la:7he" Callie. D&he- "on?t seem incline" to tal9 abo:t their new ;rien".D D0 scent a m-ster- here8D sai" Chet. DAn" when Chet .orton scents a m-ster- he "oesn?t rest :ntil he has solve" it.D &he Har"- bo-s were not wholl- at ease as the- "rove awa- ;rom their ;rien"s. &he- realiBe"8 however8 that i; theha" sta-e" the- mi7ht have let slip some vital in;ormation. &he- 9new Chet?s remorseless metho" o; H:estionin7. 2o ;ar their secret ha" been well 9ept. 1either 1:rse Co"- nor A:nt >ertr:"e 9new o; the presence o; the Chinaman on the thir" ;loor o; the Har"- home. A:ntO >ertr:"e wo:l" 11( FcntpErints !n"er the #in"ow have certainl- s:;;ere" a relapse ha" she 9nown o; the extra 7:est. &om #at ha" been hi""en in the "rawin7-room while @oe ha" l:re" 1:rse Co"to the 9itchen on the pretext o; ma9in7 :p a 7rocer- or"er. Fran9 ha" then h:stle" the ;ri7htene" &om D#at :p the stairs. A:nt >ertr:"e was

asleep at the time. 2a;e in his thir"-;loor room &om D#at ha" been provi"e" with a ;ew san"wiches an" tol" to ma9e himsel; com;ortable. &he bo-s were now on their wa- to see9 another interview with /rrin 1orth in 5a9esi"e. &he- were in hopes that the ship owner mi7ht tell them somethin7 o; the case on which Fenton Har"- ha" been wor9in7. D0; he wo:l" onl- tell :s8D sai" Fran98 Dwe mi7ht be able to "o somethin7. &hin7s mabe in a terrible mess b- the time 3a" 7ets bac9.D D0 thin9 the-?re in a ba" mess ri7ht now8D sai" @oe. D2omehow8 0 have a ;eelin7 that 5o:ie Fon7 is at the bottom o; the whole b:siness.D #hen the- reache" 5a9esi"e the- "rove at once to /rrin 1orth?s o;;ice. #hen the- inH:ire" ;or the ship owner8 however8 the cler9 in the o:ter room shoo9 his hea". ?? He?s awa- ;or the a;ternoon. 6o: won?t be able to see him :ntil tomorrow mornin7.D &he bo-s were "isappointe". &he 2ecret >:est 11* D3i" he leave townFD as9e" Fran9. D/h8 no. He went to the ball 7ame.D D&hen we mi7ht be able to ;in" him there.D D2tran7er thin7s have happene"8D replie" the cler98 with the air o; one who has E:st sai" somethin7 ver- smart. &he- "rove o:t to the ball par9. &he 7ame ha" alrea"- starte" ;or theco:l" hear a roar o; cheers ;rom be-on" the hi7h boar" ;ence that encircle" the 7ro:n"s. ?? 2hall we 7o in FD as9e" Fran9 as he bro:7ht the car to a stop. D#e?ll have a har" time ;in"in7 him in that crow"8D sai" @oe. DPerhaps we?" better wait :ntil the 7ame is over.D D&hat won?t be ;or a co:ple o; ho:rs. 0; .r. 1orth is a baseball ;an perhaps he has a season tic9et. 0?ll as9 one o; the 7atemen.D &he 5a9esi"e ball par9 was not ver- lar7e an" the town was not a verbi7 one. 0t was more than probable8 re;lecte" Fran98 that the 7ateman wo:l" 9now exactl- where /rrin 1orth was sittin7. He 7ot o:t o; the car an" went over to the entrance. D0s .r. 1orth at the 7ameFD he inH:ire". D#henever there is a 7ame8D ret:rne" the atten"ant8 D-o: can be s:re /rrin 1orth is here. 6es8 he E:st came in a ;ew min:tes a7o.D D3oes he alwa-s ta9e the same seatGD &he man shoo9 his hea". 120 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D1o reserve" seats in this place8 sonn-8D he replie". DB:t 0 can tell -o: where .r. 1orth can be ;o:n". He?s ri7ht in the top row at the so:th si"e o; the ;iel". 0; -o: wal9 alon7 o:tsi"e the ;ence -o:?ll be able to see him.Better b:- a tic9et an" come in.D ?D0?ll see what m- brother thin9s abo:t it.D Fran9 ret:rne" to the car an" tol" @oe what the 7ateman ha" sai". D1o nee" o; 7oin7 in i; we can see him ;rom o:tsi"e the ;ence. #e?ll save a "ollar. #e can call to him an" ma-be he?ll come o:t ;or a ;ew min:tes.D &he- 7ot o:t o; their a:tomobile an" wal9e" alon7 beneath the boar" ;ence towar" the so:th si"e o; the ball par9. &he- co:l" plainl- see the hea"s an" sho:l"ers o; spectators above the top o; the ;ence. D0; he is in the top row o; seats we can?t miss him8D sai" Fran9. &he- reache" the so:th si"e o; the par9 an" as the- wal9e" alon7 thecare;:ll- scanne" the row o; bac9s above them. %ver- once in a while theco:l" hear the crac9 o; ball a7ainst bat8 an" the roar o; cheers that p:nct:ate the pro7ress o; ever- 7ame. D&here he is8D sai" @oe s:""enl-. D@:st ahea" o; :s. 0n the 7ra- s:it

an" straw hat.D &here was no mista9in7 the heav- sho:l"ers an" b:llet-li9e hea" o; /rrin 1orth. He was &he 2ecret >:est 121 chewin7 at a ci7ar. Besi"e him sat a man in a cap an" a lo:" chec9 s:it. &he pair were in earnest conversation an" were apparentl- pa-in7 no attention to the ball 7ame. 2tan"in7 at the bottom o; the ;ence8 a ;ew ;eet below /rrin 1orth an" his ;rien"8 the bo-s were :n"eci"e" as to their next move. &he- "i" not care to interr:pt the ship owner?s conversation. DBetter wait :ntil the-?ve ;inishe" their chat8?? Fran9 s:77este". ?? &hen we ?11 sho:t :p to him.D 0t was soon obvio:s that the conversation between 1orth an" his ;rien" was no cas:al a;;air. &hen one wor"8 spo9en b- the stran7er in a tone that carrie" clearl- to the bo-s beneath the ;ence8 electri;ie" the -o:n7 listeners. &he wor" was DHar"-.D Fran9 an" @oe were s:rprise". &his conversation8 then8 ha" somethin7 to "o with them or with their ;ather. 2o ;ar theha" ma"e no e;;ort to overhear what 1orth an" his ;rien" were sa-in7. 1ow thewere intereste". PresR entl- the ship owner remar9e" in a harsh voice: DHar"-F #h- bother abo:t himF He?s no 7oo". He is o:t o; town.D &he other man sai" somethin7 which the bo-s co:l" not catch. D>oo" "etectiveFD snappe" 1orth impatientl-. D0 "on?t believe it. #h-8 even those 122 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow Chinese robbe" his place. #h- pa- him;or .s wor9FD /rrin 1orth evi"entl- realiBe" E:st then that he ha" been spea9in7 too lo:"l- ;or he lowere" his voice an" the pair res:me" their conversation in tones that were ina:"ible to the Har"- bo-s. A;ter a while thet:rne" their attention to the ball 7ame. B- common consent Fran9 an" @oe with"rew. D0 "on?t thin9 we?" better tal9 to .r. 1orth to"a-8D "eci"e" Fran9. D1ot :ntil we learn more abo:t him8D a7ree" @oe. D0 never "i" tr:st that ;ellow8 an-wa-.D CHAP&%% 'A0 &H% 2&$A1>% 2P6 moee than ever now the Har"- bo-s were convince" that the- m:st ta9e the lea" i; thewere to protect their ;ather?s interests. &he ;ra7ment o; conversation theha" overhear" at the ball par9 ha" not ten"e" to increase their con;i"ence in /rrin 1orth. #hen the- ret:rne" home that a;ternoon thewent ea7erl- to the mail-box in the hope that a letter mi7ht have arrive" ;rom their parents. B:t thewere "isappointe". D#e?ll E:st have to carr- on :ntil he comes bac98D sai" Fran9. D#e?re wor9in7 in the "ar98 worse l:c9.D D0 thin9 we were wise in leavin7 the ball par9. 0; 1orth 9new we were o:t there this a;ternoon he mi7ht s:spect that we ha" overhear" him.D D#e?re on o:r 7:ar" a7ainst him now. 0 thin9 it wo:l" be a 7oo" i"ea to see him8 E:st the same8 as we ha" planne".D D#e mi7ht 7et some in;ormation8D a7ree" @oe. D#hat "o -o: sa- we 7o o:t toni7htFD 12, 12= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow DAH ri7ht with me. 5et?s 7o :p ;irst an" see how &om #at is 7ettin7 alon7. He m:st be lonesome.D &he- went :pstairs. 0n the hallwa- the- met 1:rse Co"-. DHow is A:nt >ertr:"eFD the- inH:ire".

D1ot m:ch better b:t she?s certainl- no worse8D sai" .rs. Co"-. DBest an" H:iet is all she nee"s. Her nerves are all :pset8 poor thin7. An" 0?m not s:rprise". 0?m be7innin7 to won"er i; m- own nerves are all that the- sho:l" be.D D#h- is thatFD as9e" Fran9. 1:rse Co"- ;rowne" an" pointe" to the ceilin7. D1oisesGD D#h--what sort o; noisesFD sai" @oe. DP:eer noises. @:st as i; someone was prowlin7 aro:n" :p there.D DHow co:l" there be an-one :pstairsFD la:7he" Fran98 ill at ease lest 1:rse Co"- sho:l" ta9e it into her hea" to investi7ate. D3i" -o: 7o :p an" loo9 aro:n"FD D 1ot meGD replie" the n:rse promptl-. ?? .- Eob is to atten" to mpatient. B:t 0?m s:re 0?ve hear" noises :p there this a;ternoon. 1ot a so:n" "i" 0 hear all mornin7 b:t this a;ternoon 0?ve ha" a H:eer ;eelin? that there?s somebo"- :p there.D D0n that case8D sai" @oe8 Dwe?ll 7o :p o:rD &he 2tran7e 2p- 12< selves. 0; there?s a b:r7lar in tlie ho:se well ro:t him o:t.D D1ow "o be care;:lGD she :r7e" nervo:sl-. D3on?t worr-8D the- ass:re" her. D#e?ll loo9 a;ter o:rselves.D &he- went on :p to the thir" ;loor. 0n his room the- ;o:n" &om #at l-in7 on his be"8 ;ast asleep. He ha" ta9en o;; the 7irl?s clothes an" was now in his or"inar- attire. He awa9ene" when the- entere" the room. D#hatamallaFD he whispere". D%ver-thin7 is ;ine8D replie" Fran9 H:ietl-. DHow are -o: 7ettin7 alon7FD D>oo". Aell- H:iet.D DBetter be care;:l when -o:?re wal9in7 aro:n" :p here. &he n:rse hear" -o:. &a9e -o:r shoes o;; an" wal9 in -o:r soc9 ;eet. H:n7r-FD D1ot -et.D D#e?ll sm:77le some ;oo" :p at s:pper time.D D6o: see 5o:ie Fon7FD as9e" the Chinaman anxio:sl-. D1o8 we haven?t seen him. 3on?t worr- abo:t 5o:ie Fon7. 6o:?re H:ite sa;e here.D &he- went "ownstairs a7ain. D1o b:r7lars :p there8D the- ass:re" .rs. Co"- tr:th;:ll-. D6o: can set -o:r min" at Eest.D D#ell8 0?m 7la" to hear it8D replie" the 7oo" 12) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow woman. D0t m:st have been m- ima7ination b:t 0 was s:re 0 hear" somebo"- movin? abo:t. 6o: co:l"n?t 7et me to 7o :p there ;or a million "ollars.D &he bo-s were 7la" to hear that8 altho:7h the- "i" not sa- so. 0t meant that &om #at was sa;e ;rom "iscover-. &hat evenin7 thewere permitte" to see A:nt >ertr:"e ;or a ;ew min:tes. 2he still loo9e" pale an" tire" b:t she ha" reste" well ":rin7 the "a- an" the la"s were satis;ie" that it was onl- a matter o; time be;ore she wo:l 1 be :p an" abo:t once more. D0?m s:re it?s ver- 7oo" o; -o: to 7et a n:rse to loo9 a;ter -o:r ol" a:nt8D she tol" them 7rate;:ll-. D6o:?re 7oo" bo-s8 in spite o; all the scol"in7s that 0?ve 7iven -o:. #ell8D she amen"e" with a ;aint smile8 Dma-be -o:?re 7oo" beca:se o; the scol"in7s.D D0 7:ess we "eserve" them8 A:nt >ertr:"e8I? sai" Fran9 with a smile. D0; there?s an-thin7 more we can "o to ma9e -o: com;ortable8 be s:re to let :s 9now.D D0?m bein7 well loo9e" a;ter. 1ow8 la"s8 r:n alon7 an" pla-.D

A:nt >ertr:"e co:l" never ri" hersel; o; an i"ea that her nephews were abo:t six an" seven -ears o; a7e respectivel-. #hen the- le;t their relative thewere at a loss as to what to "o next. &he- cha;e" at &he 2tran7e 2p- 12+ an- "ela- in reachin7 the sol:tion o; the stran7e m-ster- in which theha" become involve"8 an" -et ever- move the- ma"e seeme" to entan7le matters more than ever. @oe was ;irml- o; the opinion that the- sho:l" still see9 their interview with /rrin 1orth. DHe "oesn?t 9now we s:spect him8D @oe pointe" o:t. D0; he is wor9in7 a7ainst 3a" we o:7ht to 9eep an e-e on the sit:ation.D D&he tro:ble is8D remar9e" Fran98 Dthat we "on?t 9now the sit:ation.D D0t wo:l" certainl- help i; we 9new wh- 1orth emplo-e" 3a". A;ter all8 he mi7ht tell :s. 0t will "o no harm to as9. 5et?s 7o to 5a9esi"e toni7ht an" have a tal9 with him.D D0?m 7ame. An" let?s ta9e &om #at with :s. &he ;resh air will "o him 7oo".D 1:rse Co"- went to be" earl- that evenin78 so the coast was clear. At abo:t nine o?cloc9 the bo-s went H:ietl- :pstairs8 tol" &om #at that thewere 7oin7 to ta9e him;or a "rive8 an" bro:7ht the -o:n7 Chinaman "own to the lower part o; the ho:se. 0t was a;ter "ar9 so the- "i" not thin9 it necessar- ;or him to res:me his "is7:ise. D#here -o: 7oFD as9e" &om8 when thewent o:t to the 7ara7e an" too9 their places in the roa"ster. D#e?re 7oin7 o:t to 5a9esi"e to see /rrin 1orth8D Fran9 explaine". D6o: won?t have 12( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow to 7et o:t o; the car. 1o one will notice -o:.D &om #at ;rowne". D/llin 1o?th ba" ;ellaGD he sai". D.e no li9ee.D D#h- "on?t -o: li9e himFD as9e" @oe8 hopin7 that &om #at mi7ht be able to throw some li7ht on the ship owner?s real character. D1o tal9ee8D 7r:nte" &om in his secretive manner. D1o li9ee.D &he- co:l" 7et no more o:t o; him. He was not "ispose" to "isc:ss the reasons ;or his "isli9e o; /rrin 1orth8 b:t it was H:ite plain to the Har"- bo-s that he hate" the man intensel-. Fran9 won"ere" wh- &om #at sho:l" have an- reason ;or "isli9in7 1orth. #as it possible that the man ha" "ealin7s with the Chinese o; Ba-portF $eachin7 5a9esi"e8 the- "rove towar" .r. 1orth?s o;;ice. &he place was in "ar9ness8 b:t as the- approache" the "rivewa- lea"in7 to a 7ara7e at the rear o; the b:il"in7 a bi7 to:rin7 car spe" silentl- past the roa"ster. &om #at leane" ;orwar" as the car went b-. He :ttere" a little 7asp an" san9 bac98 "rawin7 his hat "own over his ;ace. D#hat?s the matterFD as9e" Fran9. For a moment the Chinaman "i" not answer. &hen he whispere" in a voice vibrant with ;ear: D5o:ie Fonar.D &he 2tran7e 2p- 12* D5o:ie Fon7GD exclaime" @oe. D6o: co:l"n?t see him.D D5o:ie Fon7 car.D Fran9 whistle". 5o:ie Fon7 "rivin7 to the 7ara7e bac9 o; 1orth?s o;;ice late at ni7htG &his was more than s:spicio:s. He "rove on past the "rivewa- an" par9e" the roa"ster hal; wa- "own the bloc9. D0 thin9 we?ll loo9 into this8D he sai" H:ietl- to his brother. D.e no 7o8D m:ttere" &om #at. ?? 6o: sta- here8?? the- tol" him. ?? #e won?t be lon7.D

&he- went bac9 :p the street an" slippe" H:ietl- into the sha"ows o; the "rivewa-. &he- co:l" see the re" tail-li7ht o; the car in the -ar". &here was a li7ht in a rear win"ow o; 1orth?s o;;ice b:il"in7. A moment later this li7ht went o:t. &he Har"- bo-s cro:che" close besi"e the ;ence an" watche". &hehear" ;ootsteps cr:nchin7 on the 7ravel an" ca:7ht a 7limpse o; a "im ;i7:re pacin7 :p an" "own near the 7ara7e. A moment later the- hear" a br:sH:e8 ;amiliar voice. D&hat -o:8 5o:ieGD &he answer was ina:"ible8 b:t theco:l" hear a 9e- 7rate in a loc98 the screech o; hin7es as the 7ara7e "oor was opene". A li7ht shone ;rom the 7ara7e win"ow. &hro:7h the 7lass 1,0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow theha" a momentar- 7limpse o; the evil8 -ellow ;ace o; 5o:ie Fon7. &hen it vanishe". &he- saw the re"8 sH:are visa7e o; /rrin 1orth8 who came over towar" the win"ow. A sha"e was p:lle" "own. @oe wo:l" have move" ;orwar" b:t Fran9 7rippe" his arm. D1ot -et8D he whispere". #hat b:siness co:l" have bro:7ht /rrin 1orth an" 5o:ie Fon7 to7ether ;or this secret an" private ni7ht con;erenceF A moment later thewere than9;:l that theha" not move" o:t o; their hi"in7 place b- the ;ence. &hehear" the H:iet h:m o; an en7ine8 then the ;aint slither o; tires :pon the pavement. A car8 r:nnin7 witho:t li7hts8 sli" :p to the entrance o; the "rivewa-. 0t was li9e a phantom. 2ilentl- it came to a stop. A man steppe" o:t8 an" the car was "riven on past the 7atewa-. &he newcomer move" H:ietl- into the -ar". He wore a lon7 coat8 the collar o; which was t:rne" :p so as to conceal his ;eat:res. HiC ;ace was ;:rther hi""en b- the brim o; a slo:ch hat "rawn low :pon his ;orehea". Fran9 an" @oe were breathless with excitement. Ha" the- been seenF #as this a thir" member o; the meetin7F Ha" he spie" them hi"in7 b- the ;enceF &he stran7er came "irectl- towar" them. &he 2tran7e 2p- 1,1 For a moment thewere positive that he m:st have seen them. B:t he passe" b-8 hea" "own8 han"s thr:st into his coat poc9ets. He "i" not 7o towar" the "oor o; the 7ara7e. 0nstea"8 he went to the bac9 o; 5o:ie Fon7?s car. Here he 9nelt "own an" examine" the n:mber plate. &hen8 evi"entl- satis;ie"8 he stro"e o;; into the sha"ows. &he man was lost to si7ht b:t the bo-s co:l" hear his ;ootsteps as he ca:tio:sl- crept alon7 the si"e o; the 7ara7e. &hen thesaw his sha"ow a7ainst the wall. He was cro:chin7 beneath the win"ow. DHe "i"n?t come here to meet them at all8D whispere" @oe. D2hhG He?s a sp-.D &heir own hopes o; overhearin7 the interview between 5o:ie Fon7 an" /rrin 1orth were "estro-e". &his :n9nown eaves"ropper?s appearance on the scene ha" complicate" the m-ster-. #as he ;rien" or ;oeF Chinaman or white manF &he- cro:che" where thewere an" waite". &he -ar" was in silence. 3iml- theco:l" see that "ar98 sinister ;i7:re beneath the win"ow. &hen s:""enl- the 7ara7e "oor was ;l:n7 open. A beam o; brilliant li7ht ;ell across the -ar". 5o:ie Fon7 stoo" on the threshol"8 peerin7 o:t into the ni7htG CHAP&%$ 'AH /$$01 1/$&H %'P5A012 2o abr:pt8 so :nexpecte" was the appearance o; the Chinaman that the

Har"- bo-s were ta9en completel- b- s:rprise. &he- "are" not move8 -et thewere s:re theha" been seen. %ither that8 or the m-sterio:s stran7er ha" ma"e some noise that ha" attracte" 5o:ie Fon7?s attention. &he Chinaman stoo" on the threshol" loo9in7 o:t into the ni7ht. Fran9 an" @oe waite" in an a7on- o; s:spense. &he stran7er8 whoever he was8 9ept cool. He "i" not reveal his presence b- a so:n". He ;lattene" himsel; a7ainst the si"e o; the 7ara7e an" remaine" as motionless as a stat:e. Presentl- /rrin 1orth appeare" in the "oorwa- behin" the Chinaman. &he two tal9e" in low tones ;or a moment as the- came o:t o; the b:il"in7. 1orth reache" insi"e the "oor an" switche" o:t the li7ht. As the "oor slamme"8 a loc9 clic9e". DAll ri7ht then8D /rrin 1orth sai" clearl-8 D0?ll see -o: tomorrow.D 1,2 /rrin 1orth %xplains 1,, 1orth went bac9 towar" his o;;ice8 while 5o:ie Fon7 came "irectlacross the -ar" towar" his car. His shoes ma"e no so:n"K he was as H:iet an" sinister as a cat. %ven -et the Har"- bo-s were :neas-. &he- were not convince" that the Chinaman ha" not seen them. &he- 9new he was slan" H:ic9 an" that even now his 9een e-es mi7ht be watchin7 them as the- cro:che" in the sha"ow beneath the ;ence. However8 5o:ie Fon7 went "irectl- to his a:tomobile an" steppe" insi"e. &he en7ine throbbe". &he car bac9e" slowl- o:t into the main roa". Fran9 7rippe" @oe b- the wrist an" pointe" towar" the 7ara7e. &he sha"ow- ;i7:re b- the wall was meltin7 into the 7loom. &he stran7er vanishe" witho:t a so:n". &he- waite" :ntil the- hear" 5o:ie Fon7?s car spee"in7 awa-8 then theslippe" o:t o; the co:rt-ar" an" ran bac9 to their own roa"ster. &here was no si7n o; the car that ha" bro:7ht the m-sterio:s stran7er to the scene. Fran9 wrenche" open the "oor o; the roa"ster. &hen he 7aspe". D#here?s &om #atGD &he roa"ster was "eserte". &om #at ha" "isappeare". @oe :ttere" an exclamation o; "isma-. D.a-be 5o:ie Fon7 ;o:n" himGD 1,= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow &here was a s:""en r:stlin7 amon7 the b:shes at the roa"si"e. A ;i7:re emer7e" ;rom the "itch. &o their relie; thesaw it was none other than &om #at. D.e hi"e8D he explaine" laconicall-. DBo-8 -o: 7ave :s a scare8D sai" @oe. D#e tho:7ht he ha" 9i"nape" -o:.D &he- scramble" into the car an" "rove "own the roa" abo:t hal; a mile. &hen Fran9 bro:7ht the roa"ster to a stop. D#hat nextFD he sai". D#hat?s -o:r s:77estionF Bac9 to Ba-portFD D#e haven?t accomplishe" m:ch -et.D D0 thin9 we?ve learne" plent-8D sai" @oe. D#e 9now that /rrin 1orth an" 5o:ie Fon7 have some b:siness that brin7s them to7ether secretl- at ni7ht. An" we 9now that someone else is intereste" eno:7h to sp- on them.D D6es8 we ;o:n" o:t that8D Fran9 a7ree"8 Db:t are we an- better o;;F &he whole b:siness is more m-sterio:s than ever.D D&hat?s tr:e eno:7h.D D#e came o:t here to spea9 to /rrin 1orth. As ;ar as 0 can see there?s no reason wh- we sho:l"n?t 7o ahea" with o:r pro7ram.D D0 wish8D m:ttere" @oe8 D0 9new what he an" 5o:ie Fon7 were tal9in7

abo:t. &om8 "i" -o: ever hear that 1orth an" 5o:ie Fon7 were mixe" :p in an- b:siness a;;airsFD /rrin 1orth %xplains 1,< &om #at co:l" not enli7hten them. &he bo-s tho:7ht that the little man ha" his own s:spicions as to the nat:re o; the "ealin7s between the pair b:t that he was a;rai" to voice them. &om #at?s obvio:s terror o; 5o:ie Fon7 impresse" them with the ;act that in the sinister Chinaman thewere "ealin7 with a "an7ero:s an" power;:l anta7onist. D5et?s "rive bac9 to the o;;ice8D s:77este" Fran9. DHe won?t 9now we?ve alrea"- been near the place.D DAll ri7htGD Fran9 t:rne" the car abo:t an" the- "rove bac9. B:t the o;;ice was in "ar9ness. &he- were too late. /rrin 1orth ha" "eparte". D>one home ;or the ni7ht8D sai" @oe. D&here?s no law a7ainst 7oin7 to his ho:se8 wherever that is. #e?ll 7o "owntown an" as9 Bomeone to tell :s the wa-.D An obli7in7 constable on 5a9esi"e?s main street tol" them that /rrin 1orth live" o:t in the co:ntr-. DHe has a homestea" abo:t two miles o:t o; town8D sai" the o;;icer. DAs a matter o; ;act8 0 thin9 he?s E:st 7one o:t there. His car passe" this wa- a ;ew min:tes a7o.D /rrin 1orth?s i"ea o; Dhomestea"in7D was evi"entl- ver- mo"ern. His h:7e stone resi"ence was reall- a l:x:rio:s co:ntr- home an" the "rivewa- lea"in7 ;rom the main roa" was 1,) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow ;lan9e" b- trim he"7es an" well-9ept 7ro:n"s. D&here m:st be mone- in the shippin7 b:siness8D commente" Fran9 as the"rove :p to the ho:se. &he- le;t &om #at in the car an" went :p to the "oor. A mai" answere" the bell. D.r. 1orth E:st came in8D she tol" the bo-s. D#hat names shall 0 7iveFD &he- tol" her an" she went awa-8 ret:rnin7 a ;ew min:tes later to sathat .r. 1orth wo:l" see them. &he 7irl :shere" them into a com;ortable librar-. &he boo9s were arran7e" so neatl- :pon the shelves8 however8 that the bo-s "o:bte" i; /rrin 1orth ever bothere" to rea" an- o; them. He was smo9in7 as he rea" his newspaper. &he man loo9e" :p8 scowlin7. DCan?t spare -o: m:ch time8D 1orth 7rowle". D@:st 7ot in a;ter a har" "a-?s wor9. #hat is it nowFD D#e haven?t been able to locate 3a" -et8D Fran9 in;orme" him. DBlast the l:c9G 0 "on?t see how an- man can 7o awa- an" leave his b:siness in s:ch shape that no one 9nows what?s what. 0 9now 0 co:l"n?t a;;or" to "o it. #ell8 i; -o: can?t 7et in to:ch with him8 there?s onlone thin7 ;or me to "o. 0?ll have to 7et someone else to han"le the b:siness ;or me.D D#e have ta9en care o; some o; 3a"?s cases /rrin 1orth %xplains 1,+ ;or him at other times when he has been awa-8D vent:re" @oe. /rrin 1orth la:7he" shortl-. D.:st have been mi7ht- small ones8D he 7r:nte". D#e were thin9in78D sai" Fran98 Dthat i; -o: wo:l" tell :s E:st which case 3a" waS wor9in7 on8 we mi7ht be able to help -o:.?? D5istenGD sai" 1orth scorn;:ll-. D#hen 0 as9e" -o:r pa to ta9e hol" o; this matter 0 was hirin? an expert "etective8 seeF 1ot a co:ple o; 9i"s. 6o: "on?t thin9 0?m 7oin? to pa- him to wor9 ;or me an" have him t:rn the b:siness over to his -o:n7sters8 "o -o:FD D#e?re not sa-in7 we can "o as well as 3a" or an-where nearl- as well8D ret:rne" Fran9 with spirit. DB:t we?re not amate:rs entirel-. He has

ta:7ht :s a 7oo" "eal. At least we can loo9 a;ter his interests :ntil he ret:rns.D D1opeGD snappe" 1orth. D0; -o:r pa "oesn?t come bac9 in a "a- or so 0?m 7oin7 to hire me another "etective. &his case is too bi7 ;or 9i"s.D D#h- not tell :s what it?s all abo:tF #e mabe able to s:77est somethin7.D D/h8 so ;ar as that 7oes8 0 "on?t min" tellin7 -o: what it?s abo:t. B:t -o: won?t be able to help me an-8 0 promise -o: that.D D#e can tr-8D sai" @oe. D&he sit:ation is this8D sai" 1orth. D0?ve 1,( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 7ot enemies who are tr-in? to r:in m- rep:tation.D DHowGD DB- acc:sin? me o; sm:77lin78 blast itGD he roare"8 po:n"in7 the table with his ;ist. D.eG .e that?s never ha" a blac9 mar9 a7ainst m- name since 0 went into the shippin7 b:siness. &hat?s what it?s abo:t.D D#hat sort o; sm:77lin7GD as9e" Fran9. /rrin 1orth leane" ;orwar". DChinamenGD he raspe". D6o:?re acc:se" o; sm:77lin7 ChinamenGD D&hat?s ri7ht. 6o: 9now there?s a heavE hea" tax on ever- Chinaman that comes into the co:ntr-. &here?s 7oo" mone- to be ma"e b- an- man who can sm:77le ?em in. An" that?s what the-?re sa-in? abo:t me. &he- sa0?m "oin? a re7:lar b:siness o; it.D D#ho acc:ses -o:FD as9e" Fran9. DPlent- o; people8D ret:rne" the ship owner va7:el-. D&here?s been hints 7one in to the 3epartment o; 0mmi7ration. &here was an inspector here E:st the other "a- as9in? me H:estions. 2m:77lin? ChinamenGD he snorte". DF:rthest thin7 ;rom m- min". 0?m an honest man. 0 ma9e eno:7h mone- in honest tra"e witho:t t:rnin7 croo9e". 0 "on?t have to 7o into that 7ame to ma9e mone-.D DB:t no "e;inite char7e has ever been lai" a7ainst -o:8D Fran9 pointe" o:t. /rrin 1orth %xplains 1,* D/; co:rse not. An" wh-F Beca:se the- haven?t 7ot an- evi"ence a7ainst me8 that?s wh-. An" the- never will have. B:t these r:mors are eno:7h to blac9en m- 7oo" name. &he- h:rt m- rep:tation in shippin? circles. #ithin the past co:ple o; wee9s 0?ve lost two 7oo" c:stomers. 3on?t care to 7ive their tra"e to a man s:specte" o; sm:77lin?8 the- sai".D D#ho is behin" the r:morsFD as9e" @oe. D0 wish 0 9new8D ;:me" /rrin 1orth. D0?ve 7ot m- s:spicions. 0?ve 7ot rivals in the shippin7 b:siness who wo:l" be 7la" to steal tra"e awa;rom me i; theco:l". An" the-?re "oin7 it8 all on acco:nt o; these sm:77lin? stories.D ?? An" what "i" -o: want 3a" to "o ;or -o: FD D#h-8 to protect m- interests8 o; co:rseGD exclaime" /rrin 1orth. D0 emplo-e" him in sel;-"e;ence. 0; these enemies o; mine are tr-in7 to 7et the a:thorities a;ter me an" r:in me8 wh- 0?ve E:st 7ot to ;i7ht ;ire with ;ire. 0 sai" 0?" hire the best "etective 0 co:l" 7et. Chinamen are bein? sm:77le" in alon7 this coast. 0 9now that. #e all 9now it. 0; -o:r pa co:l" ;in" o:t who is reall- "oin? the sm:77lin? it wo:l" clear m- rep:tation. &hat?s wh- 0 hire" him.D DHa" he "one an- wor9 on the case be;ore he went awa-FD @oe as9e". DHow "o 0 9nowFD "eman"e" 1orth. 1=0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D.atter o; ;act8 0 "on?t thin9 he "i" a tap o; wor9 on it. 1ever tol" me a thin7. 0 tell -o: 0?m mi7ht- tire" o; the wa- he acte" in this

b:siness. 0; these r:mors 9eep :p 0?ll ;in" m-sel; ;orce" into a bi7 co:rt case to protect m-sel; an" it?ll cost me a ;ort:ne.D He 7ot :p ;rom his chair an" stampe" :p an" "own the room. D0?ll be r:ine" i; 0 "on?t p:t a stop to them stories8D he ra7e"8 Dan" the onl- wa- to stop ?em is to ;in" o:t who is "oin7 this sm:77lin?. 1ow8D he sai"8 7rinnin7 scorn;:ll- at the bo-s8 D"o -o: thin9 -o: can ta9e :p a Eob that -o:r pa has r:n awa- ;romF .atter o; ;act8 0 thin9 he ;o:n" it was too bi7 ;or him an" E:st went awa- so he wo:l"n?t have to a"mit he was lic9e".D Fran9 bit his lip. He "i" not care to hear these re;lections on his ;ather?s abilit-8 b:t he 9new he m:st control his temper. D0 "on?t thin9 3a" ran awa- ;rom the case8D sai" Fran9. D0n ;act8 0?m s:re he "i"n?t. &here is some other explanation. 0; -o:?ll let mbrother an" me loo9 a;ter thin7s :ntil he comes bac9 -o: won?t have anca:se to re7ret it.D D1oG 1oGD "eclare" 1orth. D&his isn?t a case ;or -o:n7sters. 0; it?s too bi7 ;or -o:r pa it?s miles too bi7 ;or -o:. %:n alon7 home8 now. 0t?s late an" 0 want to 7o to be"8D /rrin 1orth %xplains 1=1 &h:s "ismisse"8 the Har"- bo-s le;t the br:sH:e mannere" ship owner. &he- were crest;allen at the c:rt reception their o;;er o; help ha" been accor"e". 1evertheless8 theha" ma"e some pro7ress. D#e 7ot what we came a;ter8D Fran9 remin"e" his brother. D#e 9now the case 3a" was wor9in7 on8 at an- rate.D DAn" somehow8D m:ttere" @oe8 D0 "on?t li9e the loo9s o; that case. #hat "o -o: thin9 .o; it -o:rsel;FD D0t stri9es me8D replie" Fran9 serio:sl-8 ??that /rrin 1orth isn?t H:ite as honest as he preten"s to be.D D#here there is smo9e there is ;ire.D D0; people acc:se him o; sm:77lin7 Chinamen into the co:ntr- the- m:st have some 7ro:n"s ;or the r:mors. /; co:rse8 it mabe as he claims. He ma- have enemies who are tr-in7 to r:in him.D D0 "on?t tr:st him8D "eclare" @oe ;irml-. D0 wish 3a" wo:l" come bac9. #e co:l" tal9 thin7s over with him.D &he- ;o:n" &om #at waitin7 ;or them in the car8 b:t on the wa- home tol" him nothin7 abo:t their interview with /rrin 1orth. As the- came within si7ht o; their ho:se on Hi7h 2treet @oe s:""enl- slappe" his 9nee an" exclaime" : D0 have an i"eaGD CHAP&%$ 'A0H BAC4 &/ &H% 5A!13$6 Eoe?s i"ea was simple. 0t was8 in ;act8 that the- ret:rn to the 7ara7e bac9 o; /rrin 1orth?s o;;ice the next "a- to see i; theco:l" ;in" some cl:e to the i"entit- o; the m-sterio:s stran7er. D&he 7ro:n" in that -ar" was so;t8D @oe pointe" o:t. D#e mabe able to ;in" his ;ootprints.D D#hat i; .r. 1orth sees :s han7in7 aro:n" his 7ara7eFD Fran9 obEecte". DHe won?t ;in" :s. 1ot i; we 7o earl- eno:7h.D D&here mabe some tr:th in that storabo:t sm:77le" Chinamen. &he ;act that 1orth is mixe" :p with 5o:ie Fon7 is s:spicio:s.D DPerhaps that stran7er was one o; .r. 1orth?s enemies8D s:77este" @oe. D&r-in7 to 7et evi"ence a7ainst him. 0t?s not :nli9el-. 0n an- case8 -o:r i"ea is worth ;ollowin7 :p. 0?" li9e to 9now who that stran7er was.D 1=2 Bac9 to the 5a:n"r- 1=, &he- "eci"e" to set the alarm ;or ;o:r o?cloc98 since thewere ea7er

to ma9e their investi7ations at the 1orth 7ara7e at a time when thewo:l" not be "ist:rbe". At that earl- ho:r none o; the o;;ice emplo-ees wo:l" be on the scene an" it was hi7hl- improbable that the bo-s wo:l" be notice" b- an-one. &om #at ret:rne" to his room on the thir" ;loor o; the ho:se. He came in :nobserve"8 ;or 1:rse Co"- an" A:nt >ertr:"e were asleep. Promptl- at ;o:r o?cloc9 the shatterin7 clamor o; the alarm cloc9 awa9ene" the bo-s. 0t was s:mmer time an" "awn came earl- so there was plent- o; li7ht ;or their mornin7 Eo:rne-. DCan?t wait ;or brea9;ast8D "eci"e" Fran9 as the- h:rrie"l- "resse". D#e?ll ma9e a H:ic9 r:n o:t to 5a9esi"e8 loo9 aro:n" an" then h:rrbac9.D D0?ll brin7 alon7 a tape meas:re. 0; we ;in" an- ;ootprints we?" better 9eep a recor" o; them.D &he- went H:ietl- "own the stairs. 0n the secon" ;loor hall thelistene" ;or a moment at the "oor o; A:nt >ertr:"e?s room. &hehear" onl- the re7:lar8 m:;;le" snores o; the n:rse. D#e?ll be bac9 be;ore the- 9now we?ve 7one8D whispere" Fran9. &he- slippe" o:t o; the ho:se an" crosse" 1== Footprints !n"er the #in"ow the "ew-"renche" 7rass in the clear8 crisp ah o; mornin7. DAll clear so ;ar8D la:7he" @oe8 as the- scramble" into the car. 0n a ;ew min:tes thewere spee"in7 swi;tl- o:t o; Ba-port. &he- met onl- a ;ew mil9 wa7ons an" mar9et tr:c9s on the roa" at that ho:r an" when the- reache" 5a9esi"e the- ;o:n" the street near the 1orth o;;ice "eserte"8 as theha" expecte". &he- par9e" the car an" ma"e their wa- H:ic9l- into the -ar" where theha" hi""en the previo:s ni7ht. &he- waste" no time in explorin7 the place8 b:t ma"e their wa- at once towar" the 7ara7e. &he 7ro:n"8 as @oe ha" recalle"8 was so;t. Fran9 stoope" "own8 examinin7 the soil at the place where the m-sterio:s stran7er ha" cro:che" beneath the win"ow. D#hat more co:l" we wantFD he exclaime" so;tl-. He pointe" to the earth at his ;eet. &here8 clear an" "istinct8 was the print o; a man?s shoe. F:rther on8 alon7 the si"e o; the 7ara7e8 the;o:n" other similar ;ootmar9s. @oe whippe" o:t the tape meas:re. 2wi;tl- he too9 meas:rements an" Eotte" "own the ;i7:res on the bac9 o; an envelope. /n a sheet o; paper he "rew a ro:7h "ia7ram o; the mar9. Fran98 in the meantime8 ma"e an investi7ation o; the 7ro:n" nearb- on the chance that the Bac9 to the 5a:n"r- 1=< stran7er mi7ht have "roppe" somethin7 that wo:l" a;;or" a more tan7ible cl:e. D@:st the ;ootprints8D he reporte" when he came bac9 a moment later. DBetter than nothin78D commente" @oe. D5et?s 7et o:t o; here be;ore someone sees :s.D &he- hastene" awa- an" within a ;ew min:tes were spee"in7 bac9 to Ba-port. 0t was not H:ite ;ive o?cloc9 when thewere sa;el- bac9 in their own room8 the car was bac9 in the 7ara7e an" not another so:l ha" been the wiser abo:t their a"vent:re. D0 have a h:nch abo:t these ;ootprints8D sai" @oe8 openin7 the "rawer o; the writin7 "es9 in their room. D&he- seem ;amiliar8 somehow.D He too9 o:t the sheets :pon which ha" been recor"e" the tracin7s an" meas:rements o; the ;ootprints theha" ;o:n" :n"er the win"ow on the mornin7 a;ter the "isappearance o; 2i"ne- Pebbles. D#e?ll E:st chec9 :p on these.D &he bo-s bent over the "es9 as @oe lai" the papers si"e b- si"e. &he-

cons:lte" the ;i7:res. 2:""enl- Fran9 slappe" his brother on the bac9. D#h--the-?re the sameGD he exclaime". D%xactl- the same.D D&hen the man who le;t the ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow was the same man who spie" on /rrin 1orth an" 5o:ie Fon7 last ni7htGD 1=) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow DAccor"in7 to the ;ootprints. /; co:rse8 we can?t be s:re. B:t the evi"ence is ;airl- clear.D D0 sho:l" sa- it is8D "eclare" Fran9. D2i"ne- Pebbles8 the FirstFD D/r the Chinaman who mi7ht have come into the ho:se when A:nt >ertr:"e was l-in7 on the co:ch. .a-be he wasn?t a "ream.D &heir "iscover- was important. 6et it was ver- tantaliBin7. 0; theco:l" onl- learn the i"entit- o; the stran7er who ha" cro:che" besi"e 1orth?s 7ara7e thewo:l" probabl- 9now the i"entit- o; the stran7er who ha" le;t the ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow. &hat 9nowle"7e wo:l" 7o a lon7 wa- towar" clearin7 :p the m-ster-. B:t the- seeme" as ;ar awa;rom solvin7 the problem as when theha" starte". D#e?ll E:st have to 9eep pl:77in7 awa-8D "eclare" Fran9. D0n all the other m-steries we tac9le" we ha" plent- o; setbac9s. &hen somethin7 :s:all- happene" to strai7hten ever-thin7 o:t8 an" all the points that ha" p:BBle" :s became as clear as "a-.D D#hat?s the next stop8 thenFD D5o:ie Fon7?s la:n"r-.D @oe was tho:7ht;:l. D0 "on?t thin9 we?ll 7et m:ch in;ormation there. 5o:ie Fon7 is too care;:l.D D#e?ll ta9e &om #at with :s. 0n "is7:ise. 0; he hears an- Chinese tal9 he?ll be able to interpret it. #e have to 7o there ;or the la:nBac9 to the 5a:n"r- 1=+ "r- in an- case. A;ter brea9;ast we?ll "rop in at 5o:ie Fon7?s place.D D0?ll bet &om #at will E:st abo:t cheer o:t lo:" when he hears that8D 7rinne" @oe. DHe isn?t an- more a;rai" o; 5o:ie Fon7 than he is o; a rattlesna9e.D A;ter a while the bo-s hear" 1:rse Co"- movin7 abo:t "ownstairs so thewent to the 9itchen8 tr-in7 to loo9 li9e la"s who ha" E:st awa9ene" a;ter a lon7 ni7ht?s sleep. DHow are -o: this mornin78 .rs. Co"-FD the- 7reete" her. .rs. Co"- loo9e" :p ;rom the stove. D&olerable8D she sai". D@:st tolerable. /; co:rse8 when a bo"- "oesn?t 7et her ri7ht;:l sleep it?s not to be expecte" that she?ll 7o hoppin7 an" s9ippin7 abo:t an" whistlin? li9e a bir" in the mornin7.D D3i"n?t -o: sleep wellFD as9e" Fran9. He won"ere" i; their earlmornin7 "epart:re ha" awa9ene" the n:rse. D1ot a win9 "i" 0 sleep the livelon7 ni7ht8D she ass:re" them mo:rn;:ll-. D&hat is8 not more than to "oBe o;; ;or a ;ew min:tes now an" then.D &he bo-s8 rememberin7 the snores theha" hear" ;rom be-on" the be"room "oor8 were o; the private opinion that 1:rse Co"- ha" slept m:ch better than she ima7ine". DAn" when 0 "i" sleep8D she contin:e"8 D0 1=( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow "reame". 0 "reame" contin:al. Abo:t cats.D D6o: "reame" abo:t catsFD sai" @oe. DCats. An" it?s a ba" si7n. 0t means that there?s tro:ble han7in? over the ho:se. 0 never 9new it to ;ail. 5ast time 0 "reame" abo:t cats8 "o -o: 9now what happene"F .- co:sin?s brother-in-law8 o:t in 2eattle8

;ell o;; the bac9 porch an" bro9e his le7. &hat?s what it means to "ream abo:t cats.D 2he shoo9 her hea" solemnl-. DHow is A:nt >ertr:"e this mornin7FD inH:ire" Fran9. D2he ha" a 7oo" ni7ht. Her nerves are in ba" shape -et8 tho:7h. 2he was as9in7 abo:t -o: la"s. Better 7o :p an" see her.D &he bo-s went :pstairs an" ;o:n" their a:nt awa9e an" m:tterin7 to hersel; as she tosse" restlessl- on the be". DHello8 A:nt >ertr:"eGD exclaime" Fran9 cheer;:ll-. D6o: loo9 as ;it as a ;i""le this mornin7. 3o -o: thin9 -o:?ll be 7ettin7 :p to"a-FD D0?m not as ;it as a ;i""leGD snappe" the patient. DAn" i; 0?m :p within the month 0?ll be l:c9-. &his place will 7o to rac9 an" r:in now that 0?m lai" :p8 0 s:ppose.D &his was more li9e the ol" A:nt >ertr:"e. &hat she co:l" s:mmon s:;;icient stren7th to be irritable was a s:re si7n that she was recoverin7 rapi"l-. Bac9 to t9e 5a:n"r- 1=* D2trai7hten -o:r nec9tie8 bo-GD she bar9e" at @oe. D!nless 0?m here to loo9 a;ter -o: 0?ll warrant -o: 7o aro:n" loo9in7 li9e a sava7e. An" -o:8 Fran9-when "i" -o: shine -o:r shoes lastFD Fran9 loo9e" 7:iltil- at the o;;en"in7 ;ootwear. &races o; the m:""cla- ;rom the -ar" bac9 o; 1orth?s o;;ice were plainl- visible on .s shoes. D#h---ester"a-8D he sai" mee9l-. D0 "on?t believe it. 6o: 7et b:s- with the br:sh an" blac9in78 -o:n7 man8 or 0?ll ma9e it hot ;or -o:. /h "ear8 oh "earG 0; 0 co:l" onl- 7et better. .- poor nervesGD D3i"n?t -o: sleep wellFD as9e" @oe. DAs well as mi7ht be expecte"8D she snappe". D#hich means 0 "i"n?t sleep a win9.D D.rs. Co"- sai" she "i"n?t sleep a win98 either8?? observe" Fran9. ?? 6o: m:st have ha" a lon7 ni7ht?s tal9.D D1one o; -o:r imp:"enceG How can a person sleep when she sees a Chinaman ever- time she closes her e-esF How can sheF 0 can?t 7et that terrible "ream o:t o; m- min".D D6o: mean the one abo:t the man with the 9ni;eFD as9e" @oe. D1ow what other "ream co:l" 0 meanF At that8 0?m not s:re i; it was a "ream or not. 0t was so vivi" that it mi7ht be tr:e. 0 canI= 1<0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 7et that man?s terrible ;ace o:t o; m- min" ;or a min:te. 0 9eep thin9in7 there?s a Chinaman ri7ht in this ho:se.D &he bo-s tho:7ht o; &om #at in the :pstairs room. D6o: bo-s have been :p to somethin7GD sai" A:nt >ertr:"e sharpl-. D3on?t tell me -o: haven?t. 0 can tell b- -o:r ;aces. #hat is itF #hat mischie; have -o: been :p to nowFD D1one at all8D sai" Fran9. DHmmphG 6o: wo:l" sa- that8 o; co:rse. #ell8 0?ll hear all abo:t it as soon as 0?m well a7ain8 never ;ear. $:n alon7 now.D DA:nt-8D sai" @oe8 Dcan -o: remember the -o:n7 ;ellow who 7ot -o: the "rin9 o; water on the boatF Can -o: recall what he loo9e" li9eFD D2i"ne- Pebbles8D prompte" Fran9. D2i"ne- PebblesGD retorte" A:nt >ertr:"e. D#ho?s heF 0 "on?t 9now anPebbles.D 2he la:7he" shortl-. DHe isn?t the onl- pebble on the beach. HaG HaGD A:nt >ertr:"e seeme" to thin9 she ha" achieve" an excellent Eo9e an" la:7he" so heartil- that she was almost in a 7oo" h:mor. D1o8D she tol" them8 D0 can?t remember an- o; the people on the boat.

&he whole trip seems li9e a trance. 0 can?t recall what an-one loo9e" li9e. 0t 7ives me a hea"ache to tr- to thin9.D Bac9 to the 5a:n"r- 1<1 Pettishl-8 she "ismisse" them8 so the bo-s went "ownstairs an" ha" brea9;ast. .rs. Co"- e"i;ie" them b- rea"in7 her teac:p8 in which she saw a 7reat variet- o; interestin7 events8 which incl:"e" a Eo:rneacross water8 a meetin7 with a "ar9 man8 a procession-whether we""in7 or ;:neral she wasn?t s:re-an acci"ent8 several "oBen letters an" a warnin7 a7ainst 7oin7 ;or airplane ;li7hts. A;terwar"8 when she ha" bro:7ht brea9;ast to A:nt >ertr:"e an" was relatin7 all these won"ers o:t o; the one teac:p8 the bo-s slippe" :pstairs to &om #at?s room. DP:ic9GD :r7e" Fran9. DHop into the 7irl?s clothes. #e?re 7oin7 to call on a ;rien" o; -o:rs.D &om re7ar"e" the "is7:ise witho:t enth:siasm. D#here we 7oFD he as9e". D1ever min". .a9e -o:rsel; bea:ti;:l.D 2:bmissivel-8 the Chinaman "onne" the 7irl?s o:t;it8 pow"ere" his nose an" complete" the vario:s "etails o; his "is7:ise. @oe ma"e a "ash "own the stairs an" ret:rne" with the report that A:nt >ertr:"e an" the n:rse were en7a7e" in a len7th- ar7:ment as to whether certain tea leaves pre"icte" a 7reat catastrophe or a small le7ac-. &he coast bein7 clear8 thewent H:ietl- "ownstairs an" 7ot o:t o; the ho:se witho:t bein7 seen. 1<2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D#here we 7o nowFD repeate" &om #at8 who was 7ettin7 s:spicio:s. DCome with :s an" see8D sai" Fran9. He 9new there wo:l" be violent obEections on the part o; their D7irl ;rien"D i; &om #at 9new that their "estination was 5o:ie Fon7?s la:n"r-. CHAP&%$ '0' &H% &%AP-3//B thewere almost at the la:n"r- be;ore &om #at realiBe" their intention. D1oGD he exclaime"8 hol"in7 bac9. D.e no 7o in there. Aell- ba" place now.D Fran9 hel" the Chinaman ;irml- b- the arm. D6o:?re a 7irl now8 remember8D he sai". D0; -o: 9eep H:iet the-?ll never s:spect. Come alon7.D @oe opene" the "oor. &om #at was thr:st across the threshol" be;ore he co:l" obEect ;:rther. /nce insi"e the "oor he realiBe" that it wo:l" be :seless to resist8 so he ma"e himsel; as inconspic:o:s as possible in a corner. &here was no one behin" the co:nter. &he la:n"r- was "ar9 ;or the win"ow-blin"s were "rawn8 b:t ;rom be-on" the new partition the bo-s saw the 7leam o; an electric li7ht. &hehear" voices ;rom behin" the hal; wall. &he bo-s8 however8 co:l" not :n"erstan" what was bein7 sai" ;or the :nseen occ:pants o; the la:n"r- were tal9in7 in Chinese. /ne voice the- reco7niBe". 0t startle" them. 1<, 1<= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 0t was the voice o; 2am 5ee-the 7entle ol" Chinaman who ha" previo:slowne" the shop. %vi"entl- the men in the bac9 room were too en7rosse" in their conversation to hear the entr- o; the bo-s. 1o one came o:t to the co:nter. 2am 5ee was evi"entl- excite". His voice was hi7h an" shrill. He tal9e"

vol:bl-. &hen another voice bro9e in. 0t was the voice o; 5o:ie Fon78 smooth an" sinister8 "ea"l- with menace. He sai" onl- a ;ew wor"s an" then 2am 5ee bro9e into excite" speech a7ain. D#hat are the- sa-in7FD whispere" Fran9 to &om #at. D2am 5ee as9ee wh- 5o:ie Fon7 ma9e plent- chan7es in la:n"l-8D replie" the Chinaman in a low voice. 2:""enl- Fran9 n:"7e" his brother. D5oo9GD he exclaime". 0nto the 7loom- area behin" the co:nter emer7e" a 7a:nt8 7ra- sha"ow. 0t was a "o78 a h:7e %:ssian wol;ho:n". &he bo-s reco7niBe" the animal at once. 0t was the beast that ha" attac9e" them when thewere hi"in7 in the b:shes near D5antern 5an".D &he animal pai" them scant attention8 however8 merel- nosin7 abo:t the bac9 o; the la:n"r-8 then pa""in7 silentl- behin" the par-Htion once more. &he bo-s were startle" b- this "iscover-. 0t &he &rap-"oor 1<< was evi"ent that the "o7 belon7e" to 5o:ie Fon7. 0ts appearance here was almost concl:sive proo; that 5o:ie Fon7 ha" in"ee" been the man who ha" h:rle" the 9ni;e at &om #at. &he conversation bac9 o; the partition was becomin7 more livel-. 2hrill voices were raise" in an7r- ar7:ment. &om #at was listenin7 intentl-8 a p:BBle" ;rown :pon his ;ace. D5o:ie Fon7 sa- he ;ix 2am 5ee8D he whispere" to Fran9. &hehear" 2am 5ee?s voice8 an7r- an" excite". 2:""enl- the voice en"e" in a cho9in7 cr-. &here was a sc:;;le8 then someone crashe" a7ainst the partition. &hehear" a snarl ;rom the h:7e "o7. &here were noises o; a str:77le be-on" the wall. 2:""enl- the 7leam o; electric li7ht ;rom the bac9 o; the la:n"r- "isappeare". &om #at slippe" swi;tl- towar" the "oor. He opene" it an" 7est:re" :r7entl- to the bo-s8 who ;ollowe" him o:t into the street. &om #at wal9e" rapi"l- awa-. He was sha9in7 with ;ear. As ;or the Har"bo-s8 the- "i" not 9now what to thin9. D#hat happene"FD as9e" Fran98 7rabbin7 the Chinaman b- the arm. D#hat "i" 5o:ie Fon7 sa-FD &om #at was almost too terri;ie" ;or speech. A;ter a while8 however8 he bl:rte" o:t: D.ebbe 5o:ie Fon7 9illee 2am 5ee.D 1<) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D6o: thin9 5o:ie has m:r"ere" himtD 7aspe" @oe. D.:ch tal9. 2am 5ee vell- ma". 5o:ie Fon7 tell him sh:t :p. .ebbe 2am 5ee "ea" now. Aell- ba" man8 5o:ie Fon7.D &he bo-s were a7hast. &he- "i" not 9now whether to 7o bac9 to the la:n"r- or to noti;- the police. @oe was in ;avor o; the latter co:rse. DFor all we 9now8D he sai"8 D2am 5ee ma- have been m:r"ere". #e o:7ht to tell an o;;icer ri7ht awa-.D &om #at obEecte" to this vi7oro:sl-. He "i" not want to be mixe" :p in the a;;air. 0; 2am 5ee was m:r"ere" an" the police arreste" 5o:ie Fon7 his own li;e wo:l" be in 7rave "an7er8 he tol" them. DA;ter all8D re;lecte" Fran98 Dwe aren?t s:re. 0; we brin7 the police into this an" there is nothin7 wron78 it will spoil ever-thin7.D &he- t:rne" an" loo9e" bac9 towar" the la:n"r-. D0 wish we 9new what happene" bac9 o; that 8partition8D m:ttere" @oe. E At that moment the "oor o; the shop opene"8 an" a man steppe" o:t. &he bo-s stare" in amaBement. 0t was none other than 2am 5ee. &he ol" Chinaman came o:t onto the pave-meat8 loo9e" aro:n"8 thr:st his han"s into his poc9ets an" sh:;;le" o;; "own the street.

&he &rap-"oor 1<+ DCome onGD sai" @oe. D5et?s 7o an" as9 him what happene".D B:t Fran9 ha" another plan. D5o:ie Fon7 mabe watchin78D he sai". D0; he sees :s tal9in7 to 2am 5ee he?ll be s:spicio:s. 6o: trail him8 @oe8 an" when -o:?re o:t o; si7ht o; the la:n"r- -o: can tal9 to him.D DAn" what are -o: 7oin7 to "oFD D0 want to ;in" o:t what?s 7oin7 on in that place.D @oe was ":bio:s. D0 thin9 that la:n"r- is a 7oo" place to leave alone8D he sai". DHowever8 -o:?re the "octor. 0?m 7oin7 a;ter 2am 5ee.D He stro"e awa- an" h:rrie" a;ter the Chinaman. D#hat -o: "o nowFD as9e" &om #at nervo:sl-. D#e?re 7oin7 bac9 there.D A7ain &om #at obEecte". He was 7reatl- sha9en b- the ;ri7ht he ha" receive" an" altho:7h the appearance o; 2am 5ee8 sa;e an" so:n"8 ha" serve" to H:iet his ;ears he "i" not view with "eli7ht the prospect o; a7ain enterin7 the b:il"in7. Fran98 however8 explaine" that thewo:l" merel- 7o in an" as9 ;or the washin7. D0?ll as9 5o:ie Fon7 i; he has seen 2am 5ee latel-. 0 won"er what he?ll sa-.D %el:ctantl-8 &om #at a7ree" to 7o with him. 1<( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow He ma"e no secret o; the ;act that the expe"ition was a7ainst his better E:"7ment. &he- approache" the b:il"in7 once more an" went insi"e. A7ain8 however8 the place seeme" to be "eserte". 5o:ie Fon7 "i" not come to the co:nter. &here was no si7n o; the h:7e "o7. &he place was in absol:te silence. A tho:7ht ;lashe" into Fran9?s min". Perhaps 5o:ie Fon7 ha" been the victim o; the H:arrel ;ollowin7 the ar7:ment between the two Chinamen. Perhaps he ha" been attac9e" b- 2am 5ee. He rappe" sharpl- on the co:nter. &here was no answer. D5o:ieGD he sho:te". 2till no answer. He t:rne" to &om #at. D&hat?s H:eer8D sai" Fran9. &om #at?s e-es were ro:n" with ;ear. He expresse" the tho:7ht that ha" been in Fran9?s min". D.ebbe 5o:ie Fon7 "ea"GD he 7aspe". #ith that he t:rne"8 wrenche" open the "oor an" bolte" o:t o; the shop. He ran o:t into the street an" hea"e" ;or the Har"- ho:se as i; the terrible 5o:ie Fon7 were at his heels. Fran9 "i" not ;ollow. Havin7 7one this ;ar he was not prepare" to 7ive :p. He wante" to 9now what ha" happene" behin" the partition. Fran9 9noc9e" on the co:nter a7ain. &he &rap-"oor 1<* ?? 5o:ie Fon7GD he sho:te". ?? Are -o: there8 5o:ie Fon7FD He hear" onl- the echo o; his own voice. Fran9 calle" a7ain an" when there was still no response he went towar" the little "oor at the si"e o; the co:nter8 :n;astene" the catch an" steppe" insi"e. P:ietl-8 he ma"e his wa- towar" the partition. 0; an-one came in he co:l" tr:th;:ll- sa- that he ha" come ;or the la:n"r- an" that when no one appeare" to serve him he ha" 7one bac9 to investi7ate. Fran9 came aro:n" the partition into the little room at the bac9. B:t he "i" not ;in" 5o:ie Fon7. He saw onl- a woo"en table an" two chairs. He spie" a "oor8 however8 which evi"entl- le" into premises at the bac9 o; the establishment.

Fran9 hesitate" a moment. 2ho:l" he 7o onF He trie" the "oor. 0t was not loc9e"8 an" sw:n7 silentl- open. He peepe" into the room be-on". 0t8 too8 was "eserte". &he place was plainl- ;:rnishe" with a small stove8 a table8 a cot an" a ;ew chairs8 an" ha" evi"entl- been 2am 5ee?s 9itchen an" livin7 H:arters. Fran9 was p:BBle". He co:l" not believe that 5o:ie Fon7 ha" 7one awaleavin7 the la:n"r- :nloc9e" an" "eserte". D5o:ie F?on7GD he calle" o:t a7ain. 2till there was no answer. 1)0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow He was tempte" to 7o bac98 -et the m-ster- o; the place intri7:e" him. He ha" a va7:e impression that he co:l" hear voices in the "istance. &here was another "oor b:t he was s:re it opene" on the lane at the bac9 o; the la:n"r-. However8 he "eci"e" to investi7ate it8 so steppe" towar" the "oor. &hen s:""enl- he ;elt himsel; ;allin7. &he ;loor ha" opene" beneath his ;eet. Fran9 :ttere" a lo:" cr-. He strove wil"l- to retain his balance. B:t he ha" steppe" "irectl- :pon a trap-"oor that ;ell open beneath his wei7ht He pl:n7e" into the "ar9ness beneath. CHAP&%$ '' sam lee?s stoet As Eoe hab"- h:rrie" "own the street in p:rs:it o; 2am 5ee he tho:7ht it wo:l" be an eas- matter to overta9e the ol" Chinaman. #hen he came to the en" o; the bloc98 however8 he loo9e" vainl- in all "irections witho:t catchin7 .si7ht o; 2am 5ee. &he man ha" "isappeare". DHe m:st be able to ma9e himsel; invisible8D sai" @oe in cha7rin8 ;or he 9new 2am 5ee ha" not ha" time in which to wal9 the len7th o; the next bloc9. 6et the ol" ;ellow ha" vanishe" aa i; the earth ha" swallowe" him :p. &here was no one in si7ht b:t a small bo- sittin7 on the c:rb. D3i" -o: see a Chinaman come this wa-F?I @oe as9e" the -o:n7ster. &he bo- loo9e" :p. He pointe" to a nearb- lane. @oe "ashe" "own the narrow thoro:7h;are. 0t str:c9 him then that 2am 5ee was a;rai" o; bein7 ;ollowe" an" was tr-in7 to sha9e o;; anpossible p:rs:it. 1)1 1)2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow He "i" not see .s H:arr- in the lane b:t when he came o:t into the next street he ca:7ht a ;leetin7 7limpse o; the ol" Chinaman E:st "isappearin7 aro:n" the corner. 2am 5ee was hea"e" towar" the "oc9s. @oe H:ic9ene" his pace8 then bro9e into a r:n. At the corner he was in time to see 2am 5ee near the water;ront. &he ol" ;ellow ha" evi"entlconcl:"e" that he ha" el:"e" anpossible p:rs:it b- now8 ;or he was sh:;;lin7 alon7 at an or"inar- 7ait. @oe h:rrie" :p behin" him. D2am 5eeGD he sai" so;tl-. &he ol" man t:rne" H:ic9l-. &here was a ;ri7htene" li7ht in his e-es8 b:t when he reco7niBe" @oe Har"- he loo9e" relieve". DHelloGD he sai". DHow are -o:8 bo-FD 2am 5ee ha" been in the la:n"r- b:siness in Ba-port ;or -ears. He spo9e 7oo" %n7lish with onl- a trace o; an accent. D#hat?s the matter8 2amF Have -o: sol" -o:r shopF #e miss -o:.D D6es8D he sai". D0 "o not r:n the la:n"r- an- more. 0 have rente" it.D D&o 5o:ie Fon7FD D6es. &o 5o:ie Fon7.D DHe?s a H:eer c:stomer8 that ;ellow8D sai" @oe. D0 "on?t thin9 he?s a la:n"r-man an- more than 0 am. #hat?s behin" this b:siness8 2Iam 5eeFD

2am 5ee?s 2tor- 1), D6o: as9 H:estions8D sai" 2am 5ee tho:7ht;:ll-. D#h-FD D5oo9 here8 2am8D replie" @oe. D6o:?ve 9nown me ;or a lon7 time. 6o: 9now -o: can tr:st me. 0?ve been acH:ainte" with -o: ;or a 7oo" man-ears8 too. #hat ma"e -o: H:it the la:n"r- b:siness so s:""enl- witho:t sa-in7 a wor" to an-oneFD 2am 5ee was silent ;or a moment. D5o:ie Fon7 wante" to rent m- place. He o;;ere" me a 7oo" price. 0 too9 it. &hat is all.D D&here?s more to it than that8 2am. 6o: can?t ;ool me. Fran9 an" 0 have been tr-in7 to 7et some in;ormation abo:t this 5o:ie Fon7. He?s mixe" :p in some H:eer b:siness. #hat "o -o: 9now abo:t itFD 2am 5ee loo9e" ca:tio:sl- abo:t. D0t is "an7ero:s ;or me to tal9 abo:t 5o:ie Fon78D he answere". D#hat connection8D as9e" @oe abr:ptl-8 Dhas 5o:ie Fon7 with /rrin 1orthFD 2am 5ee?s e-eli"s ;lic9ere". He co:l" not conceal his s:rprise at this H:estion. DHow "o -o: 9now8D he as9e"8 Dthat 5o:ie Fon7 an" .r. 1orth are wor9in7 to7etherFD D0?m s:re that somethin7 H:eer is 7oin7 on b:t 0 "on?t 9now what it is.D D0t is not m- a;;air8D ret:rne" 2am 5ee. D0 am an honest man.D 1)= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D&hen it?s a "ishonest b:siness that the-?re inFD sai" @oe H:ic9l-. 2am 5ee saw that he ha" 7iven himsel; awa-. B:t he was "iscreet. D0t is not m- a;;air8D he repeate". DAn" -et -o: rent -o:r la:n"r- to 5o:ie Fon7FD insiste" @oe. D0 co:l" not help that. 5o:ie Fon7 is a cr:el man8 a har" master. 0; 0 "o not "o as he sa-s -it wo:l" mean tro:ble8D an" the 7entle ol" Chinaman shr:77e" his sho:l"ers eloH:entl-. @oe remembere" what /rrin 1orth ha" sai" abo:t the acc:sations levelle" a7ainst him. He haBar"e" a H:estion. DAre 5o:ie Fon7 an" /rrin 1orth sm:77lin7 Chinamen into the co:ntr-FD 2am 5ee starte". He loo9e" hastil- aro:n"8 as i; ;ear;:l that someone mi7ht have overhear" @oe?s remar9. D#ho tol" -o: thatFD he "eman"e" H:ietl-. D1ever min". B:t 0 want to 9now more abo:t it. 0s that the 7ame the-?re inFD D0 ma- spea9 sa;el-F 6o: will tell no one that -o: tal9e" to meFD D/; co:rse8?? @oe ass:re" him. ??%ver-thin7 is in con;i"ence.D D5o:ie Fon7 is in"ee" in lea7:e with /rrin 1orth8D he a"mitte". D&heare sm:77lin7 Chinamen into the co:ntr-. 5o:ie Fon7 pa-s 1orth to brin7 them here in his ships. &hese 2am 5ee?s 2tor- 1)< men thin9 the- will ma9e their ;ort:nes once the- are in America. B:t when the- reach here the- ;in" that the- are the slaves o; 5o:ie Pon7.D DHow is thatFD D0t is ver- simple8D contin:e" 2am 5ee. D&hese Chinamen 9now the- have not entere" the co:ntr- accor"in7 to law. &he- 9now that the- will be "eporte" i; the- are ;o:n" o:t. &heare a;rai" o; that. #hen the- are ta9en o;; the ships the- are sent at once to 5o:ie Fon7. He ;in"s wor9 ;or them. B:t alwa-s he "eman"s part o; their wa7es.D D!ntil the- have pai" what the- owe him ;or brin7in7 them into the co:ntr-FD 2am 5ee smile" bitterl-. D&he- wo:l" save mone- i; the- pai" the hea" tax in the ;irst place.

&he- alwa-s 9eep han"in7 part o; their wa7es to 5o:ie Fon7. 6ear a;ter -ear.D DB:t that?s sheer blac9mailGD exclaime" @oe in amaBement at this storo; col"-bloo"e" extortion. D0; the- obEect8 i; the- "o not pa--then the a:thorities receive wor" to investi7ate them. &hen the- are "eporte". B:t the- "o not re;:se to pa-.D @oe realiBe" that he ha" st:mble" :pon a secret o; tremen"o:s importance. /rrin 1orth an" the rascall- Chinaman were lea7:e" in a 1)) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 7reat scheme o; sm:77lin7 an" blac9mail in which the- mercilesslexploite" the poor coolies who ;ell into their cl:tches. /rrin 1orth8 then8 was reall- 7:ilt- o; the ver- crime o; which he claime" he ha" been :nE:stl- acc:se". #ith a shoc9 @oe realiBe" wh- his own ;ather ha" been emplo-e" b- /rrin 1orth to investi7ate the r:mors o; sm:77lin7. Fenton Har"- was merelbein7 :se" as a ;oil in case the a:thorities sho:l" investi7ate. @oe saw that his ;ather ha" been s9ill;:ll- trappe" into becomin7 an :nwittin7 assistant o; criminals. #ith Fenton Har"- ostensibl- wor9in7 to r:n "own the sm:77lers on behal; o; /rrin 1orth the a:thorities wo:l" ta9e 1orth?s innocence ;or 7rante". Fenton Har"-?s rep:tation ;or honest- wo:l" ta9e care o; that. B:t i; the tr:th came o:t-what thenF His ;ather?s rep:tation wo:l" be r:ine". 0t wo:l" be hel" that he ha" been a mere tool o; the sm:77lin7 7an7. &he more he consi"ere" it the more @oe saw that the sit:ation was serio:s. #ith all his heart he wishe" he co:l" 7et in to:ch with his ;ather be;ore an-thin7 ;:rther "evelope". 2am 5ee to:che" him 7entl- on the arm. D6o: will tell no one -o: were tal9in7 to meFD sai" the Chinaman. D.- brother. B:t no one else.D 2am 5ee?s 2tor- 1)+ D0 am in hi"in7. 1o one m:st 9now 0 have been in Ba-port.D D#here are -o: hi"in78 2amF #here can 0 ;in" -o: i; 0 want to 7et in to:ch with -o:FD D!p the river.D 2am 5ee then "escribe" to @oe the location o; the re;:7e he ha" chosen. D2ho:l" -o: nee" me8D he sai"8 D-o: can ;in" me there. 0 will help -o: i; 0 can.D D6o: "on?t li9e 5o:ie Fon78 thenFD 2am 5ee?s ;ace har"ene". D0 sho:l" li9e to see him thrown in Eail8D he ret:rne". DHe is a cr:el man. B:t 0 "are not ;i7ht a7ainst him m-sel;. He wo:l" 9ill me.D DAn" /rrin 1orthFD DHe wo:l" not 9ill. B:t he is a ba" man. He sho:l" be in Eail8 too.D DAn" that?s where he?ll lan" i; Fran9 an" 0 have an-thin7 to sa- abo:t it8D "eclare" @oe8 as he tho:7ht o; the "an7ero:s position into which his ;ather ha" evi"entl- been mane:vere". &hen he remembere" &om #at. &he pli7ht o; the little Chinaman was a constant so:rce o; worr- as lon7 as he remaine" in the Har"- home. @oe 9new that as soon as A:nt >ertr:"e was able to be :p an" abo:t a7ain it wo:l" be onl- a matter o; time be;ore the presence o; the secret 7:est wo:l" be "iscovere". D3o -o: 9now &om #atFD he as9e". 1)( Footprints !n"er the D#in"ow D6es8D sai" 2am 5ee8 D0 9now him well. 5i9e me8 lie "oes not li9e 5o:ie Fon7.D D5o:ie Fon7 has trie" to 9ill him- &wice. He is hi""en at o:r ho:se.D DAhFD sai" 2am 5ee in s:rprise.

D#e won?t be able to 9eep him there m:ch lon7er. 6o: sa- -o: have a 7oo" hi"in7 place :p the river. 1ow8 how abo:t ta9in7 &om #at :p there with -o:F He?ll be sa;e eno:7h then.D 2am 5ee consi"ere" the matter. D&om #at is a 7oo" bo-8D he sai". D0; -o: can sen" him to me 0 will see that he shares m- hi"in7 place.D D&hat?s ;ineGD exclaime" @oe8 7reatl- relieve". DFran9 an" 0 will see that he is ta9en to -o:r secret ho:se as soon as possible. 0t?s mi7ht7oo" o; -o:8 2am.D DFrien" m:st help ;rien"8D m:rm:re" 2am 5ee8 as he t:rne" to 7o. D#e shall meet a7ain8 bo-. 0 have tol" -o: where 0 mabe ;o:n". 0 have tol" -o: what 0 9now abo:t 5o:ie Fon7. 0 tr:st -o:.D D6o: won?t re7ret it8 2am 5ee8D @oe ass:re" him warml-. CHAP&%% ''0 P%$!8 !13%$>$/!13 when he crashe" thro:7h the hi""en trap"oor Fran9 Har"- pl:n7e" into the basement beneath. He was st:nne" b- the impact o; his ;all b:t he was not 9noc9e" :nconscio:s. For a while he la- sprawle" on the ;loor8 tr-in7 to recover hia breath. &hen he sat :p8 ;elt his br:ises an" satis;ie" himsel; that no bones were bro9en. He was ba"l- sha9en. 0t was a miracle8 he tol" himsel;8 that he ha" not bro9en his nec9. B:t Fran9 was not -et o:t o; the woo"s. He co:l" see the openin7 in the ;loor above b:t it was be-on" his reach. #hen he loo9e" aro:n" the 7loom- little cellar into which he ha" t:mble" he saw nothin7 that wo:l" help him reach the trap-"oor. He pic9e" himsel; :p an" be7an to explore the :n"er7ro:n" room. He ha" 7one har"l- three steps be;ore he st:mble" a7ainst an obEect on the ;loor. Fran9 starte" bac9 in astonishment. A h:man ;i7:re la- amon7 the r:bbish at his ;eet. 1)* 1+0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow Fran9 9nelt "own. 0n the "im li7ht he co:l" E:st "istin7:ish the man?s ;ace. 0t was that o; 5o:ie Fon7G His ;irst tho:7ht was that the evil man was "ea". &he prone ;i7:re "i" not stir. #ith a shoc9 he remembere" the so:n"s o; str:77le behin" the partition. Ha" 2am 5ee m:r"ere" 5o:ie Fon7F &hen he hear" a "eep 7roan. 5o:ie Fo:7?s lips twitche". He stirre" sli7htl-. Fran9 with"rew into the "ar9 sha"ows o; the cellar. 5o:ie Fon7 7roane" a7ain. His e-es opene". He la- there ;or a while8 then sat :p pain;:ll- an" r:bbe" his hea". He ha" either been "ealt a severe blow on the hea" or else he ha" been 9noc9e" senseless b- his ;all thro:7h the trap"oor. He was 7ro77-. At last the Chinaman str:77le" to his ;eet. He m:ttere" to himsel;8 still r:bbin7 his hea". !nstea"il-8 he l:rche" across the cellar. &hen he t:77e" at an iron rin7 set into the wall. Fran9 ha" notice" this rin7 b:t ha" pai" scant attention to it. 0t ha" not str:c9 himthat it mi7ht in"icate an exit. 5o:ie Fon7 "rew the rin7 towar" him8an" silentl- part o; the wall 7ave wa-. A "oor sw:n7 slowl- open an" reveale" a "impassa7e be-on". &he Chinaman st:mble" "own the passa7e. Peril !n"er7ro:n" 1+1 He was so 7ro77-8 however8 that he "i" not sh:t the "oor behin" him. 2wi;tl- Fran9 ;ollowe". &he passa7e was so "ar9 that the bo- ha" little ;ear o; bein7 seen8 b:t

he 9ept at a reO spect;:l "istance behin". &he Chinaman reache" a ;li7ht o; stairs an" ascen"e". Fran9 was p:BBle". He 9new that the la:n"r- was onl- a small b:il"in7. &his passa7e "o:btless le" beneath the a"Eacent lot. &hen he remembere" that there was an empt- store besi"e the la:n"r-. &his8 "o:btless8 was the place to which the alle- wo:l" open. 5o:ie Fon7 went :p the stairs8 opene" another "oor an" went on. Fran9 ;ollowe" in the semi-"ar9ness8 an" reache" the "oorwa- in time to see the Chinaman enter a room8 which was ;:rnishe" in /riental st-le. &here were a ;ew screens8 a han7in7 lantern8 a mirror :pon the wall. Be-on" the room was a hal;-open "oor8 thro:7h which Fran9 co:l" hear a con;:se" m:rm:r o; voices. 5o:ie Fon7 stoo" at the "oor ;or a moment8 peerin7 into the room be-on". &hen he t:rne"8 an" loo9e" at himsel; in the mirror. Fran9 saw that he was ba"l- battere". &he Chinaman ha" a blac9 e-e an" there was a bi7 br:ise on his ;orehea". &he Chinaman st:"ie" his re;lection in the 7lass. &hen8 instea" o; 7oin7 into the othel 1+2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow room he steppe" towar" a si"e "oor8 opene" it an" "isappeare". Fran9 hesitate". 2ho:l" he ;ollow 5o:ie Fon78 or sho:l" he ma9e an investi7ation o; that other roomF 0t occ:rre" to him that the Chinaman "i" not want to ;ace the others beca:se o; his battere" appearance. Fran9 steppe" in H:ietl-. &hen he hear" a ;amiliar voice. DCome on8 nowG 4ic9 in with that mone-8 ever- man o; -o:. &en "ollars each.D &he voice was that o; /rrin 1orthG D&en "ollars each an" 0 want it ri7ht awa-8D 1orth?s voice contin:e". D0; 0 "on?t 7et it -o:?ll ;in" -o:rselves in Eail. An" then -o:?ll be pac9e" bac9 to China in a h:rr-.D A whimperin7 voice replie": D&en"olla? all 0 7ot.D D#hat?s that to meFD &here was a 7abble" m:tter o; protest in Chinese. Another voice sai": D#h- "on?t -o: leave them alone8 1orthF &he-?ve alrea"- pai" -o:. #hma9e them co:7h :p moreFD D6o: min" -o:r own b:siness8D snarle" 1orth. D0?m r:nnin7 this show.D Fran9 crept ;orwar"8 an" peere" into the next room. &here were a "oBen men in the place. &hree Chinamen sat at a table with two sailors. /ver Peril !n"er7ro:n" 1+, in a corner cro:che" a 7ro:p o; ;ri7htene" coolies8 wretche"l- cla". 0t was evi"ent that theha" E:st "isembar9e". /rrin 1orth towere" over them8 his re" ;ace br:tal8 his han" exten"e". DH:rr- :pGD he raspe". D&en "ollars ;rom each o; -o:. 0; -o: "on?t want to 7o bac9 to China -o:?" better han" it over.D .ee9l-8 one o; the coolies too9 a ;ew worm bills ;rom his poc9et an" 7ave them to the ship owner. &he others8 m:tterin7 their obEections8 ;ollowe" s:it. D&hat?s better8D 7rowle" 1orth8 st:;;in7 the mone- into his poc9et. D6o:?ll wor9 har"er i; -o: haven?t an- mone- to start with.D He la:7he" callo:slan" stro"e over to the table8 where he sat "own. &he coolies e-e" him8 ;ri7htene". D#ell8D "eclare" /rrin 1orth8 r:bbin7 hia han"s bris9l-8 Dthat?s a 7oo" "a-?s wor9.D D6o: sho:l"n?t have ta9en all their mone-8D 7r:nte" one o; the sailors.

D#h- notFD bar9e" 1orth. D0 was l:c9- to 7et in here be;ore 5o:ie Fon7 7ot at them. He?" have ta9en it i; he?" 7ot to them ;irst8 -o: can "epen" on it.D He ch:c9le". D.i7ht- 7oo" Eo9e on 5o:ie8D he sai" complacentl-. D0 won"er where 5o:ie is8 an-wa-8D as9e" 1+= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow the sailor. D0t ain?t li9e .m to sta- awa- so lon7.D D0t cost him ;i;t- b:c9s an" serves him ri7ht8D la:7he" 1orth. D6o:?re smart8 .r. 1orth8D sai" the other tailor a"mirin7l-. D/; co:rse 0?m smart8D a7ree" 1orth. D0?m a rich man an" -o: "on?t 7et rich :nless -o:?re smart8 let me tell -o:. An" -o: "on?t sta- lon7 in this sm:77lin7 7ame :nless -o:?re mi7ht- smart. B:t 0?ve 7ot that all ;ixe" :p. &here?s onlone man co:l" trip me :p an" 0 have him o:t o; the wa-.D D#ho?s thatFD DFenton Har"-.D D&he "etectiveGD D2ome "etective8D la:7he" 1orth. D#h-8 sa--as a "etective8 this ;ellow Har"- is a Eo9e. 0?ve 7ot him helpin7 me an" he "oesn?t 9now it. An" besi"es8 he?s o:t o; town. &hin7s can move nicel- now. 0 thin9 0?m clever to 7et a ;amo:s ;ellow li9e that o:t ;rom :n"er m- nose.D He la:7he"8 slappin7 the table. &he sailors8 who were evi"entl- in his emplo- an" ;ear;:l o; o;;en"in7 their master8 la:7he" also. &he Chinamen sai" nothin7. D6es8 sir8D "eclare" 1orth8 Dit ta9es a clever man to o:twit Fenton Har"- an" the 7overnment all at the same time.D Peril !n"er7ro:n" 1+< 2:""enl- Fran9 became aware that he was not the onl- watcher. Partlhi""en b- some paper ;lowers on the opposite wall he notice" a narrow slit in the woo"wor9. Be-on" this slit he saw a pair o; e-esG &he e-es were ;ixe" intentl- on /rrin 1orth. ?? 6epG?? 7loate" the ship owner. ?? 0t ta9es a smart man to beat me at this 7ame. How lon7 wo:l" 5o:ie Fon7 last witho:t meF #h-8 he wo:l"n?t last a min:te. #ho tho:7ht o; ;reeBin7 2am 5ee o:t o; the la:n"r- an" p:ttin7 5o:ie in thereF #h-8 it was me.D D&hat was a 7oo" st:nt8 all ri7ht.D DAn" who tho:7ht o; b:-in7 this empt- store an" ;ixin7 :p a passa7e to the la:n"r-F .e8 a7ain. &he police wo:l"n?t 7et wise to this place in a h:n"re" -ears.D 2:""enl- one o; the Chinamen leane" across the table8 an" spo9e sharplto /rrin 1orth. #ith a m:tter o; alarm the man sw:n7 aro:n" in his chair. He loo9e" "irectl- towar" the slit in the wall. He saw the e-esG 1orth?s han" ;lew to his poc9et. He wrenche" o:t a revolver8 raise" it an" ;ire". 0nstantl- the room was in an :proar. &he two sailors spran7 :p ;rom their chairs. &he coolies 7abble" in terror. &he other Chinamen r:she" ;or the "oor. DA sp-GD roare" 1orth. He ;ire" a7ain. B:t the m-sterio:s e-es ha" vanishe". 1+) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow DCome onGD sho:te" one o; the sailors. D#e?ll catch him o:tsi"e.D ?? 1oGD -elle" 1orth. ?? #e can?t have ever-bo"- r:nnin7 o:t o; here. &he police wo:l" 7et wise. 0?ll 7o m-sel;.D He stro"e across the room8 wrenche" open a "oor an" "isappeare". Fran9 was a;rai" the search mi7ht res:lt in his own "iscover-8 so he leape" H:ic9l- towar" the "oor thro:7h which 5o:ie Fon7 ha" vanishe".

Fort:natel- it was not loc9e". He opene" it an" ran o:t. 0t opene" on a short8 "ar9 hall. Fran9 spe" thro:7h the 7loom8 race" to the "oor at the en" o; the hall8 ;l:n7 it open. He ;o:n" himsel; o:tsi"e. &here8 h:""le" in a heap at the bottom o; the step he ;o:n" 5o:ie Fon7. &he Chinaman la- :nconscio:s. Fran9 9nelt "own an" shoo9 the prostrate ;i7:re. &he man opene" his e-es an" m:ttere" somethin7 in a ":ll voice. #as 5o:ie Fon7 the man who ha" been sp-in7 thro:7h the slit in the wall F An" ha" /rrin 1orth shot himF Fran9 "ra77e" the Chinaman to his ;eet. 5o:ie Fon7 was scarcel- able to stan". At that moment @oe "ashe" aro:n" the corner o; the b:il"in7. D#hat?s the matterFD he 7aspe". D0 went bac9 to the la:n"r- an" -o: weren?t there. 0 Peril !n"er7ro:n" 1++ hear" shots.D &hen he saw the Chinaman. ?? 5o:ie Fon78?? sai" Fran9 swi;tl-. ?? P:ic9 1 Help me 7et him o:t o; here. He?s been shot or sl:77e". H:rr-.D #itho:t another wor" @oe 7rabbe" the /riental b- the arm. &he- h:stle" him aro:n" the si"e o; the store an" o:t into the alle- at the bac9. Fran9 was in momentar- ;ear lest the- r:n into /rrin 1orth8 b:t the ship owner?s search ha" evi"entl- ta9en him to the other si"e o; the b:il"in7. D#here shall we ta9e himFD as9e" @oe. D3own to the 7ara7e. 5et?s p:t him in o:r car8D snappe" Fran9. DHe?s so 7ro77- he "oesn?t 9now what he?s "oin7.D B- ma9in7 5o:ie Fon7 a captive8 re;lecte" Fran98 thewo:l" 7ain 7reat hea"wa- in their campai7n a7ainst the sm:77lin7 rin7. An"8 whatever ha" happene" to him8 the Chinaman scarcel- seeme" to be in his ri7ht senses. H;e sta77ere" an" wo:l" have ;allen i; theha" not been hol"in7 him b- the arms. Fort:natel- the- met no one in the alle-. 0t ran parallel to Hi7h 2treet an" bro:7ht them to the rear o; their own 7ara7e. &he- h:stle" 5o:ie Fon7 into the b:il"in7. D5et?s loo9 him over an" see i; he?F wo:n"e"8D Fran9 s:77este". D/rrin 1orth shot at a man who was watchin7 thro:7h the 1+( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D/rrin 1orthGD exclaime" @oe in astonishment. D#here "i" all this happenFD D0?ll tell -o: later. 0?ve ha" some a"vent:res since -o: le;t me.D DAn" 0?ve pic9e" :p some in;ormation.D 5o:ie Fon7 sa77e" s:""enl-. He ha" lapse" into :nconscio:sness a7ain. &ho:7h he was not wo:n"e"8 the- ;o:n" a h:7e b:mp on his hea"8 an" Fran9 E:"7e" that this was the ca:se o; bis con"ition. D2am 5ee m:st have wallope" him on the hea" an" shove" him into the cellar. He came to8 all ri7ht8 b:t he went :n"er a7ain8D sai" Fran9. DHere8 we?ll p:t him in the car.D &he- hoiste" the limp ;i7:re into the roa"ster. DB:t who was the peepin7 stran7erFD ex-elaime" Fran9 in bewil"erment. CHAP&%$ ''H 2A. 5%%?2 H0301> P5AC% Dwhat are we to "o with this priBe pac9a7eFD as9e" @oe8 motionin7 towar" the :nconscio:s 5o:ie Fon7. D&hat?s another problem. #hen 0 saw him on the "oorstep 0 E:st 7rabbe" him. 0; we can onl- mana7e to 9eep him prisoner somewhere an" ;orce him to tell :s somethin7 abo:t his "ealin7s with /rrin 1orth we?ll be

ma9in7 pro7ress.D D0 9now somethin7 abo:t his "ealin7s with 1orth8?? sai" @oe. D0 tal9e" to 2am 5ee.?? D#hat "i" he sa-&D as9e" Fran9 ea7erl-. @oe then tol" him o; his interview with the ol" Chinaman an" o; 2am 5ee?s stor- that /rrin 1orth an" 5o:ie Fon7 were lea7:e" in a sm:77lin7 enterprise. D&hat chec9s exactl- with what 0 learne"GD Fran9 exclaime"8 an" he tol" @oe o; his a"vent:res in the la:n"r-8 o; his ;all thro:7h the trap-"oor an" his "iscover- o; the passa7e lea"in7 into the a"Eacent b:il"in7. D#e?ve st:mble" on an important secret8 no 1+* 1(0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow "o:bt o; that8D "eclare" @oe. D#e can?t let 5o:ie Fon7 o:t o; o:r han"s. B:t where are we to 9eep himGD D6o: sai" 2am 5ee has a hi"eo:t :p the river8D exclaime" Fran9 in excitement. D&here?s the ver- place. #e can ta9e him there8 tie him :p an" leave 2am 5ee to watch him;or :s.D D>oo" i"eaG 0 never tho:7ht o; that. His ;rien"s won?t ;in" him there in a h:rr-8 0?ll be bo:n".D DB:t ;irst o; all there?s somethin7 0 want to "o.D D#hat is itFD D0?" li9e to 9now more abo:t the stran7er who was sp-in7 on /rrin 1orth in the secret room8D sai" Fran9. D#h-8 he?ll be miles awa- b- now.D DHe mabe. B:t not his ;ootprints.D D0 see what -o: mean. 6o: want to chec9 :p on an- trac9s he ma- have le;t aro:n" the "oor.D 0n case 5o:ie Fon7 sho:l" recover conscio:sness the bo-s res:rrecte" an ol" pair o; han"c:;;s-so:venirs o; one o; their previo:s cases -an" clappe" them on the wrists o; the :nconscio:s prisoner. Fran9 too9 tape an" paper with him8 slippe" o:t o; the 7ara7e an" retrace" his steps "own the alle-. He passe" the la:n"r-. &here was 2am 5ee?s Hi"in7 Place 1(1 no si7n o; li;e. He went on to the apparentl- "eserte" store be-on". 1o one was in si7ht. &he win"ows were boar"e" :p8 an" to all appearances no h:man bein7 ha" entere" the b:il"in7 in months. /; co:rse Fran9 9new otherwise. He went aro:n" to the si"e o; the store8 examine" the earth beneath the win"ows8 an" at last he ;o:n" what he so:7ht. &wo ;ootprints8 clear an" "istinct in the san". Fran9 9nelt "own an" H:ic9l- too9 meas:rements o; the telltale mar9s. He Eotte" them "own an" h:rrie"l- le;t the scene. 1ot ;ive min:tes ha" elapse" be;ore he ret:rne" to the 7ara7e. D#here are those other ;i7:res8 @oelD he as9e". D&he meas:rements o; the other ;ootprintsF #h-8 the-?re :p in o:r room. B:t we "on?t nee" them. 0 can remember them. 6o: "on?t mean to sa- -o: thin9 the-?re the sameFD D0?m s:re o; it8D an" Fran9 recite" the meas:rements he ha" E:st ta9en. D#h-8 the-?re exactl- the sameGD &he bo-s stare" at each other in pro;o:n" amaBement. D&hen8D sai" Fran98 Dthat man who le;t the ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow-----D D#as the same man who spie" on /rria 1orth to"a-.D 1(2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow DAn" the same man who spie" on 5o:ie Fon7 an" /rrin 1orth at the 7ara7e.D

D0 won"er8D observe" @oe8 Di; the ;irst 2i"ne- Pebbles is still mixe" :p in this a;;air.D D#ell8 we won?t 7et an-where b- won"erin7 abo:t it8D "eclare" his brother. D/:r problem ri7ht now is to 7et 5o:ie Fon7 :p to 2am 5ee?s hi"eo:t an" see that he?s p:t :n"er 7:ar".D He E:mpe" into the "river?s seat8 while @oe clambere" in at the other si"e. 5o:ie Fon78 still :nconscio:s an" han"c:;;e"8 was we"7e" between them. Fran9 ran the car o:t o; the 7ara7e. D#here nowFD D&he boatho:se.D 2am 5ee?s hi"in7 place was on the #illow Biver. Accor"in7 to @oe?s "escription o; the place Fran9 9new that it wo:l" be possible to motor within a ;ew miles o; the place8 b:t that meant a lon7 wal9 with their prisoner. He "i" not relish the prospect o; "ra77in7 5o:ie Fon7 thro:7h several miles o; b:sh co:ntr- when the place co:l" be reache" "irectlb- water. &he Har"- bo-s owne" a motorboat which the- calle" &he 2le:th. 0t ha" been p:rchase" o:t o; priBe mone- the- ha" earne" ;or solvin7 one o; the m-steries theha" tac9le". &he cra;t wo:l" be :se;:l at this time. #hen the- reache" the boatho:se thesaw a ;amiliar ;i7:re tin9erin7 at the en7ine o; a 2am 5ee?s Hi"in7 Place 1(, motorboat near the "oc9. 0t was the 1apoli8 owne" b- &on- Prito8 an 0talian-American la" who was one o; their ch:ms. As their car came to a stop &on- loo9e" :p an" saw them. DHiGD he sho:te" an" steppe" o:t o; his cra;t. D#here have -o: two been all wee9FD He came towar" them. As he passe" one o; the boatho:ses he loo9e" insi"e an" calle" o:t: DHere the- are8 Chet. Come alon7.D Chet .orton emer7e" at a bo:n". D#ellG #ellGD he sai"8 7rinnin7. D0; it isn?t o:r ol" pals8 the Har"bo-s. #hereAe -o: been all s:mmerF 2pen"in7 -o:r holi"a-s in %:rope or somewhereFD &on- Prito la:7he". DChet was E:st sa-in7 that -o: ;ellows have been :p to somethin7.D D0?ll sa- the- have8D 7r:mble" Chet. D>ot me starte" on a swell m-steran" E:st when 0 was 7ivin7 them some real help the- le;t me o:t in the col". &hen the- starte" 7oin7 aro:n" with a swell loo9in7 7irl an" be7an 7ivin7 all their ol" ;rien"s the air.D 2:""enl- he spie" 5o:ie Fon7 in the car. D>reat s:;;erin7 hoptoa"sGD he -elpe". D#hat have -o: 7ot thereF A m:mm-FD &on- Prito?s e-es b:l7e". D0s it realFD he sH:ea9e". D/; co:rse it?s real8D sai" Fran98 7ettin7 o:t o; the car. DCome on8 Chet. 6o:Ae been com1(= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow plainin7 that we?ve been ;reeBin7 -o: o:t o; this m-ster-. 6o:?re in it now. 6o: too8 &on-.D D>oo"GD exclaime" &on-8 beamin7 with pleas:re. D0 li9e m-steries.D D2a-GD m:ttere" Chet8 starin7 at the :nconscio:s Chinaman. D&hat loo9s mi7ht- li9e 5o:ie Fon7.D D0t is 5o:ie Fon78D sai" @oe. Chet 7:lpe". D0 "on?t 9now as 0 care ;or this m-ster- as m:ch as 0 tho:7ht 0 wo:l"8D he sai". D&hat man is a ba" actor8 b- all acco:nts. #hat have -o: "one

to himF 0s he "ea" or chloro;orme"FD D1either8D ret:rne" Fran9. DHe?s 9noc9e" o:t8 that?s all8 an" he?s li9el- to come to at an- min:te.?? D0n that case8D sai" Chet8 D0?ll be seein7 -o: at 2:n"a- 2chool the "aa;ter tomorrow.D He be7an to wal9 awa-8 b:t Fran9 collare" his ch:m. D6o: want to be involve" in m-steries8D he remin"e" Chet ;irml-. D6o:?re in one now. Help :s 7et 5o:ie into o:r boat.D D.- boat?s all rea"-8D sai" &on- Prito. D!se mine. #here are -o: 7oin7FD D!p the #illow Biver.D D5oa" him in8 then8 an" come alon7.D &on- went on ahea" an" scramble" into the 1apoli while the bo-s ;ollowe"8 carr-in7 5o:ie 2am 5ee?s Hi"in7 Place 1(< Fon7. &he- ":mpe" him into the boat. &on- too9 the wheel an" Chet cast o;;. &he en7ine throbbe" an" in a ;ew moments the swi;t cra;t was spee"in7 o:t into Barmet Ba-. &heir Eo:rneacross the ba- an" :p the #illow %iver was :nevent;:l. 5o:ie Fon7 still remaine" :nconscio:s. Chet an" &on- were wil"lc:rio:s as to how the Chinaman ha" ;allen into the han"s o; the Har"bo-s an" as to the reasons ;or his ab":ction. #hen Fran9 an" @oe tol" them some o; their a"vent:res thewere more than astonishe" at the maBe o; intri7:e an" crime in which /rrin 1orth an" 5o:ie Fon7 were involve". ?? &his is bi7 st:;;G?? exclaime" Chet serio:sl-. DBo-8 0?m 7la" that rascal is :nconscio:s. An" han"c:;;e"8 too. 0; he wo9e :p he?" start raisin7 r:ctions.D DHe?s prett- harmless ri7ht now8D sai" Fran9. DAn" once we 7et to 2am 5ee?s place 0 thin9 he?ll be in sa;e 9eepin7 :ntil we have time to atten" to /rrin 1orth.D &he- ;o:n" 2am 5ee?s hi"in7 place witho:t "i;;ic:lt-8 ;ollowin7 the "irections the ol" Chinaman ha" 7iven @oe. &he place was on a branch o; the river an" so cleverl- conceale" that thewo:l" never have s:specte" its presence i; theha" not 9nown where to loo9. &he- ;o:n" 2am 5ee sittin7 in the "oorwa- o; an ol" shac9 in the b:sh besi"e the cree9. 1() Footprints !n"er the #in"ow ?? AhGD he sai" when he saw @oe. D 6o: come soon.D &hen8 when he spie" the limp ;i7:re o; 5o:ie Fon78 he "rew bac9 with an exclamation o; alarm. D#hat has happene"FD he as9e" tensel-. D3i" 0 9ill himFD D0 tho:7ht so8D la:7he" Fran9. D0t was -o: who 9noc9e" him on the hea" in the la:n"r-.D 2am 5ee no""e". DHe ins:lte" me. 0 str:c9 him when he trie" to cho9e me. He ;ell "own. 0 too9 him over to the trap-"oor an" "roppe" him into the cellar.D DHe isn?t "ea"8D @oe ass:re" him. DB:t we tho:7ht he mi7ht as well be 9ept :n"er 7:ar". &hat?s wh- we bro:7ht him here.D 2am 5ee shoo9 his hea" "o:bt;:ll-. D6o: are brave bo-s8D he sai"8 Dto 9i"nap so bi7 a criminal as 5o:ie Fon7.D D0t "i"n?t ta9e m:ch braver-8D sai" Fran9. DHe hasn?t recovere" ;rom that wallop -et. He wo9e :p a co:ple o; times b:t cave" in a7ain. #e p:t han"c:;;s on him8 so he?s harmless even i; he "oes wa9e :p.D D5o:ie Fon7 is never harmless8D sai" 2am 5ee. DHe is alwa-s "an7ero:s. 5i9e a rattlesna9e.D

0t was easil- seen8 however8 that the ol" Chinaman was please" at 5o:ie Fon7?s capt:re8 2am 5ee?s Hi"in7 Place 1(+ &he- bro:7ht the prisoner into the shac9. He m:ttere" :neasil- as thecarrie" him8 an" Chet E:mpe" nervo:sl- to one si"e. D5oo9 o:tGD he exclaime". DHe?s wa9in7 :p now.D 5o:ie Fon7?s e-es opene". He stare" abo:t him8 then narrowe" his e-es s:""enl- as he realiBe" that he was in an :n;amiliar place an" in stran7e han"s. For the moment8 however8 he sai" nothin7. &he bo-s p:t himon 2am 5ee?s cot8 where he sat ;or a moment8 sha9in7 his hea". &hen he move" his arms an" "iscovere" that his wrists were han"c:;;e". #ith a wil" -ell he spran7 to his ;eet8 his evil ;ace "istorte" with ;:r-. D5et me 7oGD he screeche". D#hat place -o: blin7 meG 5et me 7oGD He bro9e into a wil" tira"e o; threats. He wo:l" 9ill them8 he sai"8 :nless the- set him ;ree. He ;l:n7 himsel; abo:t the tin- cabin8 9ic9in7 at the walls8 tr-in7 to 7et at his captors. Fran9 an" &onPrito seiBe" him an" shove" hirpbac9 onto the cot. DClose that "oor8 ChetGD snappe" Fran9. D0 was E:st 7oin7 to8D 7aspe" Chet. As a matter o; ;act8 he was hal;wa- thro:7h the "oorwa- at the time. Chet &ia" inten"e" ma9in7 a H:iet "epart:re8 b:t he mee9l- close" the "oor an" ret:rne". 1(( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow 5o:ie Fon7 rave". He was ;:rio:s with an7er. His in9- e-es were ;ixe" on 2am 5ee an" he raspe" o:t a torrent o; threats in Chinese. 2am 5ee t:rne" pale. D3on?t worr-8D sai" Fran9. DHe?ll H:iet "own when he sees it?s o; no :se.D He spo9e to 5o:ie Fon7. D5oo9 hereGD he sai". D#e?ve learne" a ;ew thin7s abo:t -o: an" 1orth. #e?re 7oin7 to brea9 :p this sm:77lin7 rac9et o; -o:rs. 0n the meantime8 -o:?re 7oin7 to sta- here. B- the time we ?re rea"- to let -o: 7o bac9 to Ba-port -o: ?11 ;in" that the 7ame is :p.?? B:t8 as 2am 5ee ha" sai"8 5o:ie Fon7 was alwa-s "an7ero:s. &he Chinaman?s e-es 7linte". He cro:che" on the cot8 his han"s behin" his bac9. He appeare" to be listenin7 intentl-. D6o: an" /rrin 1orth tric9e" m- ;ather8D Fran9 contin:e". D#e?re 7oin7 to 7et wor" to him an" see that he learns the ;acts o; the case.D D#hat?s thatFD as9e" &on- Prito s:""enl-. Chet .orton E:mpe" conv:lsivel-. 2am 5ee t:rne" an" 7aBe" at the "oor. &ap . . . tap . . . tap. &here was a stran7e rappin7 7oin7 on. 5o:ie Fon7?s ;ace was trans;orme" b- a malicio:s 7rin. D2omeone at the "oor8D whispere" @oe. CHAP&%$ ''000 CHA1 the stran7e tappin7 contin:e". D/pen it a bit an" see who is there8 Chet8D sai" Pran9. D.a-be i; we sta- H:iet he?ll 7o awa-8D Chet whispere". Fran9 shoo9 his hea". 0n ;ear an" tremblin78 then8 Chet approache" the "oor8 an" opene" it a mere tri;le. 2:""enl- 5o:ie Pon7 spo9e. DChanGDhe sai" so;tl-. 1o sooner ha" he :ttere" the wor" than there was a ;renBie" snarl. A heav- bo"- la:nche" itsel; at the "oor. Chet was h:rle" on his bac9 bthe impact8 an" a 7a:nt 7ra- ;orm leape" over him. 0t was Chan8 the ;erocio:s wol;ho:n" o; 5o:ie Fon7G

0nstantl- the shac9 was in con;:sion. &he beast spran7 strai7ht at Fran9. At the same moment 5o:ie Fon7 rose ;rom the cot with a wil" -ell. A H:ic9 wrench an" the han"c:;;s clattere" to the ;loor. All the time he ha" been 1(* 1*0 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow sittin7 on the cot the wil- /riental ha" been wor9in7 his wrists ;ree o; the r:st- shac9les. Fran9 "o"7e" as the "o7 leape" at him an" the br:te crashe" a7ainst the wall. 2am 5ee :ttere" a cr- o; "espair. &on- Prito snatche" :p a stic9 an" h:rle" it at Chan. @oe pl:n7e" at 5o:ie Fon7. B:t Chan 7:ar"e" his master. &he h:7e "o7 whirle" abo:t an" ;ace" the 7ro:p8 ;an7s bare"8 e-es 7larin7. 0t snappe" an" snarle"8 threatenin7 all within reach. 5o:ie Fon7 "e;tl- eva"e" @oe?s r:sh an" leape" towar" the open "oor. /ne sprin78 an" he vanishe". DA;ter himGD -elle" Fran98 bo:n"in7 o:tsi"e. He was bro:7ht :p short as Chan8 with a snarl o; ;:r-8 race" ahea" o; him8 wheele" an" ;orce" him bac9 into the cabin. &he animal 7rowle" menacin7l-8 as he covere" his master?s retreat. &he bo-s were in a panic. 5o:ie Fon7 ha" escape" an" thewere powerless to 7ive p:rs:it. .oreover8 the- 9new well the 7ravit- o; their "an7er once the Chinaman was at lar7e a7ain. &on- Prito 7rabbe" :p the stic9 a7ain. He ;l:n7 it at the "o7. &he weapon misse" its mar9 an" ;lew over the animal?s hea" b:t Chan -elpe" an" bac9e" awa-. A moment later8 with a ;inal howl8 he ;le" into the b:shes. Chan 1*1 2am 5ee was 7ibberin7 with ;ear an" excitement. &he escape o; his ol" enem- ha" le;t him in a pitiable state. Chet was be-on" speech. Fran9 an" @oe r:she" o:t o; the shac9. &hehear" a crashin7 in the brshes. D.A;ter himGD sho:te" Pran9. DHe went this wa-.D &he- pl:n7e" into the :n"er7rowth8 &on- Prito close on their heels. &he- ;ollowe" the "irection o; the so:n"s an" a moment later came within si7ht o; the "o7. &he 7reat 7ra- shape ;lashe" in the b:shes8 then vanishe" a7ain. 2omewhere ahea" was 5o:ie Fon7. @oe circle" aro:n" towar" the cree98 s:spectin7 that 5o:ie Fon7 mi7ht ma9e his wa- to the boat. &on- Prito ma"e a wi"e "eto:r in the opposite "irection. Chet8 his ;irst H:alms havin7 passe"8 h:stle" o:t o; the shac9 an" ma"e himsel; ver- b:s- b- trippin7 over b:shes8 pl:n7in7 aimlessl- here an" there8 sho:tin7 wil"l-8 an" care;:ll- coverin7 all the 7ro:n" that the others ha" alrea"- searche". &he- "i" not recapt:re 5o:ie Fon7. &he b:sh was too "ense an" the Chinaman was too shrew". A;ter hal; an ho:r o; vain search the bo-s were ;orce" to a"mit "e;eat. 5o:ie Fon7 an" the wol;ho:n" ha" escape". &he- ret:rne" to the shac98 where 2am 5ee was waitin7 ;or them anxio:sl-. 1*2 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow DHe was too H:ic9 ;or :s8 2am. He ma"e a clean 7etawa-. He?s probablhea"in7 bac9 to Ba-port b- now.D &he ol" man loo9e" ;ri7htene". D0 am lost8D he sai" simpl-. D5o:ie Fon7 will s:rel- 9ill me now.D D6o:?re in no "an7er8D the- ass:re" him. D#e?ll loo9 a;ter -o:.D 2am 5ee "i" not share their con;i"ence8 ;or he co:l" not ;or7et the terrible threats 5o:ie Fon7 ha" h:rle" at him in the cabin. D0 can sta- here no lon7er. He 9nows m- hi"in7 place.D D6es8 0 7:ess -o:?ll have to move awa- ;rom here8D @oe a7ree". D0?m

sorr-8 2am 5ee. 0t was o:r ;a:lt. D#e sho:l"n?t have bro:7ht 5o:ie Fon7 here.D D6o: are not to blame8D sai" the ol" man 7entl-. D0; all ha" 7one well it was the best thin7 to "o. #ho co:l" have ;oreseen that the "o7 wo:l" trail him hereFD DAn" who co:l" have 9nown that the villain was 7ettin7 ri" o; those han"c:;;s all the time -o: were tal9in7 to himFD spo9e :p Chet. D#e "i"n?t p:t them on ti7htl- eno:7h. He mana7e" to sH:eeBe his han"s thro:7h them all ri7ht.D D1ow we?re all in a ;ix8D m:ttere" Chet. D0 won"er i; m- a:nt :p in Aermont wo:l" let me 7o an" visit her on her ;arm ;or a ;ew wee9s. Chan 1*, 0 co:l" catch the ni7ht train. 5o:ie Fon7 wo:l" never chase me all the wa- to Aermont8 wo:l" heFD &he others la:7he". Chet was obvio:sl- ;ri7htene" within an inch o; his li;e. D6o: mi7ht as well sta- in Ba-port8D sai" @oe. D6o: wo:l"n?t be ansa;er ;rom 5o:ie Fon7 i; -o: went to the 1orth Pole.D D0 hope 0 have a nice ;:neral8D 7roane" Chet comicall-. D&o thin9 o; a promisin7 la" li9e me bein7 c:t o;; in his prime. 0 won"er which o; :s will 7o ;irst.D D0 "on?t thin9 he even saw -o:8D sco;;e" &on- Prito. DHe "oesn?t 9now -o: exist. 6o: certainl- weren?t m:ch in evi"ence ":rin7 that r:mp:s in the shac9.D D0 tho:7ht 0?" be more val:able i; 0 sat "own H:ietl- an" ;i7:re" o:t a plan8D replie" Chet wea9l-8 Db:t ever-thin7 move" so ;ast 0 "i"n?t have time.D D#ell8 -o:?" better thin9 :p a plan ri7ht now8D sai" Fran9. D#hat are we 7oin7 to "o with 2am 5ee F #e ?11 have to hi"e him in some sa;e place8 that?s certain.D D6o:?ve come to the ri7ht shop ;or an i"ea8D answere" Chet. D0 9now the ver- place. 2a;e as a ch:rch.D ?? #here F?? the- as9e". D6o:r boatho:se.D D&hat?s a real i"ea8D appla:"e" @oe. D0 1*= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow won"er wh- we "i"n?t thin9 o; hi"in7 &om #at there.D D&om #atGD exclaime" Chet. D#hat has &om #at 7ot to "o with this F 0s he mixe" :p in it8 tooFD Fran9 ha" almost 7iven the secret o; &om #at awa-. &he bo-s ha" not tol" their ch:ms the real i"entit- o; the prett- 7irl who ha" aro:se" Chet?s c:riosit-. D1ever min"8D he sai" hastil-. D&hat?s a 7oo" s:77estion abo:t the boatho:se. 0t?s close to o:r home so we can loo9 in o;ten an" see that 2am 5ee is com;ortable. How abo:t it8 2am 5eeFD D6o: ma- hi"e me wherever -o: wish8D ret:rne" the ol" Chinaman mo:rn;:ll-. D0t will be o; no :se. 0 am "oome". 5o:ie Fon7 will ;in" me o:t.D D0 thin9 we?ll ;ix 5o:ie Fon7 be;ore he has a chance to "o an-thin78D sai" @oe cheer;:ll-. D5et?s 7et 7oin7. 0; we stic9 aro:n" here too lon7 he ma- ro:n" :p some o; his ;rien"s an" come bac9.D D0 never tho:7ht o; that8D m:ttere" Chet8 an" ma"e a r:nnin7 hop-stepan"-E:mp towar" the motorboat. &he- aban"one" the shac9 at once an" went "own to the 1apoli. #ithin a short time the spee"- cra;t was racin7 "own the river an" hea"in7 towar" the open ba-. Chan 1*<

0t was "ar9 when the- crosse" Barmet Ba- an" reache" the boatho:se8 so thewere able to sm:77le 2am 5ee into the b:il"in7 witho:t bein7 seen b- an-one. &he ol" Chinaman was 7rate;:l b:t he seeme" to ;eel that the preca:tions were :seless. 5o:ie Fon78 he sai"8 wo:l" s:rel- ;in" his hi"in7 place. &he- ma"e the ol" man as com;ortable as theco:l". &on- Prito ran to his ho:se nearb- an" came bac9 with a s:ppl- o; ;oo" ;rom the 9itchen. &here were a ;ew blan9ets that the bo-s ha" :se" on a campin7 trip an" with these the- improvise" a be". D#e?ll "rop in an" see -o: be;ore lon78D sai" Fran9. DAn" in case an-thin7 happens8D sai" Chet8 as he remove" an obEect ;rom the boat an" p:t it on the ;loor besi"e 2am 5ee8 DE:st so:n" the alarm.D &he obEect was the boat?s 9laxon. 2am 5ee smile". D6o: are ver- tho:7ht;:l8D he sai". D0 am not a;rai". #hat m:st come will come.D &he bo-s le;t him. 1ear the Har"- home8 Chet .orton an" &on- Prito le;t the others8 a;ter Fran9 an" @oe ha" promise" to 7et in to:ch with them i; the- sho:l" happen to nee" their help. DAn" "on?t ;or7et that8 either8D instr:cte" Chet. D0?ve been in this m-ster- at the start 1*) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow an" in the mi""le an" 0 "on?t want to miss the ;inish8 i; there is 7oin7 to be an- ;inish.?? D&he ;inish wo:l" come H:ic9l- eno:7h i; we co:l" onl- 7et in to:ch with 3a"8D sai" Fran9. D0 can?t :n"erstan" wh- he sho:l" sta- awa- so lon7.D D0 have a h:nch8D remar9e" @oe8 Dthat some o; /rrin 1orth?s crow" are "oin7 their best to 9eep him o:t o; town.D D#hatever the reason is8 he isn?t here so we m:st carr- on alone8D "eci"e" Fran9. &he- sai" 7oo"b-e to their ch:ms an" went into the ho:se. &he moment the- entere" the "oor thewere aware that somethin7 ha" 7one wron7. !pstairs theco:l" hear the voice o; A:nt >ertr:"e. 2he was hi7hlexcite"-ravin78 in ;act. DCall the policeG Call the police8 1:rseGD &he bo-s r:she" :p the stairs. /n the lan"in7 the- enco:ntere" 1:rse Co"-8 whose ;ace was as white as the proverbial sheet. D>et him o:t o; hereGD A:nt >ertr:"e was clamorin7. D#e?ll all be m:r"ere" in o:r be"s. >et that man o:t o; this ho:se. 5oc9 hiT:pG Call the police be;ore he 7ets awa-.D D#hat?s wron78 .rs. Co"-FD &heir ;irst tho:7ht was that 5o:ie Fon7 ha" inva"e" the ho:se in search o; them. &he n:rse co:l" scarcel- spea9. 2he 7:lpe" with terror. Chan 1*+ DA-a manGD she 7aspe" at last. DA manF #hereFD "eman"e" Fran9. D0-0 loc9e" him :pGD stammere" the ;ri7htene" woman. D>et him o:t o; the ho:se this instant8D waile" A:nt >ertr:"e. &he bo-s hear" a violent po:n"in7 ;rom the vicinit- o; a closet at the en" o; the hall. D0n thereGD 7aspe" 1:rse Co"-8 as she pointe" to the place where be""in7 was store". 0n her han" she cl:tche" a 9e-. Fran9 too9 the 9e- an" stro"e towar" the "oor. D3on?t let him o:tGD shrie9e" the n:rse. DHe?ll m:r"er :s all.D

D0t?s a Chinaman 0?? screame" A:nt >ertr:"e ;rom her room. DA ChinamanGD exclaime" @oe. As the bo-s a"vance" towar" the closet "oor8 the po:n"in7 became more violent than ever. &here was certainl- someone loc9e" in there. #as the prisoner 5o:ie Fon7F CHAP&%$ ''0A P$02/1%$2 !13%$>$/!13 ;ran9 ;itte" the 9e- into the loc9. D3on?t open that "oorGD screame" A:nt >ertr:"e. ?? >et the policeG?? &he n:rse ;le" to A:nt >ertr:"e?s room an" peepe" o:t thro:7h the hal;open "oor8 rea"- to slam it sh:t at an instant?s notice. &he po:n"in7 contin:e". Fran9 seiBe" the 9nob8 t:rne" the 9e- an" steppe" bac9. /:t t:mble" &om D#at8 with the 7irl?s hat "own over one e-e an" the s9irt "ra77in7 abo:t his heels. &he -o:n7 man was nearl- "ea" ;rom excitement. D.e a;lai" o; la"-GD he babble". D.:chee a;lai" o; la"-. 5oc9ee me :p.D He 7rabbe" Fran9 b- the sleeve. &he ;irst shoc9 o; s:rprise havin7 passe"8 the Har"- bo-s roare" with la:7hter. @oe sat "own on the ;loor8 wea9 with mirth at the spectacle o; the be"ra77le" an" ;ri7htene" Chinaman. D3on?t let him 7et awa-GD clamore" A:nt >ertr:"e. D2it on his hea".D 1*( Prisoners !n"er7ro:n" 1** D.e m:chee a;lai" o; la"-GD DAn" the la"- is m:chee a;lai" o; -o:8 too8D snorte" @oe. DHow on earth "i" the- catch -o:8 &omFD D.e 7et h:n7l-. .e come "own stailwa-. 5a"- catchee me. 5a"- sho:t8 ?#hoopsG? an" 7lab me8D relate" &om #at8 sh:""erin7 at the recollection. D.e hi"e in closet. 5oc9ee me tip then.D %xplanations8 o; co:rse8 were in or"er. Fran9 an" @oe bro:7ht their tremblin7 7:est into A:nt >ertr:"e?s room8 vastl- to the alarm o; that la"- an" 1:rse Co"-. &hen the- explaine" how theha" sm:77le" &om #at into the ho:se to protect him ;rom the insi"io:s 5o:ie Fon7. A:nt >ertr:"e8 her ;ears alla-e"8 scol"e" the bo-s ;or 7ivin7 her s:ch a ;ri7ht. &he scare8 however8 ha" "one her 7oo". 2he seeme" more active than she ha" been since she entere" the ho:se. 0n ;act8 she seeme" to ;or7et that she was s:ppose" to be ill. D0 never hear" o; s:ch a thin7GD she exclaime". DA Chinaman in the room overhea" all the time. 0; 0?" 9nown it 0?" have "ie"G 0?" have simpl:p an" "ie" o; sheer ;ri7ht.D D2:ch 7oin7s-onGD sni;;e" 1:rse Co"-. D2carin? two "e;enceless women o:t o; their wits.D D5oo9 what -o: "i" to &om #at8 tho:7h8D 200 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow pointe" o:t Fran9. DHe?s a nervo:s wrec9. He?ll never be the same a7ain.D #hen the excitement ha" "ie" "own the bo-s too9 the Chinaman to their room. &here the- tol" him o; the happenin7s in the la:n"r-8 o; the capt:re an" escape o; 5o:ie Fon7. &om #at?s ;ace became 7rave. DAell- ba"GD he sai". D5o:ie Fon7 ma9ee m:ch tlo:ble ;or -o:.D D#e m:st ma9e tro:ble ;or 5o:ie Fon7 be;ore he can 7et starte". &hat?s the onl- answer8D sai" Fran9. DHowFD as9e" @oe. D0 have an i"ea. 0; we 7o bac9 to Fon7?s place we mabe able to learn somethin7. 0; he has ret:rne" we?ll 7et the police to ro:n" :p the

whole crow". #e have evi"ence a7ainst 5o:ie Fon7 an" 1orth8 as it is.D @oe shoo9 his hea". D0; 5o:ie Fon7 sho:l" see :s8 we?re certainl- "one ;or.D D#e?ll 7o in "is7:ise.D D&om #at is "is7:ise". How abo:t :s;D D0?ll 7o with &om #at-as a Chinaman.D Fran9 procee"e" to p:t his i"ea into exec:tion. From a "rawer he remove" a box o; 7rease paints that Fenton Har"- ha" "iscar"e" ;rom his collection. @oe slippe" "ownstairs to the little room o;; their ;ather?s o;;ice8 where Fenton Har"- 9ept his collection o; "is7:ises. Prisoners !n"er7ro:n" 201 He ret:rne" in a ;ew min:tes with a coat8 tro:sers8 slippers an" H:eer8 ;lat hat. D&he ver- thin7GD sai" @oe pro:"l-. D3a" :se" this o:t;it when he was investi7atin7 the ton7 wars in Chinatown8 bac9 in 1ew 6or9.D Fran9 sat "own in ;ront o; the mirror. 2wi;tl- he applie" the 7rease paint. D#ith the ai" o; &om D#at he soon trans;orme" himsel; into a ver- realistic /riental. D#here "o 0 come inFD as9e" @oe. D6o: trail #at an" me8D ret:rne" his brother. D0; we 7et into "i;;ic:lties -o: can 7et help ;or :s.D &om #at?s attire was soon strai7htene" o:t8 an" altho:7h he ha" manmis7ivin7s abo:t ret:rnin7 to the nei7hborhoo" o; 5o:ie Fon7?s place he was pers:a"e" to Eoin the expe"ition. DAll setFD sai" Fran9. D5et?s 7o.D &he- slippe" o:t o; the ho:se an" ma"e their wa- towar" the alle-. Here8 in the "ar9ness8 the- "isc:sse" their plans ;or a moment. &hen Fran9 an" &om #at set o:t to7ether8 @oe remainin7 in the sha"ows. Presentl- he ;ollowe" them at a respect;:l "istance. 5o:ie Fon7?s la:n"r- was in "ar9ness8 so thewent on towar" the apparentl- "eserte" store. 2:""enl- Fran9 stoppe". D2omeone there alrea"-8D he whispere" to &om #at8 who peere" into the 7loom. A7ainst the si"e o; the b:il"in7 thesaw a 202 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow "ar9 sha"ow. A man was prowlin7 abo:t beneath the win"ows. He a"vance" a pace8 cro:che" "own8 appeare" to be listenin7. &hen he move" ;orwar" a7ain8 an" once more stoope" low. D0?m 7oin7 to tac9le him8D whispere" Fran9. 2tealthil- he a"vance" :ntil he was onl- a ;ew -ar"s awa- ;rom the m-sterio:s stran7er. A H:ic9 r:sh an" Fran9 ha" collare" the ;ellow be;ore he co:l" stir ;rom his trac9s. &here was a brie; str:77le. D6o: let me beGD 7aspe" the prisoner. D5et me alone. 0 ain?t "oin7 an-thin7.D Fran9 b:n"le" him bac9 into the alle-. @oe8 who ha" hear" the so:n"s o; the str:77le an" tho:7ht somethin7 ha" 7one wron78 h:rrie" :p to them. &he captive str:77le" in vain. D5et me 7oGD he "eman"e". D0 ain?t "oin7 -o: an- harm.D His voice was ;amiliar. Fran9 sw:n7 him aro:n" an" the- peere" at him in the "im li7ht. D2i"ne- PebblesGD 7aspe" @oe. 0t was in"ee" the 2i"ne- Pebbles whom theha" met on the "oc98 the 2i"ne- Pebbles who ha" vanishe" so m-sterio:sl- ;rom their home on the ni7ht o; A:nt >ertr:"e?s arrival. D#ell8D sai" Fran98 hol"in7 the prisoner ;irml-. D&his is a s:rprise. D#e?ve been loo9in7 ;or -o:8 Pebbles. D#e?ve been wantin7 to Prisoners !n"er7ro:n" 20,

have a tal9 with -o: ever since -o: le;t o:r ho:se.D D.- name isn?t Pebbles. 6o:?ve the wron7 man8D m:ttere" the captive. D&he real 2i"ne- Pebbles wor9s at 5a9esi"e8D @oe tol" him. D6o:?" better tal9 or it will be the worse ;or -o:. #hat?s -o:r real nameFD DHenr- Pin9erton8D he m:ttere" s:llenl-. D#hat ma"e -o: call -o:rsel; 2i"ne- Pebbles8 thenFD "eman"e" Fran9. DBeca:se 0 loo9 li9e him. 6o: ;ellows ha" better let me 7U. 6o: ma- not 9now it b:t 0?m one o; the best "etectives in the !nite" 2tates. 0t?ll be E:st too ba" ;or -o: i; the a:thorities ;in" o:t that -o:?ve been han"lin7 Henr- Pin9erton this wa-.D D2ol 6o:?re a 7reat "etective8 are -o:FD sai" Fran98 who sense" that the ;ellow was onl- a pretentio:s bra77art. D#hat a7enc- "o -o: wor9 ;orFD D#ell-0 "on?t wor9 ;or an-bo"- E:st -et8D con;esse" Pin9erton. D&he 7overnment an" the a7encies won?t 7ive a ;ellow a chance. &he- "on?t 9now how 7oo" 0 am. 0 too9 a correspon"ence co:rse in how to be a 7reat "etective an" 0 passe" with mi7ht- 7oo" mar9s8 let me tell -o:. 0?m wor9in7 on this Chinese case ri7ht now an" when 0 solve it 0?ll be ;amo:s.D V0= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D#hat Chinese caseFD as9e" @oe8 startle". D#ell8 0 "on?t ri7htl- 9now what it?s all abo:t b:t 0 was at -o:r ;ather?s o;;ice one "a- to see i; he wo:l" 7ive me a Eob an" 0 hear" him tal9in7 to .r. 1orth. 2o when he wo:l"n?t 7ive me a Eob 0 sai" to m-sel; that 0?" solve that sm:77lin7 case8 whatever it was8 an" ma9e a name ;or m-sel;.D D2o that?s wh- -o: ma"e :p an exc:se to 7et into o:r ho:seFD exclaime" Fran9. D#ell8 0 met -o:r a:nt on the boat an" 0 ;o:n" o:t where she was 7oin78 stW 0 tho:7ht it was a 7oo" chance to 7et some insi"e in;ormation. 2he as9e" me to 7et her a "rin9 o; water so 0 p:t a co:ple o; "rops o; me"icine in it- harmless st:;;8 wo:l"n?t h:rt a ;l--E:st to p:t her to sleep so she?" 7o past Ba-port.D D3o -o: realiBe8D sai" Fran98 Dthat she?s been ill ever sinceFD D2h:c9s8D sai" Pin9erton8 D0 "i"n?t 7ive her eno:7h to h:rt an-bo"-.D D#h- "i" -o: steal the papers ;rom 3a"?s poc9etsFD snappe" @oe. DPapersFD exclaime" Pin9erton. D0 "i"n?t steal an- papers. 3:rin7 the ni7ht 0 7ot a;rai" -o: chaps wo:l" ;in" me o:t so 0 E:st snea9e" awa-. B:t 0 "i"n?t ta9e an-thin7. 0?m not a thie;. 0?m a "etective. An" a rattlin7 7oo" one8 too8D he a""e". D3i"n?t -o: leave ;ootprints :n"er o:r livPrisoners !n"er7ro:n" 20< in7 room win"owFD "eman"e" Fran9 incre":lo:sl-. D1o. 0 went b:t the ;ront "oor an" "own the wal9.D &his threw a new li7ht on the sit:ation. #ho8 then8 ha" ma"e those ;ootprintsG D#ell8 then8D sai" @oe8 D"i"n?t -o: sp- on 5o:ie Fon7 an" /rrin 1orth o:t at 1orth?s 7ara7e last ni7htFD D#ho is 5o:ie Fon7FD replie" Pin9erton blan9l-. ?? 0 wasn ?t an-where near .r. 1orth?s 7ara7e.D D#eren?t -o: prowlin7 aro:n" this store to"a-FD as9e" Fran9. D1ope8D sai" Pin9erton. D0?ve never been aro:n" here be;ore. @:st tho:7ht 0?" investi7ate the place toni7ht beca:se 0 7ot a tip that someone ha" seen a Chinaman comin7 o:t o; the place.D &he bo-s were perplexe". B- his st:pi" inter;erence he ha" complicate" the case ;rom the be7innin7. &he- saw8 then8 that there was an :n9nown ;actor in the a;;air. 2omeone else ha" "roppe" the note an" le;t the

;ootprints beneath the win"ow. 2omeone else ha" spie" on 5o:ie Fon7 an" /rrin 1orth at the 7ara7e. 2omeone else ha" been prowlin7 abo:t the secret meetin7 place in the store that "a-. D6o:?ve 7one an" spoile" all m- wor98D 7rowle" Pin9erton8 DE:st when 0 was 7ettin7 20) Footprints D!n"er the D#in"ow alon7 ;ine. 0 "on?t see wh- -o: have to comei b:ttin7 in.D At that moment there was a warnin7 cr- ;rom &om #at. &a9in7 no part in the conversation8 he ha" notice" the appearance o; several s:spicio:s loo9in7 sha"ows in the 7loom o; the lane. Bac9 o; 5o:ie Fon7?s la:n"rhe tho:7ht he ha" seen a ;lash o; li7ht. 5ater he tho:7ht he hear" a stealth- ;ootstep. He ha" wante" to be certain be;ore he in;orme" the others. &hen he ha" seen a man r:n swi;tl- into the lane ;rom the rear o; the store. At that moment &om #at ha" 7iven the alarm8 b:t he was too late. Hal; a "oBen ;i7:res seeme" to rise o:t o; the ver- 7ro:n". Fran9 an" @oe spran7 aro:n" to ;in" themselves con;rontin7 three men who bore swi;tl"own :pon them. Henr- Pin9erton :ttere" a howl o; ;ear an" too9 to his heels. He bl:n"ere" into a man who ma"e a swin7 at him b:t misse". &om #at ha" 7one scarcel- three paces be;ore a man pl:n7e" o:t o; the "ar9ness an" bro:7ht him to the 7ro:n". D#e?re trappe"8 @oeGD 7aspe" Fran98 as he trie" to ;i7ht o;; the attac9ers. &he bo-s battle" bravel- b:t thewere o:tn:mbere" an" seiBe". 2tr:77lin78 thewere h:stle" o:t o; the alle-8 b:t theco:l" not cro:t beca:se their captors ha" ro:7hl- 7a77e" them. &he- were r:she" H:ic9l- thro:7h a Prisoners !n"er7ro:n" 20+ "oorwa- at the bac9 o; 5o:ie Fon7?s la:n"r-. &here was a "im li7ht in the shop an" its 7low reveale" the vicio:s ;aces o; their captors. &heha" ;allen into the han"s o; hal;-a-"oBen Chinamen. &he- were ;ille" with "isma- as thewere p:she" thro:7h the bac9 room o; the la:n"r-. /ne o; the men 9nelt an" "rew open a trap"oor. 0t was not the trap-"oor thro:7h which Fran9 ha" previo:sl- t:mble". A ;li7ht o; steps le" to the re7ions beneath. 2till str:77lin7 vainl- the- were h:stle" "own into an :n"er7ro:n" chamber. A "oor was ;l:n7 open8 revealin7 a 7loom-8 "ismal room be-on". Bo:7hl-8 the bo-s were thr:st insi"e8 an" the "oor was sh:t with a clan7. A 9e- 7rate" in the loc9. &he- were prisoners :n"er7ro:n". Prisoners o; 5o:ie Fon7. An" the9new8 now that thewere in the power o; the merciless Chinaman8 that the- mi7ht never see the li7ht o; "a- a7ain. &r:l-8 as 2am 5ee ha" sai"8 5o:ie Fon7 was alwa-s "an7ero:s. Fran9 pic9e" himsel; :p ;rom the 7ro:n" an" r:bbe" his br:ises. DBeatenGD he m:ttere". D@:st when we tho:7ht ever-thin7 was comin7 alon7 o:r wa-.D &om #at8 altho:7h his ;ace was pale8 sai" nothin7. @oe ma"e a 7rimace o; "is7:st. 20( Footprints !n"er the #in"ow DD#e steppe" into a neat trap8D he sai". DAn" o; co:rse Henr- Pin9erton wo:l" be the onlone l:c9- eno:7h to 7et awa-.D 2:""enl- a harsh voice bro9e in: D6o: catchee 5o:ie Fon78 ehF Aell- ;oolish.D &here was a b:rst o; maniacal la:7hter. &he bo-s loo9e" :p. &here8 be-on" a tin- 7ratin7 in the wall8 thesaw the sinister -ellow ;ace o; 5o:ie Fon7. His teeth were bare" in a hi"eo:s 7rin as he 7loate" over

their pli7ht. D.ellican bo- "less :p li9e Chinabo-8D he sai" scorn;:ll-. D.ellican bo- tal9ee .ellican tal9 in alle-.D He la:7he" "erisivel-. Fran9 ;l:she" as he realiBe" how theha" been ca:7ht. 2omeone ha" been watchin7 them as the- came "own the alle-. 3o:btless their "is7:ises ha" not been penetrate" at ;irst8 b:t when theha" capt:re" HenrPin9erton the r:se ha" been "iscovere". Fran9 ha" ;or7otten that he was s:ppose" to be a Chinaman. He ha" spo9en in his nat:ral tone o; voice. 5o:ie Fon7?s henchmen8 then8 ha" lost no time in s:rro:n"in7 the 7ro:p an" ta9in7 them prisoners. D6o: mi7ht as well let :s o:t o; here8 5o:ie Fon78D Fran9 sai"8 tr-in7 to show a bol" ;ront. D6o: won?t 7ain an-thin7 b- it.D 5o:ie Fon7 cac9le" with la:7hter. D.ebbe Fenton Ha?"- come let -o: o:tFD Prisoners !n"er7ro:n" 20* D.a-be Fenton Har"- won?t ma9e it hot ;or -o: i; an-thin7 happens to :s8D sai" @oe. &he Chinaman sneere". D&wo8 three min:te now8D he sai"8 DFenton Ha?"- in samee ;ix li9e -o:.D D#hat "o -o: meanFD "eman"e" Fran98 startle". DHe isn?t in Ba-port.D D6o: wait8D sai" 5o:ie Fon7. An iron sh:tter swi;tl- crashe" over the 7ratin7. &he Chinaman?s ;ace "isappeare". D#hat "oes he meanFD sai" @oe. DHe means8D replie" Fran9 ":ll-8 Dthat 3a" is in Ba-port. An" comin7 here. &he moment he enters the place he will be trappe".D DAn" we can?t "o a thin7 to warn him8D 7roane" @oe. A moment later the sh:tter was raise" a7ain. /nce more thesaw the ;ace o; 5o:ie Fon78 hiM ;eat:res twiste" in a "iabolical smile. D.ebbe -o: loo9-see now8D he sai". &he- r:she" to the 7ratin7 as 5o:ie Fon7 with"rew. &hro:7h the bars the horri;ie" bo-s 7aBe" on a stran7e scene. 0n a low8 smo9- room thesaw their ;ather8 Fenton Har"-. His arms were raise". /n a table in ;ront o; himsat /rrin 1orth8 a revolver in his han". CHAP&%$ ''A &H% P//&PB01&2 %'P5A01%3 DDwell8 Har"-GD the ship owner was sa-in7. D6o: wal9e" ri7ht into the trap8 "i"n?t -o:GD D2o it seems8D a7ree" the "etective8 with apparent cha7rin. D0 was too smart ;or -o: that time8D /rrin 1orth la:7he" shortl-. DAs i; 0 "i"n?t 9now -o: were ;ollowin7 me to"a- 0 #h-8 the min:te 0 7ot wise 0 sai" to m-sel;8 ?Follow me8 eh; 0?ll let him ;ollow me ri7ht into a trap.? An" here -o: are.D D#hat "o -o: inten" to "o abo:t it;D inH:ire" Fenton Har"-. D0?m 7oin7 to as9 -o: some H:estions. &hat?s what 0?m 7oin7 to "o ;irst o; all. #ho set -o: to ;ollowin? meFD D&hat?s ;or -o: to ;in" o:t.D D0?ll tell -o: what 0 thin98D 7rowle" 1orth. D0 thin9 -o:?re wor9in? ;or the a:thorities. For the 7overnment. #hat 0 tho:7ht -o: were "oin7 ;or me8 -o: were "oin7 ;or m- enem-.D D0 never accepte" -o:r proposition8D Fenton Har"- remin"e" him. D6o: as9e" me to wor9 210 &he Footprints %xplaine" 211 ;or -o: in helpin7 to brea9 :p the sm:77lin7 rin7 b:t 0 never 7ave -o: m- answer. 0 "i"n?t tr:st -o:8 1orth. 0 tho:7ht 0 9new wh- -o: Dwante" to en7a7e me. 0t was to remove s:spicion ;rom -o:rsel;.D

D2o -o: "eci"e" to wor9 ;or the a:thoritiesFD D%xactl-.D DAn" what has it 7ot -o:FD D#ell8D sai" the "etective8 D0 thin9 0 have some evi"ence a7ainst -o: an" 5o:ie Fon7. 1ot as m:ch as 0 sho:l" li9e to have8 b:t eno:7h to brea9 :p -o:r sm:77lin7 rin7.D DAn" -o:?re 7oin7 to :se that evi"enceFD D0; 0 7et o:t o; here--es.D D#ell8 -o:?re not 7oin7 to 7et o:t o; here lon7 eno:7h to :se it. 0?ll show -o: what -o:r me""lin7 has bro:7ht -o:. Come here.D He rose ;rom his chair8 an" still 9eepin7 the revolver traine" on Fenton Har"-8 stro"e to the "oor o; the chamber in which the bo-s were imprisone". He :nloc9e" it an" ;l:n7 the "oor open. 5o:ie Fon78 who emer7e" ;rom the sha"ows behin" Fenton Har"-8 viewe" the scene8 7rinnin7 with "eli7ht. D5oo9 thereGD sai" 1orth. Fenton Har"- was sta77ere". D.- bo-sGD he exclaime". DHow "i" the- 7et hereFD DB- me""lin?. 2ame as -o:8D /rrin 1orth 212 Footprints !n"er the #in"ow tol" him. He slamme" the "oor be;ore ;ather an" sons co:l" exchan7e a wor". D1ow8D contin:e" the ship owner8 a;ter 7ivin7 the 9e- a careless twist8 Dma-be -o:?ll thin9 twice be;ore -o: t:rn -o:r evi"ence over to the a:thorities.D D6o: won?t harm m- sons;D "eman"e" Fenton Har"- incre":lo:sl-. &here was a shrill8 "iabolical la:7h ;rom 5o:ie Fon7. D#on?t weFD sai" 1orth. D0; -o: t:rn that evi"ence over to the a:thorities -o:?ll never see -o:r bo-s alive a7ain.D D0n that case8D sai" Fenton Har"-8 D0 m:st a"mit "e;eat.D DB:t that isn?t all8D sai" 1orth. D0 "on?t tr:st -o:8 Har"-. 0 "on?t tr:st -o: a bit. 6o:?re too slipper-. 0?m 7oin7 to 7et ri" o; -o:.D DHowFD D/ne o; m- boats is leavin? Ba-port toni7ht8 on a vo-a7e to 2o:th America. 6o:?re 7oinI to be on that vessel.?? &he bo-s ;elt a thrill o; horror as thelistene" intentl- to the conversation be-on" their prison. DHow can 0 be s:re that m- sons will be sa;eFD as9e" Fenton Har"-. D6o:?ll have to tr:st 5o:ie Fon7 ;or that8D sai" 1orth with a wic9e"8 cr:el win9 towar" &he Footprints %xplaine" 21, the Chinaman. D6o: ma- as well ma9e :p -o:r min" to it8 Har"-8D the ship owner raspe". D6o:?re thro:7h. #e?re 7oin? to ship -o: o:t o; here toni7ht an" -o:?re never comin? bac9. As ;or those precio:s bo-s o; -o:rs8 we?ll atten" to them o:rselves. 6o: 7ot -o:rsel; into this mess an" it?s no concern o; mine what happens to -o: as lon7 as -o:?re o:t o; m- wa-. !n"erstan"FD Fran9 ha" not been wastin7 his time. &he moment /rrin 1orth ha" close" the "oor8 he ha" spr:n7 towar" the loc9. /n the ;loor o; the chamber he ha" ;o:n" a small we"7e o; woo"8 which he ha" swi;tl- slippe" into the catch be;ore the ship owner co:l" t:rn the 9e-. Fran98 now at the "oor8 H:ietl- teste" the 9nob. Ha" his scheme wor9e"F 0; it ha" ;aile" he 9new that all hope was lost. He t:rne" the han"le8 p:lle" sli7htl- on the "oor. 0t move". &he "evice ha" not ca:7ht. /n this point Fran9 Har"- ha" o:twitte" the sinister Eailers. D6o: an" -o:r bo-s are better o:t o; the wa-8 so ;ar as me an" 5o:ie

Fon7 is concerne"8D he co:l" hear 1orth snarlin7. D0?m not ta9in? anchances on a term in the penitentiar-.D &om #at spe" across the cell an" 7rabbe" Fran9 b- the arm. He sense" what the bo- ha" in min". 21= Footprints !n"er the #in"ow D.e r:n vell- 9lic9GD he whispere". D>o 7et help.D Fran9 hesitate" not a moment. He "eci"e" to let &om #at ma9e the ;irst attempt to ;lee. %ven i; the Chinaman were ca:7ht he wo:l" occ:p- the attention o; 1orth an" 5o:ie Fon7 s:;;icientl- to open the wa- to escape on the part o; himsel; an" @oe. He opene" the "oor sli7htl-. &om D#at peere" o:t8 an" 7est:re" to Fran9 as a si7nal that he was rea"-. Fran9 ;l:n7 the "oor open8 an" li9e a ;lash his "is7:ise" Chinese ;rien" leape" over the threshol". He was hal;wa- across the room be;ore /rrin 1orth or his companion saw him. &here was a screech o; ra7e ;rom 5o:ie Fon78 who imme"iatel- spran7 at the ;l-in7 ;i7:re8 b:t he was too slow. &om #at was across the room8 ha" wrenche" open the "oor8 an" "isappeare". $oarin7 with ;:r-8 /rrin 1orth E:mpe" to his ;eet. &he revolver wavere". 0n that instant Fenton Har"-8 who ha" been cooll- awaitin7 his opport:nit-8 leape" at him. At the same moment Fran9 an" @oe spe" o:t o; the cell. &he- were met b5o:ie Fon78 who snatche" :p a hatchet ;rom the ;loor8 an" sent it whiBBin7 thro:7h the air. Fran9 "o"7e" the missile an" then crashe" a7ainst the Chinaman. &he /riental screeche" ;or help. A "oor &he Footprints %xplaine" 21< opene"8 an" three o; his servants r:she" in ;rom an a"Eoinin7 room. Con;:sion prevaile". /ne co:l" scarcel- "istin7:ish ;rien" ;rom ;oe. Fon7 was tr-in7 "esperatel- to re7ain possession o; his hatchet-he wo:l" stop at nothin7. Fenton Har"- an" 1orth str:77le" "esperatel- in the mi""le o; the room. @oe tac9le" one o; the Chinamen an" sent him crashin7 a7ainst the wall with a well-aime" blow that ca:7ht the ;ellow on the point o; the Eaw. 5o:ie Fon78 his lon7 ;in7ers 7rapplin7 at Fran9?s throat8 7aspe" as the bo-?s ;ists smashe" a7ainst his evil ;ace. He st:mble" bac9. Fran9 ;lew at him an" thewent crashin7 over the table an" pl:n7e" to the ;loor in a ;l:rr- o; 9ic9in7 le7s an" ;lailin7 ;ists. 2ho:ts8 7roans8 shrie9s an" -ells min7le" with the th:" o; blows8 the crash o; ;:rnit:re. 2:""enl- ;rom o:tsi"e came a 7reat po:n"in7 an" clatterin78 en"in7 in a terri;ic smash. &here was a shot8 a th:""in7 o; ;eet on the stairs8 a roar o; voices. A "oor sw:n7 open. Policemen swarme" into the room. &he- sw:n7 their cl:bs ri7ht an" le;t. &he battle cease" as s:""enl- as it be7an. #hen it was over8 /rrin 1orth8 5o:ie Fon7 an" the Chinamen were in han"c:;;s8 a7hast an" s:b":e". D#e "i"n?t 7et an- si7nal8 2ir8 ;rom -o:8D sai" a b:rl- o;;icer as he sal:te" Fenton Har"-8 21) Footprints !n"er the #in"ow Db:t when a 7irl with slant- e-es came :p an" sai" there was a m:r"er 7oin7 on here8 we came on a r:nGD DP:ite ri7ht8 /;;icer8D replie" Fenton Har"-8 smilin7. D6o: came in the nic9 o; time. 0 wasn?t in an- position to 7ive -o: a si7nal as 0 ha" promise".D He t:rne" to his sons. DBo-s8 it was -o: who save" the "a-.D &he ;on" parent 7rippe" a han" o; each o; his brave la"s. DB:t what?s the meanin7 o; it8 3a"FD "eman"e" Fran9 when the ;irst Eo-o:s 7reetin7s were over. D#e tho:7ht -o: were o:t o; town8 an" we 9new there was "an7er here8 so we were tr-in7 to help solve the

m-ster-.D D0 9new there was real "an7er8D he tol" them. D0 realiBe" 1orth was tr-in7 to set a trap ;or me-0 have been watchin7 the croo9. 0 ha" planne" to sen" ;or help8 b:t o; co:rse in the ;inal scrimma7e which was so :nexpecte"8 0 co:l"n?t "o that beca:se 1orth ha" me covere". B:t the escape8 thro:7h -o:r e;;orts8 o; that 7irl ;rien"-b- the wa-8 who is sheF How "i" -o: come to be imprisone" hereF 0 want to 9now all abo:t it.D &he stor- was soon tol". Fran9 an" @oe relate" to their ;ather how theha" ;irst become involve" in the a;;air8 be7innin7 with the arrival o; Henr- Pin9erton an" the "iscover- o; the ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow. #hen the&he Footprints %xplaine" 21+ explaine" what theha" learne" abo:t the activities o; the sm:77lin7 rin78 Fenton Har"- was "eli7hte". D@:st the evi"ence 0 nee" to complete m- caseGD he exclaime". D#ith -o:r ;rien" 2am 5ee as a witness 0 can brea9 :p that sm:77lin7 rin7 so thoro:7hl- that it can never be revive".D /nce more the Har"- bo-s ha" prove" their worthK so m:ch so that their ;ather was to sen" them soon to solve D&he .ar9 on the 3oor.D @:st now he was hi7h in his praise. D0 wante" to wor9 secretl- on the case8D he explaine"8 Dan" it s:ite" m- p:rpose to have /rrin 1orth believe 0 ha" 7one awa-. 0 never accepte" his proposition at an- time. As a matter o; ;act8 0 went bac9 to the ho:se one ni7ht an" too9 the papers in the case ;rom m- coat poc9et an" maile" them to him. 0 slippe" in H:ietl- beca:se 0 "i"n?t want -o: to 9now 0 was still in Ba-port. B:t 0 "i"n?t see this impostor o; -o:rs-Henr- Pin9erton. 0 loo9e" in the win"ow ;irst8 beca:se 0 wante" to see i; ever-thin7 was all ri7ht at home.D DAn" -o: lost a noteFD exclaime" @oe. D3i" -o: ;in" itFD sai" Fenton Har"-. D6es8 0lost a note 0 ha" pic9e" :p in one o; the Chinese places when 0 was sha"owin7 5o:ie Fon7.D D&hen8D sai" Fran9 solemnl-8 DA:nt >ertr:"e m:st have "reame" abo:t that Chinaman a;ter all. An" now8 0 9now whose ;ootprints we have been tab:latin7.D D3o -o:FD sai" @oe. D08 too8 have a h:nch.D V An" have -o: 7:esse" b- this time8 m- rea"ers8 that the ;ootprints :n"er the win"ow were those o; the ;amo:s "etective8 Fenton Har"-G
&H% %13 F//&P$01&2 !13%$ &H% #013/# B- F$A14501 #. 30'/1 1o. 12 in the HA$36 B/62 series

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