it back to the person it belongs to with a message."

"Whose message?"

"Nobody's," answered Ralph, "but you need not say that."

"What shall I say, then?"

"Tell him you want to advise the person who sent the parcel that it
isn't safe to send such goods to any one at the present time."

"Very well," said Zeph. "Suppose Ames tells me where to find the
fellow who sent the package?"

"Come back and report to me."

Zeph started for the farmhouse. Ralph watched him enter it, the
package in his hand. He came out in a very few minutes without the
parcel.

He was rather glum-faced when he rejoined Ralph.

"Say," he observed, "I've found out nothing, and old Ames took the
package away from me."

"What did he say?" asked the young fireman.

"He told me he would see that it was returned to the person who sent
it."

"That delays matters," thought Ralph, "and I don't know whether Ames
will take it back to the silk thieves, or wait for some of them to
visit him."

Then the young fireman formed a sudden resolution. He regarded his
companion thoughtfully, and said:

"Zeph, I am going to trust you with what is known as an official
secret in the railroad line."

The farmer boy looked pleased and interested.

"I believe you are too square and friendly to betray that secret."

"Try me, and see!" cried Zeph with ardor.

"Well," said Ralph, "there was a silk robbery of the Dover night
freight last week, the train I am fireman on. From what you have told
me, I feel sure that the thieves hired their rig from Ames. That
package you had was part of the stolen plunder. I am acting for the
road detective of the Great Northern, and I must locate those
robbers."

"Then," cried Zeph delightedly, "I am helping you do detective
work."

"Yes, Zeph, genuine detective work."

"Oh! how I wish I had my disguises here!"

"You are of more use to me as you are, because the thieves know you
worked for Ames, and they seem to trust him."

"That's so," said Zeph thoughtfully. "What you going to do?"

"I want to locate the thieves," responded Ralph. "You must know the
district about here pretty well. Can't you think of any spot where
they would be likely to hide?"

"None in particular. But I know every foot of the woods, swamps and
creek. If the men you are looking for are anywhere in the
neighborhood, I am sure we will find a trace of them."

"You pilot the way, then, Zeph. Go with caution if you find any traces
of the men, f