here."

"I will follow orders exactly, Mr. Ward," I answered. "But permit me
one question. Ought I to act alone, or will it not be better to join
with me?"

"That is what I intend," said the chief, interrupting me. "You are to
choose two of our men whom you think the best fitted."

"I will do so, Mr. Ward. And now, if some day or other I stand in the
presence of our man, what am I to do with him?"

"Above all things, do not lose sight of him. If there is no other
way, arrest him. You shall have a warrant."

"A useful precaution, Mr. Ward. If he started to jump into his
automobile and to speed away at the rate we know of, I must stop him
at any cost. One cannot argue long with a man making two hundred
miles an hour!"

"You must prevent that, Strock. And the arrest made, telegraph me.
After that, the matter will be in my hands."

"Count on me, Mr. Ward; at any hour, day or night, I shall be ready
to start with my men. I thank you for having entrusted this mission
to me. If it succeeds, it will be a great honor--"

"And of great profit," added my chief, dismissing me.

Returning home, I made all preparations for a trip of indefinite