g he might get a glimpse of Bob.

It was doubtful, he admitted to himself, whether he would recognize the
two who had played the part of Albany officers, for he saw them only at
night and in the feeble rays of light cast by the station lamps.

As to Bob, he was confident of knowing him under almost any disguise
that might be assumed.

However, this night's appearance before the public brought him no other
result than that of establishing himself yet more firmly in the minds
of his companions as a good dancer, and he had no reason to be
discouraged since that which must necessarily be a long task had but
just begun.

According to promise, he wrote a short letter to Harvey, and on the
following morning received, a reply to his first.

Among other things the detective wrote:

"I am glad you had an opportunity to join the company, for it is the
best way you could prosecute the search. It would do no harm to go
even farther from the house in the woods than you propose doing, since
Bob will most likely give that place a wide berth for some time to
come. Do not get discouraged, and use as much money as may be
necessary for your comfort. My wound is improving rapidly under proper
treatment, and I am told that in two weeks I shall be able to walk with
the aid of a cane."

It is true this was not a very important communication; but it was
highly satisfactory to Jet, since it showed that the detective approved
of his course.

The second performance after the "reorganization" of the company, was
given in a small town of about twelve hundred population, and the
receipts at the door were not enough to pay the hotel bill and
traveling expenses to the next town, therefore on that same evening the
manager called the performers to his room for consultation.

"We shall take big money in the next place, providing we can get there
early enough in the morning to make a parade; but I am broke again, and
want your advice."

No one spoke for some time, and Jet asked:

"How far is it?"

"Only six miles."

"I will walk, or pay my own expenses, either one you choose."

"Now, that's what I call coming to the front in great shape. Who's
willing to walk?"

It was some time before he could persuade the other members of the
company to agree. They had received no wages for several weeks, and it
seemed particularly hard to ask them to work for nothing, and, in
addition, tramp from town to town.

It was finally decided two o