n slight disguise we quit the inn, going to this hotel, and with but
short absences remaining until I was recognized by you and Esther.

"It was known to us that Charles helped shadow the Laniers, often
calling at the same detective agency formerly visited by you.

"Both Uncle Thomas and I had noticed that Charles seemed interested in
us, but we attributed this to possible detection of our guarded
observations of his actions. I sometimes wondered at Charles's interest,
fearing that possibly he suspected my identity. At meals this feeling
embarrassed me, but Uncle Thomas insisted on our dining at the same
time, when he could watch Charles's actions.

"To me it often seemed strange that persons planning for like ends,
engaged in similar work to right human wrongs and to punish the guilty,
should spy upon each other, scheming and operating at cross-purposes. I
hardly could refrain from appealing to Charles to help in my troubles,
and from the first was sure he would be such a good, faithful friend.
Why should not you, Charles, and Esther become my confidential allies,
helping us to unravel this web? I hinted this to Uncle Thomas, who would
not think of such a 'rash break.'

"Later on, for a few days, we stopped at the inn.

"It had been reported that Paul was showing quarrelsome traits, and at
any time might commit some murderous assault. These agency sleuths had
become troublesome, hampering Uncle Thomas in his determined watches
upon Lanier conduct. Through competing zeal at any time might occur some
unfortunate clash. Those agency employes were argus-eyed, watching each
move made by him and his assistants. Doubtless the man sent by Uncle
Thomas to Northfield was being shadowed and his doings were reported to
agency headquarters.

"For these reasons Uncle Thomas decided that we would return to that
obscure inn. This change was made at a late hour, and I went alone.
Uncle Thomas left before, and by a long route reached the ambush beyond
the rustic seat.

"Next morning he reported that Paul did not appear. Calling at the
cabin where that old-time assistant kept watch, Uncle Thomas learned
that early the previous evening Paul left, but had not returned. Pierre
was in the basement room.

"The following night Uncle Thomas watched along the river, but again was
disappointed. Next morning he called upon that assistant, but finding
the door securely fastened, returned and slept a few hours. In the
afternoon he again cal