eatest cordiality. If this was the adventurous life it was
not for him, and he solemnly resolved that if he didn't die of pneumonia
as the result of his indiscretions he would stick close to clubs and
comfortable hotels for the remainder of his life.

He had no way of keeping track of his progress, but on bumping into a
cross-roads sign-board he struck a match and read "Bailey Harbor 5 M.,"
and the discovery that only five miles lay between him and the Congdon
house filled him with rage and terror. A little later he caught the
first glimmer of dawn breaking over a gray world. This was heartening
but it brought also new dangers for he had no idea of where his tramp
had brought him and mud-splashed as he was and with the scratch across
his face stinging uncomfortably, he was in no haste to meet the
strangers who would soon be passing him in the road.

A curious whistle, a long pipe and then a short quick one, in the
roadside a little way ahead brought him to a halt. He drew the gun from
his overcoat pocket and stood perfectly quiet. In a few seconds the
whistle was repeated and Archie, grown suddenly bold, checked an impulse
to fly and imitated it.

A man rose from behind a stone wall on the right and walked toward him.

"That you, Hoky?" he called sharply, peering through the mist.

Seeing that it was not Hoky but a stranger with a pistol, he sprang
forward and wrenched the gun from Archie's hand.

"Stop squealing! Bad enough for you to fool me with that whistle without
pulling a gun. Now you get right over there by the fence where I'm
pointing and we'll consider matters a little!"

"I was just walking to Portsmouth," began Archie in a blithe tone he
hoped would prove convincing.

His captor laughed ironically, and throwing open Bennett's coat,
demanded:

"Where's your badge? Don't lie to me! You're one of these village
constables or a plainclothes man from Boston. Either way you'd better
show your hand."

"If you think I'm connected with the police," Archie faltered, "you were
never more mistaken in your life!"

The man clapped his hands over Archie's pockets and then struck a match
and surveyed his face with care. This done he stuck his nose close to
his captive's mouth and bade him breathe.

"You haven't the bouquet of an inebriate, son. You stepped along like
Hoky, my pal, and that's why I whistled; and you warbled the answer like
a mockingbird. Now listen to me! You've been up to something, so don't
t