Part 24 (1/2)

”Here,” he said, ”what are you following us for?”

The man tried to free himself, but Hal held him tight.

”If you'll let me loose, I'll explain,” he said finally.

Hal considered this a moment; then with a shrug of his shoulders released his hold.

”Stand behind him, Chester,” he said.

Chester followed Hal's injunction, but the man made no effort to escape.

”Well?” said Hal, questioningly.

The man thrust a hand into his pocket.

”Hold on there!” cried Hal, sharply, producing his revolver. ”No tricks now.”

The man smiled and withdrew his hand from his pocket.

”I wasn't after a gun,” he said.

He opened his hand and in the palm Hal saw a little round object.

”Can you match that?” the man demanded.

Hal peered closer and made out the nature of the object in the man's hand.

”A black pea!” he exclaimed. ”Yes, I can match it.”

He thrust a hand in his pocket and produced a black pea, which not many days before had rolled from the pocket of Jules Clemenceau.

The stranger looked at it closely.

”All right,” he said. He turned to Chester. ”And you?” he demanded.

Chester's reply was to produce his black pea, which he exhibited to the man.

”Good!” said the stranger. ”Follow me.”

”Follow you where?” Chester wanted to know.

”Yes; what's all this funny business, anyhow?” demanded Hal.

The man smiled enigmatically.

”Best to be careful,” he said. ”Come on.”

Chester looked at Hal and the latter nodded.

”Might as well see what it's all about,” said the latter.