--that is, I, also know of your mission, and take this means
of warning you of your danger, as you have done me services in the
past without knowing it. Now, the sting of this note lies in this,
and don't forget it, don't get into any fights, no matter what the
provocation, for I have it straight that that, is the lay to do
you. If you do so, not being able to avoid it, shoot straight, and
you will come out all right in the end. I will see to that part of
it at the right time.

"A FRIEND."

Ted read the letter through three times, trying to clarify it, but each
time his mind became more confused over it.

What did it mean, and how could any stranger know his business when he
had not told a soul about it?

Even Bud did not know why they were in St. Louis; that is, he did not
know the real reason. Ostensibly, they were there to inspect the local
horse market.

There was a loud rap on the door, and Ted went to it and unlocked it.
Throwing the door open, he saw a stranger standing on the threshold,
just about to step in.

He looked at Ted in apparent surprise, then up at the number on the
door, but his eyes fell to the letter which Ted still held in his hand,
and he stared at it like one fascinated.

Ted noticed this, and put the letter behind his back.

As the stranger did not speak, Ted broke the spell by saying, in a
sarcastic tone:

"Well?"

"Oh, I beg your pardon," said the stranger hastily, "but isn't Mr. Fowle
in? I expected him to come to the door, and was surprised to see you,
don't you know."

"I don't know any Mr. Fowle," said Ted, with a smile that must have told
the stranger that he was not taken in by the question.

The fellow threw a quick glance around the room, but did not retreat
from his place in the doorway.

Ted was starting to shut the door, considering the incident closed, when
the stranger, who was a large, powerful man, well dressed and with the
air of a prosperous business man, started to enter.

"This is not Mr. Fowle's room; it is mine," said Ted, blocking the way,

"I'll just step in and wait for him," said the man. "The clerk
downstairs said it was his room."

"Wait a minute," said Ted sternly. "I don't know you, and I don't know
Fowle. If you have any business with me, state it from the hall."

The warning in the letter flashed through his mind.

Suddenly the man sprang upon Ted, and they fell to the floor together.

"Give me tha