after some old iron," replied the secretary and general
man-of-all-work of the International and Consolidated Old Metal
Corporation. "I heard of a farmer who had a lot of scrap for sale and I
went after it."

"Did you get it?"

"Sure. It's in the wagon," and Henry nodded toward the rear of his
vehicle, which was filled with a mass of broken iron. "I started away
from home yesterday afternoon expecting to get back last night, but I
had a breakdown and I had to stay until morning. But what are you doing
out here?"

"Looking for Grit," and then Dick told about the theft of his dog. "I
don't s'pose you've seen anything of him, have you?"

"Where did you say that letter came from?" asked Henry, showing some
excitement.

"Leonardville. That's where I'm headed for. Why?"

"Then I saw your dog!" exclaimed Henry.

"Where?" asked Dick, excitedly.

"I was driving along last night," went on the young representative of
the old metal concern, "and, just before I had my breakdown, I saw a
wagon pass me. I looked in the back and saw something covered with a
blanket. It was moving, and I wondered what it could be when I heard a
dog bark. I thought it was rather funny to cover a dog up that way on a
hot day. One of the men leaned back, and, when it barked, he hit the dog
with a whip."

"Poor Grit!" murmured Dick. "Wait till I get hold of those fellows.
Where did they go, Henry?"

"I'll tell you. I was thinking that was a pretty mean way to treat a
dog, but I never thought they might have stolen him, and were trying to
keep him hid. I watched their wagon until it was out of sight and
then----"

"Did you lose sight of them?" broke in Dick.

"I went on a little farther," continued Henry, "and one of the springs
of my wagon broke. I knew I couldn't get it fixed until morning, so I
unhitched the horse and drove him along until I came to a hotel. This
was at Maysville, and when I got to the tavern I saw the same two
fellows. They were just driving away, and I heard one say it wasn't far
to the Eagle Hotel. Now there's an Eagle hotel in Leonardville, and I'll
bet you'll find your men and dog there. I'd like to go back with you and
help----"

"That's all right, Henry," interrupted Dick. "I guess I can manage,"
and, calling back his thanks to the young iron merchant, and promising
to see him later, Dick urged his horse off at a gallop, disappearing in
a cloud of dust.

"Now there's a good example for you to follow, old bag of