was decidedly anxious, and Saunders voiced his worry in
tones that shook.

"I have more fear than ever for your sake, Griffin, and I'm beginning
to have some for my own. Those fellows know how to act quickly and
surely. Their principal is in Washington. He has had word already by
cipher as to what has happened. He won't rest until he finds the
witness, and then--"

"And then?"

"I'm afraid they will try another murder. They won't trust a living
soul to hold his peace under the circumstances."

"But how are they to know I saw the thing?"

"By your hand. In fact, I think they know already."

"Already?"

"Yes. There was somebody about when we were there, and he was
evidently hiding."

"You heard him?"

"Yes. I didn't want to alarm you. I have reason now to be alarmed for
myself. They know I am in it. We've got to think quickly and act
quickly. The minute that orders come they will try to get us. As long
as we stay in public places we are safe. But we must not go out alone
any more."

The two went on to the hotel. Saunders glanced back as they were
entering the town. His eyes covered the hedge.

"I thought so," he said. "That chap has been dodging in and out of the
trees and keeping watch on us. From this point he can see right along
the street to the hotel door. It's no use trying to conceal anything
now. Our only safety lies in keeping in public places; but they won't
strike till they get their orders."

As the two entered the hotel, a messenger boy came up carrying two
telegrams. The clerk nodded to the boy, who went over to Mark and
Saunders.

"Which is Mr. Saunders?" he asked. The detective reached out his hand
and the boy gave him one of the messages. "The other one," he said,
"is for Mr. Griffin.

"Sign here, please." The boy extended his book. Both men signed and
the boy went out. Sitting down in a corner of the writing room, Mark
and Saunders looked at one another, then at the yellow envelopes.

"Why don't you open your telegram, Saunders?" asked Mark.

"Because I know pretty well what's in it. I guessed it would be
coming. I am ordered off this case, for the men who employed our
agency have no use for me after last night. They have found everything
out for themselves, and have settled it in their own way. Why don't
you open yours?"

"For opposite reasons to yours, old chap: because I don't know what's
in it, and, whatever it is, I don't think I shall like it.