eartily as the tanner paused to choose his words. "If I can be of
service to you I'll be delighted."

"Thanks. It's really a very simple matter. You see, I have decided to
have this fire--and those other occurrences--investigated, competently
investigated, and their perpetrator punished to the full extent of the
law. Unfortunately, the local police are utterly incompetent to handle
a case of this kind, and I don't think much more of the County
officials. It finally struck me that a private detective agency might
do the trick. But I don't know any such concern and I don't feel like
employing one blindly, so I thought I'd take advantage of your coming
from New York and ask you to hunt up a responsible agency for me."

"A private detective!" exclaimed Jason Bolt. "Why, Simon, what has
happened to require any such critter as that? What are those other
occurrences you speak of?"

"I'll tell you--I'll tell you in good time. First, I want to hear if
Mr. Krech is disposed to assist me. He has facilities in New York for
locating a reputable agency, no doubt."

"I don't have to go to New York for that," answered the big man
promptly. "You've come to the right place for information, Mr. Varr.
I know a very capable chap." He turned to Jason, and added slowly: "We
don't talk much about it, as you can imagine, but possibly you have
heard that my wife's brother was murdered under rather curious
circumstances; a cold-blooded crime if ever there was one."

"I've heard Mary speak of it," admitted Bolt.

"Well, the detective I have in mind is the man who cleared up that
mystery." His gaze shifted back to Simon. "Of course, knowing him and
getting him are two different things. He's usually up to his ears in
one thing or another. If it's not too confidential, and you want to
give me an idea of your problem, perhaps it would help me interest him.
At least, if it is out of his line, he will recommend some one else
who'll be competent to handle it for you."

The tanner gagged a bit over the idea of any private detective
rejecting his patronage, but after all he wanted a good man and not the
first Tom, Dick or Harry to offer his services so he gulped down the
tart comment that had sprung to his lips.

"There's nothing confidential about it--short of its getting into the
papers and giving my show away. I've got to tell Jason about it, and
if you care to listen I'll be glad of your opinion on the whole crazy
business. I