e had withdrawn to a corner of the
dock while talking. Randy had kept nearby, behind some boxes and
barrels, and had heard every word that was spoken. That he was
immensely interested goes without saying.

"On the track of Mr. Bartlett's papers at last," he told himself. "Now,
what had I best do about it?"

His one thought was to outwit Amos Bangs, and with this in mind he left
the dock and walked rapidly toward the telegraph office.

"I wish to send another telegram," said he as he drew the pad of forms
toward him.

"Must be your night for sending messages," answered the clerk, by way
of a joke.

"I want this rushed through--it is highly important."

"All right, hand it over."

Randy hardly knew what to say, but soon wrote down the following,
addressed to Mr. Bartlett:

"Papers taken from Mrs. Bangs by Mamie Jackson, a servant, now at
sister's in Oakdale. Hurry if you want to get them. Address me at
Catskill."

Having sent the message, there seemed nothing for Randy to do but to
retire. This he did, and was awakened two hours later by a message from
Mr. Bartlett, which was in these words:

"Coming down first morning train. Meet me at Catskill Station,
Hudson River Railroad."

Having received this message Randy consulted a time table and found
that the first Albany train would arrive at the station across the
river at about seven o'clock. He arranged to be on hand, and then tried
to go to sleep again. But the most he could do was to take a few fitful
naps.

As soon as the train rolled in Philip Bartlett alighted. Randy rushed
towards him.

"Are you going to Oakdale?" he asked, quickly.

"Do you think it worth while, Randy?"

"I do."

"Then I will go. You must come along."

"I will," answered our hero, and then Mr. Bartlett got back on the
train and Randy followed him.

"I left word with Mr. Ball, so Captain Hadley won't worry about me,"
Randy explained when seated.

"Now tell me what this means?" asked Philip Bartlett, impatiently. "I
have been on the anxious seat ever since I received your telegram."

"I want you to get in ahead of Mr. Bangs," said our hero, and then told
all he had overheard.

"I will make that servant girl give me those papers," said Mr.
Bartlett, with decision.

"Perhaps you can scare her just as Mr. Shalley scared a fellow who was
aiding another man to rob him," answered our hero. "I will tell you
about that another time. I am pledged not to say a