of the oyster fleet.

Our course was changed at once, and we dodged around corners and
raced up and down side-streets till Mr. Taft's generous form loomed
up ahead of us.

"I'm going to interview him about that reward," Charley explained,
as we rapidly over-hauled the oyster-bed owner. "Neil will be
delayed here for a week, and you and I might as well be doing
something in the meantime. What do you say?"

"Of course, of course," Mr. Taft said, when Charley had introduced
himself and explained his errand. "Those thieves are robbing me of
thousands of dollars every year, and I shall be glad to break them
up at any price,--yes, sir, at any price. As I said, I'll give
fifty dollars a head, and call it cheap at that. They've robbed my
beds, torn down my signs, terrorized my watchmen, and last year
killed one of them. Couldn't prove it. All done in the blackness
of night. All I had was a dead watchman and no evidence. The
detectives could do nothing. Nobody has been able to do anything
with those men. We have never succeeded in arresting one of them.
So I say, Mr.--What did you say your name was?"

"Le Grant," Charley answered.

"So I say, Mr. Le Grant, I am deeply obliged to you for the
assistance you offer. And I shall be glad, most glad, sir, to co-
operate with you in every way. My watchmen and boats are at your
disposal. Come and see me at the San Francisco offices any time,
or telephone at my expense. And don't be afraid of spending money.