harshly because of his suppressed emotion, "than I want people at
large to suspect. As I have told your father, I came here to put
all my cards on the table; but I expect the Swift Construction
Company to take anything I may say as said in confidence."

"We quite understand that, Mr. Bartholomew," said the elder
Swift, softly. "You can speak freely. Whether we do business or
not, these walls are soundproof, and Tom and I can forget, or
remember, as we wish. Of course if we take up any work for you,
we must confide to a certain extent in our close associates and
trusted mechanics."

"Humph!" grunted the visitor, turning restlessly again in his
chair. Then he said: "I agree as the necessity of that last
statement; but I can only hope that these walls are soundproof."

"What's that?" demanded Tom, rather sharply. He was a bright
looking young fellow with an alert air and a rather humorous
smile. His father was a semi-invalid; but Tom possessed all the
mental vigor and muscular energy that a young man should have. He
had not neglected his Athletic development while he made the best
use of his mental powers.

"Believe me," said the visitor, quite as harshly as before, "I
begin to doubt the solidity of all walls. I know that I have been
watched, and spied upon, and that eavesdroppers have played hob
with our affairs.

"Of late, there has been little planned in the directors' room
of the H. & P. A. that has not seeped out and aided the enemy in