24. Occupation, expert
electrical and chemical worker. A Socialist and labor agitator, of
the most dangerous type, because intellectual and well-read. A man
of considerable power and influence in Socialist and labor
circles. Has been something of a wanderer. Is well known to union
men and Socialists, all over the country. A powerful speaker, and
resourceful.

He was last employed at your testing-works on Staten Island.
Discharged by your Mr. Herzog, about two weeks ago for having, I
understand, been in possession of a certain red-covered note-book,
which Mr. Herzog found in his pocket. This book is the same which
you commissioned me to find, but which Mr. Herzog returned to you
before I undertook the search for it. The inference is that this
Armstrong is in possession of some private information about your
work, which may make him even more dangerous. Herzog informs me
that you and Mr. Waldron have had Armstrong blacklisted. But this
seems of no importance to the man, as he is clever and can live
anywhere, by casual labor and by working with the Socialists.

Armstrong is now at Syracuse. He has been tramping the roads. Have
had two of my operators enter his room at the Excelsior Lodging
House and search, his effects, while he was taking a bath. Can find
nothing to give me any legal means of proceeding against him. He
has some ready money, so a vagrancy-charge will not hold. If you
wish me to resort to extreme measures to "get" him, kindly give me
carte blanche, and guarantee me protection in case of trouble. The
job can be done, but it may be risky, in view of his influence and
backing among the Socialists and labor people. Before proceeding
further I want to know how far you will support me.

Am having him shadowed. He cannot get away. As yet he suspects
nothing. On receipt of your next, will take measures to put him
away for a few months. I know that, once he lands behind bars, his
finish can be easily arranged.

Trusting this information will prove satisfactory to you, and
awaiting your further instructions, I am,

Very truly yours,

THE COSMOS AGENCY,

Dillon F. Slade, Mgr.

Old Flint read this extraordinary communication twice through, then,
raising his head, growled in his shrunken throat, for all the world like
a wild beast.