Maddoxgreetedhimgenially，butPhilipcuthimshort。
　　"Iwantyoutoactforme，"hewhispered，"andactquick！IwantyoutobuyformeonethousandsharesoftheRoyalMailLine，oftheElder—Dempster，andoftheUnionCastle。"
　　HeheardMaddoxlaughindulgently。
　　"There’snothinginthatyarnofacombine，"hecalled。"Ithasfallenthrough。Besides，sharesareatfifteenpounds。"
　　Philip，havinginhispossessionasecond—classticketandafive—poundnote，wasindifferenttothat，andsaidso。
　　"Idon’tcarewhattheyare，"heshouted。"Thecombineisalreadysignedandsealed，andnooneknowsitbutmyself。Inanhoureverybodywillknowit！"
　　"Whatmakesyouthinkyouknowit？"demandedthebroker。
　　"I’veseenthehouse—flags！"criedPhilip。"Ihave——doasItellyou，"hecommanded。
　　Therewasadistractingdelay。
　　"Nomatterwho’sbackofyou，"objectedMaddox，"it’sabigorderonagamble。"
　　"It’snotagamble，"criedPhilip。"It’sanaccomplishedfact。
　　I’mattheRitz。Callmeupthere。Startbuyingnow，and，whenyou’vegotathousandofeach，stop！"
　　Philipwasmuchtooagitatedtogofarfromthetelephonebooth；
　　soforhalfanhourhesatinthereading—room，forcinghimselftoreadtheillustratedpapers。Whenhefoundhehadreadthesameadvertisementfivetimes，hereturnedtothetelephone。Thetelephoneboymethimhalf—waywithamessage。
　　"Havesecuredforyouathousandsharesofeach，"heread，"atfifteen。Maddox。"
　　Likeamanawakeningfromanightmare，Philiptriedtoseparatethehorrorofthesituationfromthecoldfact。Thecoldfactwassufficientlyhorrible。Itwasthat，withoutapennytopayforthem，hehadboughtsharesinthreesteamshiplines，whichshares，addedtogether，wereworthtwohundredandtwentyfivethousanddollars。Hereturneddownthecorridortowardthelounge。Tremblingathisownaudacity，hewasinastateofalmostcompletepanic，whenthathappenedwhichmadehisoutrageousspeculationoflittleconsequence。Itwasdrawingneartohalf—pastone；and，inthepersonsofseveralsmartmenandbeautifulladies，thecomponentpartsofdifferentluncheonpartieswerebeginningtoassemble。
　　OftheluncheontowhichLadyWoodcotehadinvitedhim，onlyoneguesthadarrived；but，sofarasPhilipwasconcerned，thatonewassufficient。ItwasHelenherself，seatedalone，withhereyesfixedonthedoorsopeningfromPiccadilly。Philip，hisheartsingingwithappeals，blessings，andadoration，rantowardher。
　　Herprofilewastowardhim，andshecouldnotseehim；buthecouldseeher。Andhenotedthat，asthoughseekingsomeone，hereyeswereturnedsearchinglyuponeachyoungmanasheenteredandmovedfromonetoanotherofthosealreadyinthelounge。Herexpressionwaseagerandanxious。
　　"Ifonly，"Philipexclaimed，"shewerelookingforme！Shecertainlyislookingforsomeman。Iwonderwhoitcanbe？"
　　Assuddenlyasifhehadslappedhisfaceintoawall，hehaltedinhissteps。Whyshouldhewonder？Whydidhenotreadhermind？
　　WhydidhenotKNOW？Awaiterwashasteningtowardhim。Philipfixedhisminduponthewaiter，andhiseyesaswell。MentallyPhilipdemandedofhim："Ofwhatareyouthinking？"
　　Therewasnoresponse。Andthen，seeinganunlitcigarettehangingfromPhilip’slips，thewaiterhastilystruckamatchandprofferedit。Obviously，hismindhadworked，first，inobservingthehalf—burnedcigarette；next，infurnishingthenecessarymatch。AndofnostepinthatmentalprocesshadPhilipbeenconscious！Theconclusionwasonlytooapparent。Hispowerwasgone。Nolongerwasheamindreader！
　　HastilyPhilipreviewedtheadventuresofthemorning。Asheconsideredthem，themoralwasobvious。Themomenthehadusedhispowertohisownadvantage，hehadlostit。Solongashehadexerteditforthehappinessofthetwolovers，tosavethelifeoftheKing，tothwartthedishonestyofaswindler，hehadbeenall—powerful；butwhenheendeavoredtobendittohisownuses，ithadfledfromhim。Ashestoodabashedandrepentant，Helenturnedhereyestowardhim；and，atthesightofhim，thereleapedtothemhappinessandwelcomeandcompletecontent。Itwas"thelookthatneverwasonlandorsea，"anditwasnotnecessarytobeamindreadertounderstandit。Philipsprangtowardherasquicklyasamandodgesataxi—cab。
　　"Icameearly，"saidHelen，"becauseIwantedtotalktoyoubeforetheothersarrived。"Sheseemedtoberepeatingwordsalreadyrehearsed，tobefollowingacourseofconductalreadypredetermined。"Iwanttotellyou，"shesaid，"thatIamsorryyouaregoingaway。IwanttotellyouthatIshallmissyouverymuch。"Shepausedanddrewalongbreath。AndshelookedatPhilipasifshewasbegginghimtomakeiteasierforhertogoon。
　　Philipproceededtomakeiteasier。
　　"Willyoumissme，"heasked，"intheRow，whereIusedtowaitamongthetreestoseeyouridepast？Willyoumissmeatdances，whereIusedtohidebehindthedowagerstowatchyouwaltzingby？Willyoumissmeatnight，whenyoucomehomebysunrise，andIamnothidingagainsttherailingsoftheCarltonClub，justtoseeyourunacrossthepavementfromyourcarriage，justtoseethelightonyourwindowblind，justtoseethelightgoout，andtoknowthatyouaresleeping？"
　　Helen’seyesweresmilinghappily。Shelookedawayfromhim。
　　"Didyouusetodothat？"sheasked。
　　"EverynightIdothat，"saidPhilip。"Askthepolicemen！Theyarrestedmethreetimes。"
　　"Why？"saidHelengently。
　　ButPhilipwasnotyetfreetospeak，sohesaid：
　　"TheythoughtIwasaburglar。"
　　Helenfrowned。Hewasmakingitveryhardforher。
　　"YouknowwhatImean，"shesaid。"Whydidyoukeepguardoutsidemywindow？"
　　"Itwasthepolicemankeptguard，"saidPhilip。"Iwasthereonlyasaburglar。Icametorob。ButIwasacoward，orelseIhadaconscience，orelseIknewmyownunworthiness。"Therewasalongpause。Asbothofthem，whenevertheyheardthetuneafterward，alwaysremembered，theHungarianband，withrareinconsequence，wasplayingthe"GrizzlyBear，"andpeopleweretryingtospeaktoHelen。Byhertheywerereceivedwithalookofsocompletealackofrecognition，andbyPhilipwithaglareofsuchsavagehate，thattheyretreatedindismay。Thepauseseemedtolastformanyyears。
　　AtlastHelensaid："Doyouknowthestoryofthetworoses？Theygrewinagardenunderalady’swindow。Theybothlovedher。Onelookedupatherfromthegroundandsighedforher；buttheotherclimbedtothelady’swindow，andsheliftedhiminandkissedhim——becausehehaddaredtoclimb。"
　　Philiptookouthiswatchandlookedatit。ButHelendidnotmindhisdoingthat，becauseshesawthathiseyeswerefilledwithtears。Shewasdelightedtofindthatshewasmakingitveryhardforhim，too。
　　"Atanymoment，"Philipsaid，"ImayknowwhetherIowetwohundredandtwenty—fivethousanddollarswhichIcanneverpay，orwhetherIamworthaboutthatsum。Ishouldliketocontinuethisconversationattheexactplacewhereyoulastspoke——AFTER
　　IknowwhetherIamgoingtojail，orwhetherIamworthaquarterofamilliondollars。"
　　Helenlaughedaloudwithhappiness。
　　"Iknewthatwasit！"shecried。"Youdon’tlikemymoney。IwasafraidyoudidnotlikeME。Ifyoudislikemymoney，Iwillgiveitaway，orIwillgiveittoyoutokeepforme。Themoneydoesnotmatter，solongasyoudon’tdislikeme。"
　　WhatPhilipwouldhavesaidtothat，Helencouldnotknow，forapageinmanybuttonsrushedathimwithamessagefromthetelephone，andwithahandthattrembledPhilipsnatchedit。Itread："Combineisannounced，shareshavegonetothirty—one，shallIholdorsell？"
　　ThatatsuchacrisisheshouldpermitofanyinterruptionhurtHelendeeply。Sheregardedhimwithunhappyeyes。Philipreadthemessagethreetimes。Atlast，andnotwithoutuneasydoubtsastohisownsanity，hegraspedthepreposteroustruth。Hewasworthalmostaquarterofamilliondollars！Atthepageheshovedhislastandonlyfive—poundnote。Hepushedtheboyfromhim。
　　"Run！"hecommanded。"Getoutofhere，TellhimheistoSELL！"
　　HeturnedtoHelenwithalookinhiseyesthatcouldnotbequestionedordenied。Heseemedincapableofspeech，and，tobreakthesilence，Helensaid："Isitgoodnews？"
　　"Thatdependsentirelyuponyou，"repliedPhilipsoberly。
　　"Indeed，allmyfuturelifedependsuponwhatyouaregoingtosaynext。"
　　Helenbreatheddeeplyandhappily。
　　"And——whatamIgoingtosay？"
　　"HowcanIknowthat？"demandedPhilip。"AmIamindreader？"
　　ButwhatshesaidmaybesafelyguessedfromthefactthattheybothchuckedLadyWoodcotesluncheon，andateoneofpennybuns，whichtheysharedwiththebearsinRegentsPark。
　　Philipwasjustabletopayforthepennybuns。Helenpaidforthetaxi—cab。
　　Chapter7。THENAKEDMAN
　　IntheirhometownofKeepsburg，theKeepswerethereigningdynasty，sociallyandineveryway。OldmanKeepwaspresidentofthetrolleyline，thetelephonecompany，andtheKeepNationalBank。ButFred，hisson，andtheheirapparent，didnotinheritthebusinessabilityofhisfather；or，ifhedid，hetookpainstoconcealthatfact。FredhadgonethroughHarvard，butastothatalso，unlesshetoldpeople，theywouldnothaveknownit。
　　TenminutesafterFredmetamanhegenerallytoldhim。
　　WhenFredarrangedanalliancewithWinniePlatt，whoalsowasoftheinnermostinnersetofKeepsburg，everybodysaidKeepsburgwouldsoonlosethem。Andeverybodywasright。Whensingle，eachhadsighedforothersocialworldstoconquer，andwhentheycombinedtheirfortunesandambitionstheyfoundKeepsburgimpossible，andtheyleftittolaysiegetoNewYork。TheyweretoocraftytoatonceattackNewYorkitself。AwidowladytheymetwhileontheirhoneymoonatPalmBeachhadtoldthemnottoattemptthat。AndshewasthePalmBeachcorrespondentofasocietypapertheynaturallyacceptedheradvice。ShewarnedthemthatinNewYorkthewaiting—listisalreadyinterminable，andthat，ifyouhopedtobreakintoNewYorksociety，thecleverthingtodowastolaysiegetoitbywayofthesuburbsandthecountryclubs。IfyouwentdirecttoNewYorkknowingnoone，youwouldatonceexposethatfact，andtheresultwouldbedisastrous。
　　Shetoldthemofacouplelikethemselves，youngandrichandfromtheWest，who，atthefirstdancetowhichtheywereinvited，asked，"Whoistheoldladyinthewig？"andthatquestionarguedthemsounknownthatitsetthembacktwoyears。
　　Itwasaterriblestory，anditfilledtheKeepswithmisgivings。
　　Theyagreedwiththeladycorrespondentthatitwasfarbettertoadvanceleisurely；firstfirmlytointrenchthemselvesinthesuburbs，andthentoenterNewYork，notastheKeepsfromKeepsburg，whichmeantnothing，butastheFredKeepsofLongIsland，orWestchester，orBordentown。
　　"Inallofthoseplaces，"explainedthewidowlady，"oursmartestpeoplehavecountryhomes，andatthecountryclubyoumaygettoknowthem。Then，whenwintercomes，youfollowthemontothecity。"
　　ThepointfromwhichtheKeepselectedtolaunchtheirattackwasScarboro—on—the—Hudson。TheyselectedScarborobecausebothofthemcouldplaygolf，andtheyplannedthattheirfirstskirmishshouldbefoughtandwonuponthegolf—linksoftheSleepyHollowCountryClub。Buttheattackdidnotsucceed。Somethingwentwrong。Theybegantofearthattheladycorrespondenthadgiventhemthewrongdope。For，althoughthreemonthshadpassed，andtheyhadplayedgolftogetheruntiltheywereasloathtoclaspagolfclubasared—hotpoker，theyknewnoone，andnooneknewthem。Thatis，theydidnotknowtheVanWardens；andifyoulivedatScarboroandwerenotrecognizedbytheVanWardens，youwerenottobefoundonanymap。
　　SincethedaysofHendrikHudsonthecountry—seatoftheVanWardenshadlookeddownupontheriverthatbearshisname，andeversincethosedaystheVanWardenshadlookeddownuponeverybodyelse。Theyweresoproudthatatalltheirgatestheyhadplacedsignsreading，"Nohorsesallowed。Taketheotherroad。"TheotherroadwasanearthroadusedbytradespeoplefromOssining；theroadreservedfortheVanWardens，andautomobiles，wasofbluestone。IthelpedgreatlytogivetheVanWardenestatetheappearanceofawellkeptcemetery。AndthoseVanWardenswhooccupiedthecountry—placewereascoldandunsociableasthesortofpeoplewhooccupycemeteries——except"Harry"VanWarden，andshelivedinNewYorkattheTurfClub。
　　Harry，accordingtoalllocaltradition——forhefrequentlymotoredouttoWardenKoopf，theVanWardencountry—seat——and，accordingtothenewspapers，wasadevilofafellowandinnosensecoldorunsociable。SofarastheKeepsreadofhim，hewasalwaysbeingarrestedforoverspeeding，orbreakinghiscollar—boneouthunting，orlosinghisfrontteethatpolo。ThisgreatlyannoyedtheproudsistersatWardenKoopf；notbecauseHarrywasarrestedorhadbrokenhiscollar—bone，butbecauseitdraggedthefamilynameintothenewspapers。
　　"Ifyouwouldonlyplaypoloorridetohoundsinsteadofplayinggolf，"sighedWinnieKeeptoherhusband，"youwouldmeetHarryVanWarden，andhe’dintroduceyoutohissisters，andthenwecouldbreakinanywhere。"
　　"IfIwastoridetohounds，"returnedherhusband，"theonlythingI’dbreakwouldbemyneck。"
　　Thecountry—placeoftheKeepswascompletelysatisfactory，andforthepurposesoftheirsocialcomedythestage—settingwasperfect。Thehousewasonetheyhadrentedfromamanofcharmingtasteandinflatedfortune；andwithittheyhadtakenoverhiswell—disciplinedbutler，hispictures，furniture，familysilver，andlinen。Itstooduponaneminence，washeavilywooded，andsurroundedbymanygardens；butitschiefattractionwasanartificiallakewellstockedwithtroutthatlaydirectlybelowtheterraceofthehouseandalsoinfullviewfromtheroadtoAlbany。
　　ThislatterfactcausedWinnieKeepmuchconcern。IntheneighborhoodweremanyItalianlaborers，andonseveralnightsthefishhadtemptedthesebornpoacherstotrespass；andmorethanonce，onhotsummerevenings，smallboysfromTarrytownandOssininghadbrokenthroughthehedge，andusedthelakeasaswimming—pool。
　　"Itmakesmenervous，"complainedWinnie。"Idon’tliketheideaofpeopleprowlingaroundsonearthehouse。Andthinkofthosetwelvehundredconvicts，notonemileaway，inSingSing。Mostofthemareburglars，andiftheyevergetout，ourhouseistheveryfirstonethey’llbreakinto。"
　　"Ihaven’tcaughtanybodyinthisneighborhoodbreakingintoourhouseyet，"saidFred，"andI’dbegladtoseeevenaburglar！"
　　Theywereseatedonthebrickterracethatoverlookedthelake。
　　Itwasjustbeforethedinnerhour，andtheduskofawonderfulOctobernighthadfallenonthehedges，theclumpsofevergreens，therowsofclose—clippedbox。Afullmoonwasjustshowingitselfabovethetree—tops，turningthelakeintomovingsilver。
　　Fredrosefromhiswickerchairand，crossingtohisyoungbride，touchedherhairfearfullywiththetipsofhisfingers。
　　"Whatifwedon’tknowanybody，Win，"hesaid，"andnobodyknowsus？It’sbeenaperfectlygoodhoneymoon，hasn’tit？Ifyoujustlookatitthatway，itworksoutallright。Wecameherereallyforourhoneymoon，tobetogether，tobealone——"
　　Winnielaughedshortly。"Theycertainlyhaveleftusalone！"shesighed。
　　"Butwhereelsecouldwehavebeenanyhappier？"demandedtheyounghusbandloyally。"Wherewillyoufindanyprettierplacethanthis，justasitisatthisminute，sostillandsweetandsilent？There’snothingthematterwiththatmoon，isthere？
　　Nothingthematterwiththelake？Where’sthereabetterplaceforahoneymoon？It’sabower——abowerofpeace，solitudea——bowerof——"
　　Asthoughmockinghiswords，thereburstuponthesleepingcountrysidetheshriekofagiantsiren。Itwasraucous，virulent，insulting。Itcameassharplyasascreamofterror，itcontinuedinabellowofrage。Then，assuddenlyasithadcriedaloud，itsanktosilence；onlyafterapauseofaninstant，asthoughgivingasignal，toshriekagainintwosharpblasts。Andthenagainitbrokeintothehideouslongdrawnscreamofrage，insistent，breathless，commanding；fillingthesoulofhimwhoheardit，evenoftheinnocent，withalarm。
　　"InthenameofHeaven！"gaspedKeep，"what’sthat？"
　　Downtheterracethebutlerwashasteningtowardthem。Whenhestopped，hespokeasthoughhewereannouncingdinner。"A
　　convict，sir，"hesaid，"hasescapedfromSingSing。Ithoughtyoumightnotunderstandthewhistle。IthoughtperhapsyouwouldwishMrs。Keeptocomein—doors。"
　　"Why？"askedWinnieKeep。
　　"Thehouseisneartheroad，madam，"saidthebutler。"Andtherearesomanytreesandbushes。Lastsummertwoofthemhidhere，andthekeepers——therewasafight。"ThemanglancedatKeep。
　　Fredtouchedhiswifeonthearm。
　　"It’stimetodressfordinner，Win，"hesaid。
　　"Andwhatareyougoingtodo？"demandedWinnie。
　　I’mgoingtofinishthiscigarfirst。Itdoesn’ttakemelongtochange。"Heturnedtothebutler。"AndI’llhaveacocktail，tooI’llhaveitouthere。"
　　Theservantleftthem，butintheFrenchwindowthatopenedfromtheterracetothelibraryMrs。Keeplingeredirresolutely。
　　"Fred，"shebegged，"you——you’renotgoingtopokearoundinthebushes，areyou？——justbecauseyouthinkI’mfrightened？"
　　Herhusbandlaughedather。"IcertainlyamNOT！"hesaid。"Andyou’renotfrightened，either。Goin。I’llbewithyouinaminute。"
　　Butthegirlhesitated。Stillshatteringthesilenceofthenightthesirenshriekedrelentlessly；itseemedtobeattheirverydoor，tobeatandbuffetthewindow—panes。Thebrideshiveredandheldherfingerstoherears。
　　"Whydon’ttheystopit！"shewhispered。"Whydon’ttheygivehimachance！"
　　Whenshehadgone，Fredpulledoneofthewickerchairstotheedgeoftheterrace，and，leaningforwardwithhischininhishands，satstaringdownatthelake。Themoonhadclearedthetopsofthetrees，hadblottedthelawnswithblack，rigidsquares，haddisguisedthehedgeswithwaveringshadows。
　　Somewherenearathandacriminal——amurderer，burglar，thug——wasatlarge，andthevoiceoftheprisonhehadtrickedstillbellowedinrage，inamazement，stillclamorednotonlyforhispersonbutperhapsforhislife。Thewholecountrysideheardit：
　　thefarmersbeddingdowntheircattleforthenight；theguestsoftheBriarCliffInn，diningunderredcandleshades；thejoyridersfromthecity，racingtheircarsalongtheAlbanyroad。ItwoketheechoesofSleepyHollow。ItcrossedtheHudson。ThegranitewallsofthePalisadesflungitbackagainstthegranitewallsoftheprison。Whicheverwaytheconvictturned，ithuntedhim，reachingforhim，pointinghimout——stirringintheheartofeachwhohearditthelustofthehunter，whichneverissocruelaswhenthehuntedthingisaman。
　　"Findhim！"shriekedthesiren。"Findhim！He’sthere，behindyourhedge！He’skneelingbythestonewall。THAT’Sherunninginthemoonlight。THAT’Shecrawlingthroughthedeadleaves！Stophim！Draghimdown！He’smine！Mine！"
　　Butfromwithintheprison，fromwithinthegraywallsthatmadethehomeofthesiren，eachoftwelvehundredmencurseditwithhissoul。Each，clingingtothebarsofhiscell，each，tremblingwithafearfuljoy，each，histhumbsup，urgingonwithallthestrengthofhiswillthehunted，rat—likefigurethatstumbledpantingthroughthecrispOctobernight，bewilderedbystrangelights，besetbyshadows，staggeringandfalling，runninglikeamaddogincircles，knowingthatwhereverhisfeetledhimthesirenstillheldhimbytheheels。
　　Asarule，whenWinnieKeepwasdressingfordinner，Fred，intheroomadjoining，couldhearherunconsciouslyandlight—heartedlysingingtoherself。Itwasahabitofhersthatheloved。Butonthisnight，althoughherroomwasdirectlyabovewherehesatupontheterrace，heheardnosinging。Hehadbeenontheterraceforaquarterofanhour。Gridley，theagedbutlerwhowasrentedwiththehouse，andwhofortwentyyearshadbeenaninmateofit，hadbroughtthecocktailandtakenawaytheemptyglass。AndKeephadbeenalonewithhisthoughts。Theywereentirelyoftheconvict。Ifthemansuddenlyconfrontedhimandbeggedhisaid，whatwouldhedo？Heknewquitewellwhathewoulddo。Heconsideredeventhemeansbywhichhewouldassistthefugitivetoasuccessfulget—away。
　　TheethicsofthequestiondidnotconcernFred。HedidnotweighhisdutytotheStateofNewYork，ortosociety。Oneday，whenhehadvisited"theinstitution，"asasomewhatsensitiveneighborhoodpreferstospeakofit，hewastoldthatthechanceofaprisoner’sescapingfromSingSingandnotbeingatonceretakenwasoneoutofsixthousand。SowithFreditwaslargelyasportingproposition。Anymanwhocouldbeatasix—thousand—to—oneshotcommandedhisadmiration。
　　And，havingsettledhisowncourseofaction，hetriedtoimaginehimselfintheplaceofthemanwhoatthatverymomentwasendeavoringtoescape。Werehethatman，hewouldfirst，hedecided，ridhimselfofhistell—taleclothing。Butthatwouldleavehimnaked，andinWestchesterCountyanakedmanwouldbequiteasconspicuousasoneinthepurple—grayclothoftheprison。Howcouldheobtainclothes？Hemightholdupapasser—by，and，ifthepasser—bydidnotfleefromhimorpunchhimintoinsensibility，hemighteffectanexchangeofgarments；
　　hemightbythreatsobtainthemfromsomefarmer；hemightdespoilascarecrow。
　　ButwithnoneoftheseplanswasFredentirelysatisfied。Thequestiondeeplyperplexedhim。Howbestcouldanakedmanclothehimself？Andashesatponderingthatpoint，fromthebushesanakedmanemerged。Hewasnotentirelyundraped。Foraroundhisnakednesshehaddrawnacanvasawning。Fredrecognizeditashavingbeentornfromoneoftherow—boatsinthelake。But，exceptforthat，themanwasnakedtohisheels。HewasayoungmanofFred’sownage。Hishairwascutclose，hisfacesmooth—shaven，andabovehiseyewasahalf—healedbruise。Hehadthesharp，clever，rat—likefaceofonewholivedbyevilknowledge。Waterdrippedfromhim，andeitherforthatreasonorfromfrighttheyoungmantrembled，and，likeonewhohadbeenrunning，breathedinshort，hardgasps。
　　Fredwassurprisedtofindthathewasnotintheleastsurprised。Itwasasthoughhehadbeenwaitingfortheman，asthoughithadbeenanappointment。
　　Twothoughtsaloneconcernedhim：thatbeforehecouldridhimselfofhisvisitorhiswifemightreturnandtakealarm，andthattheman，notknowinghisfriendlyintentions，andinastatetocommitmurder，mightrushhim。Butthestrangermadenohostilemove，andforamomentinthemoonlightthetwoyoungmeneyedeachotherwarily。
　　Then，takingbreathandwithaviolentefforttostopthechatteringofhisteeth，thestrangerlaunchedintohisstory。
　　"Itookabathinyourpond，"heblurtedforth，"and——andtheystolemyclothes！That’swhyI’mlikethis！"
　　Fredwasconsumedwithenvy。Incomparisonwiththisingeniousnarrativehowprosaicandcommonplacebecamehisownplanstoridhimselfofaccusinggarmentsandexplainhisnakedness。Heregardedthestrangerwithadmiration。Buteventhoughheapplaudedtheother’sinvention，hecouldnotlethimsupposethathewasdeceivedbyit。
　　"Isn’titratheracoldnighttotakeabath？"hesaid。
　　Asthoughinheartyagreement，thenakedmanburstintoaviolentfitofshivering。
　　"Itwasn’tabath，"hegasped。"Itwasabet！"
　　"Awhat！"exclaimedFred。Hisadmirationwasincreasing。"Abet？
　　Thenyouarenotalone？"
　　"IamNOW——damnthem！"exclaimedthenakedone。Hebeganagainreluctantly。"Wesawyoufromtheroad，youandawoman，sittinghereinthelightfromthatroom。TheybetmeIdidn’tdarestripandswimacrossyourpondwithyousittingsonear。Icanseenowitwasframeduponmefromthestart。ForwhenIwasswimmingbackIsawthemruntowhereI’dleftmyclothes，andthenI
　　heardthemcrankup，andwhenIgottothehedgethecarwasgone！"
　　Keepsmiledencouragingly。"Thecar！"heassented。"Soyou’vebeenridingaroundinthemoonlight？"
　　Theothernodded，andwasabouttospeakwhenthereburstinuponthemtheroaringscreamofthesiren。Thenotenowwasofdeeperrage，andcameingreatervolume。Betweenhisclinchedteeththenakedonecursedfiercely，andthen，asthoughtoavoidfurtherquestions，burstintoafitofcoughing。Tremblingandshaking，hedrewthecanvascloakclosertohim。Butatnotimedidhisanxious，pryingeyesleavetheeyesofKeep。
　　"You——youcouldn’tlendmeasuitofclothescouldyou？"hestuttered。"Justforto—night？I’llsendthemback。It’sallright，"headded；reassuringly。"Ilivenearhere。"
　　WithastartKeepraisedhiseyes，anddistressedbyhislook，theyoungmancontinuedlessconfidently。
　　"Idon’tblameyouifyoudon’tbelieveit，"hestammered，"seeingmelikethis；butIDOliverightnearhere。Everybodyaroundhereknowsme，andIguessyou’vereadaboutmeinthepapers，too。I’m——thatis，myname——"likeoneabouttotakeaplungehedrewashortbreath，andtherat—likeeyesregardedKeepwatchfully——"mynameisVanWarden。I’mtheoneyoureadabout——Harry——I’mHarryVanWarden！"
　　Afterapause，slowlyandreprovinglyFredshookhishead；buthissmilewaskindlyevenregretful，asthoughheweresorryhecouldnotlongerenjoythestranger’sconfidences。
　　"Myboy！"heexclaimed，"you’reMOREthanVanWarden！You’reagenius！"Heroseandmadeaperemptorygesture。"Sorry，"hesaid，"butthisisn’tsafeforeitherofus。Followme，andI’lldressyouupandsendyouwhereyouwanttogo。"Heturnedandwhisperedoverhisshoulder："Somedayletmehearfromyou。A
　　manwithyournerve——"
　　Inalarmthenakedonewithagesturecommandedsilence。
　　Thelibraryledtothefronthall。Inthiswasthecoat—room。
　　Firstmakingsurethelibraryandhallwerefreeofservants，Fredtiptoedtothecoat—roomand，openingthedoor，switched：ontheelectriclight。Thenakedman，leavinginhiswakeatrailofdampfootprints，followedathisheels。
　　Fredpointedatgolf—capes，sweaters，greatcoatshangingfromhooks，andontheflooratbootsandovershoes。
　　"Putonthatmotor—coatandthegaloshes，"hecommanded。"They’llcoveryouincaseyouhavetorunforit。I’mgoingtoleaveyouherewhileIgetyousomeclothes。Ifanyoftheservantsbuttin，don’tloseyourhead。Justsayyou’rewaitingtoseeme——Mr。
　　Keep。Iwon’tbelong。Wait。"
　　"Wait！"snortedthestranger。"YouBETI’llwait！’
　　AsFredclosedthedooruponhim，thenakedonewasrubbinghimselfviolentlywithMrs。Keep’syellowgolf—jacket。
　　InhisownroomFredcollectedasuitofblueserge，atennisshirt，boots，evenatie。Underclotheshefoundreadylaidoutforhim，andhesnatchedthemfromthebed。Fromarollofmoneyinhisbureaudrawerhecountedoutahundreddollars。Tactfullyheslippedthemoneyinthetrouserspocketofthesergesuitandwiththebundleofclothesinhisarmsraceddownstairsandshovedthemintothecoat—room。
　　"Don’tcomeoutuntilIknock，"hecommanded。"And，"headdedinavehementwhisper，"don’tcomeoutatallunlessyouhaveclotheson！"
　　Thestrangergrunted。
　　FredrangforGridleyandtoldhimtohavehiscarbroughtaroundtothedoor。Hewantedittostartatoncewithintwominutes。
　　Whenthebutlerhaddeparted，Fred，byaninch，againopenedthecoat—roomdoor。Thestrangerhaddrapedhimselfintheunderclothesandtheshirt，andatthemomentwascarefullyarrangingthetie。
　　"Hurry！"commandedKeep。"Thecar’llbehereinaminute。WhereshallItellhimtotakeyou？"
　　Thestrangerchuckledexcitedly；hisconfidenceseemedtobereturning。"NewYork，"hewhispered，"fastashecangetthere！
　　Lookhere，"headdeddoubtfully，"there’sarollofbillsintheseclothes。"
　　"They’reyours，"saidFred。
　　Thestrangerexclaimedvigorously。"You’reallright！"hewhispered。"Iwon’tforgetthis，oryoueither。I’llsendthemoneybacksametimeIsendtheclothes。"
　　"Exactly！"saidFred。
　　Thewheelsofthetouring—carcrunchedonthegraveldrive，andFredslammedtothedoor，andlikeasentryonguardpacedbeforeit。Afteraperiodwhichseemedtostretchovermanyminutestherecamefromtheinsideacautiousknocking。WithequalcautionFredopenedthedoorofthewidthofafinger，andputhiseartothecrack。
　　"Youcouldn’tfindmeabutton—hook，couldyou？"whisperedthestranger。
　　IndignantlyFredshutthedoorand，walkingtotheveranda，hailedthechauffeur。James，thechauffeur，wasaKeepsburgboy，andwhenKeephadgonetoCambridgeJameshadaccompaniedhim。
　　Keepknewtheboycouldbetrusted。
　　"You’retotakeamantoNewYork，"hesaid，"orwhereverhewantstogo。Don’ttalktohim。Don’taskanyquestions。So，ifYOU’REquestioned，youcansayyouknownothing。That’sforyourowngood！"
　　Thechauffeurmechanicallytouchedhiscapandstarteddownthesteps。Ashedidso，theprisonwhistle，stillunsatisfied，stilldemandingitsprey，shatteredthesilence。Asthoughithadhithimaphysicalblow，theyouthjumped。Heturnedandliftedstartled，inquiringeyestowhereKeepstoodabovehim。
　　"Itoldyou，"saidKeep，"toasknoquestions。
　　AsFredre—enteredthehall，WinnieKeepwascomingdownthestairstowardhim。Shehadchangedtooneoftheprettiesteveninggownsofhertrousseau，andsooutrageouslylovelywasthecombinationofherselfandthegownthatherhusband’sexcitementandanxietyfellfromhim，andhewaslostinadmiration。Buthewasnotforlonglost。Tohishorror；thedoorofthecoat—closetopenedtowardhiswifeandoutoftheclosetthestrangeremerged。Winnie，notaccustomedtoseeingyoungmensuddenlyappearfromamongthedust—coats，utteredasharpshriek。
　　Withwhatheconsideredgreatpresenceofmind，Fredswunguponthevisitor"Didyoufixit？"hedemanded。
　　Thevisitordidnotheedhim。Inamazementinabjectadmiration，hiseyeswerefasteneduponthebeautifulandradiantvisionpresentedbyWinnieKeep。Buthealsostillpreservedsufficientpresenceofmindtonodhisheaddully。
　　"Come，"commandedFred。"Thecariswaiting。"
　　Stillthestrangerdidnotmove。Asthoughhehadneverbeforeseenawoman，asthoughherdazzlinglovelinessheldhiminatrance，hestoodstill，gazing，gaping，devouringWinniewithhiseyes。Inherturn，Winniebeheldastrangeyouthwholookedlikeagroomoutoflivery，soovercomebyhermerepresenceastobestruckmotionlessandinarticulate。Forprotectionshemovedinsomealarmtowardherhusband。
　　Thestrangergaveasuddenjerkofhisbodythatmighthavebeenintendedforabow。BeforeKeepcouldinterrupthim，likeaparrotrecitingitslesson，heexclaimedexplosively：
　　"Myname’sVanWarden。I’mHarryVanWarden。"
　　HeseemedaslittleconvincedofthetruthofhisstatementasthoughhehadannouncedthathewastheCzarofRussia。Itwasasthoughastage—managerhaddrilledhiminthelines。
　　ButuponWinnie，asherhusbandsawtohisdismay，thewordsproducedaninstantandappallingeffect。Shefairlyradiatedexcitementanddelight。HowherhusbandhadsucceededincapturingthesocialprizeofScarboroshecouldnotimagine，but，fordoingso，sheflashedtowardhimaglanceofdeepandgratefuldevotion。
　　Thenshebeameduponthestranger。"Won’tMr。VanWardenstaytodinner？"sheasked。
　　Herhusbandemittedahowl。"HewillNOT！"hecried。"He’snotthatkindofaVanWarden。He’saplumber。He’sthemanthatfixesthetelephone！"
　　Heseizedthevisitorbythesleeveofthelongmotor—coatanddraggedhimdownthesteps。Reluctantly，almostresistingly，thevisitorstumbledafterhim，castingbackwardamazedglancesatthebeautifullady。Fredthrusthimintotheseatbesidethechauffeur。Pointingatthegolf—capandautomobilegoggleswhichthestrangerwasstupidlytwistinginhishands，Fredwhisperedfiercely：
　　"Putthoseon！Coveryourface！Don’tspeak！Themanknowswhattodo。"
　　WitheagereyesandpartedlipsJamesthechauffeurwaswaitingforthesignal。Frednoddedsharply，andthechauffeurstoopedtothrowintheclutch。Butthecardidnotstart。Fromthehedgebesidethedriveway，directlyinfrontofthewheels，somethingonallfoursthrewitselfuponthegravel；somethinginasuitofpurple—gray；somethingtornandbleeding，smearedwithsweatanddirt；somethingthatcringedandcrawled，thattriedtoriseandsankbackuponitsknees，liftingtotheglareofthehead—lightsthewhitefaceandwhitehairofaveryold，oldman。Thekneelingfiguresobbed；thesobsrisingfromfardowninthepitofthestomach，wrenchingthebodylikewavesofnausea。Themanstretchedhisarmstowardthem。Fromlongdisusehisvoicecrackedandbroke。
　　"I’mdone！"hesobbed。"Ican’tgonofarther！Igivemyselfup！"
　　Abovetheawfulsilencethatheldthefouryoungpeople，theprisonsirenshriekedinonelong，mockinghowloftriumph。
　　Itwasthestrangerwhowasthefirsttoact。PushingpastFred，andslippingfromhisownshouldersthelongmotor—coat，heflungitoverthesuitofpurple—gray。Thegogglesheclappedupontheoldman’sfrightenedeyes，thegolf—caphepulleddownoverthewhitehair。Withonearmheliftedtheconvict，andwiththeotherdraggedandpushedhimintotheseatbesidethechauffeur。Intothehandsofthechauffeurhethrusttherollofbills。
　　"Gethimaway！"heordered。"It’sonlytwelvemilestotheConnecticutline。Assoonasyou’reacross，buyhimclothesandatickettoBoston。GothroughWhitePlainstoGreenwich——andthenyou’resafe！"
　　Asthoughsuddenlyrememberingthepresenceoftheownerofthecar，heswunguponFred。"AmIright？"hedemanded。
　　"Ofcourse！"roaredFred。Heflunghisarmatthechauffeurasthoughthrowinghimintospace。
　　"Get—to—hell—out—of—here！"heshouted。
　　Thechauffeur，byprofessionacriminal，butbybirthahumanbeing，chuckledsavagelyandthistimethrewintheclutch。Withagrindingofgraveltheracing—carleapedintothenight，itsrubyrearlampwinkinginfarewell，itstinysirenansweringthegreatsirenoftheprisoninjeeringnotesofjoyandvictory。
　　Fredhadsupposedthatatthelastmomenttheyoungerconvictproposedtoleaptotherunning—board，butinsteadthestrangerremainedmotionless。
　　Fredshoutedimpotentlyaftertheflyingcar。Indismayheseizedthestrangerbythearm。
　　"Butyou？"hedemanded。"Howareyougoingtogetaway？"
　　ThestrangerturnedappealinglytowhereupontheupperstepstoodWinnieKeep。
　　"Idon’twanttogetaway，"hesaid。"Iwashoping，maybe，you’dletmestaytodinner。"
　　AterribleandicychillcreptdownthespineofFredKeep。Hemovedsothatthelightfromthehallfellfulluponthefaceofthestranger。
　　"Willyoukindlytellme，"Freddemanded，"whothedevilyouare？"
　　Thestrangerexclaimedpeevishly。"I’veBEENtellingyouallevening，"heprotested。"I’mHarryVanWarden！"
　　Gridley，theancientbutler，appearedintheopendoor。
　　"Dinnerisserved，madam，"hesaid。
　　Thestrangergaveanexclamationofpleasure。"Hello，Gridley！"
　　hecried。"WillyoupleasetellMr。KeepwhoIam？Tellhim，ifhe’llaskmetodinner，Iwon’tstealthespoons。"
　　UponthefaceofGridleyappearedasmileitneverhadbeentheprivilegeofFredKeeptobehold。Thebutlerbeameduponthestrangerfondly，proudly，bytherightoflongacquaintanceship，withtheaffectionofanoldfriend。Stillbeaming，hebowedtoKeep。
　　"IfMr。Harry——Mr。VanWarden，"hesaid，"istostaytodinner，mightIsuggest，sir，heisverypartialtothePaulVibert，’84。"
　　FredKeepgazedstupidlyfromhisbutlertothestrangerandthenathiswife。Shewasagainradiantlybeautifulandsmilinglyhappy。
　　Gridleycoughedtentatively。"ShallIopenabottle，sir？"heasked。
　　HopelesslyFredtossedhisarmsheavenward。
　　"Openacase！"heroared。
　　Atteno’clock，whentheywerestillattableandreachingastateofsuchmutualappreciationthatsoontheywouldbecallingeachotherbytheirfirstnames，Gridleybroughtinawrittenmessagehehadtakenfromthetelephone。Itwasalong—distancecallfromYonkers，sentbyJames，thefaithfulchauffeur。
　　Fredreaditaloud。
　　"Igotthatpartythearticlesheneeded，"itread，"andsawhimsafeonatraintoBoston。OnthewaybackIgotarrestedforspeedingthecaronthewaydown。Pleasesendmoney。IaminacellinYonkers。"
　　Chapter8。THEBOYWHOCRIEDWOLF
　　Beforehefinallyarrestedhim，"Jimmie"Sniffenhadseenthemanwiththegolf—cap，andtheblueeyesthatlaughedatyou，threetimes。Twice，unexpectedly，hehadcomeuponhiminawoodroadandonceonRoundHillwherethestrangerwaspretendingtowatchthesunset。Jimmieknewpeopledonotclimbhillsmerelytolookatsunsets，sohewasnotdeceived。HeguessedthemanwasaGermanspyseekinggunsites，andsecretlyvowedto"stalk"him。
　　Fromthatmoment，hadthestrangerknownit，hewasasgoodasdead。Foraboyscoutwithbadgesonhissleevefor"stalking"
　　and"path—finding，"nottoboastofothersfor"gardening"and"cooking，"canoutwitanyspy。Evenhad，GeneralBaden—PowellremainedinMafekingandnotinventedtheboyscout，JimmieSniffenwouldhavebeenone。Because，bybirthhewasaboy，andbyinheritance，ascout。InWestchesterCountytheSniffensareoneofthecountyfamilies。Ifitisn’taSarles，it’saSniffen；
　　andwithBrundages，Platts，andJays，theSniffensdatebacktowhentheacresofthefirstCharlesFerrisranfromtheBostonpostroadtothecoachroadtoAlbany，andwhenthefirstGouverneurMorrisstoodononeofhishillsandsawtheIndiancanoesintheHudsonandintheSoundandrejoicedthatallthelandbetweenbelongedtohim。
　　Ifyoudonotbelieveinheredity，thefactthatJimmie’sgreat—great—grandfatherwasascoutforGeneralWashingtonandhunteddeer，andevenbear，overexactlythesamehillswhereJimmiehuntedweasleswillcountfornothing。ItwillnotexplainwhytoJimmie，fromTarrytowntoPortChester，thehills，theroads，thewoods，andthecow—paths，caves，streams，andspringshiddeninthewoodswereasfamiliarashisownkitchengarden，Norexplainwhy，whenyoucouldnotseeaPeaseandElliman"ForSale"signnailedtoatree，Jimmiecouldseeinthehighestbranchesalastyear’sbird’snest。
　　Orwhy，whenhewasoutaloneplayingIndiansandhadsunkhisscout’saxeintoafallenlogandthenscalpedthelog，hefeltthatoncebeforeinthosesamewoodshehadtrailedthatsameIndian，andwithhisowntomahawksplitopenhisskull。Sometimeswhenheknelttodrinkatasecretspringintheforest，theautumnleaveswouldcrackleandhewouldraisehiseyesfearingtoseeapantherfacinghim。
　　Butthereain’tnopanthersinWestchester，"Jimmiewouldreassurehimself。Andinthedistancetheroarofanautomobileclimbingahillwiththemuffleropenwouldseemtosuggesthewasright。ButstillJimmierememberedoncebeforehehadkneltatthatsamespring，andthatwhenheraisedhiseyeshehadfacedacrouchingpanther。"Mebbedadtoldmeithappenedtograndpop，"Jimmiewouldexplain，"orIdreamedit，or，mebbe，I
　　readitinastorybook。"
　　The"Germanspy"maniaattackedRoundHillafterthevisittotheboyscoutsofClaveringGould，thewarcorrespondent。Hewasspendingtheweekendwith"Squire"HarryVanVorst，andasyoungVanVorst，besidesbeingajusticeofthepeaceandaMasterofBeaglesandPresidentoftheCountryClub，wasalsoalocal"councilman"fortheRoundHillScouts，hebroughthisguesttoacamp—firemeetingtotalktothem。Indeferencetohisaudience，GouldtoldthemoftheboyscoutshehadseeninBelgiumandoftheparttheywereplayinginthegreatwar。Itwashisperorationthatmadetrouble。
　　"Andanyday，"heassuredhisaudience，"thiscountrymaybeatwarwithGermany；andeveryoneofyouboyswillbeexpectedtodohisbit。Youcanbeginnow。WhentheGermanslanditwillbenearNewHaven，orNewBedford。TheywillfirstcapturethemunitionworksatSpringfield，Hartford，andWatervlietsoastomakesureoftheirammunition，andthentheywillstartforNewYorkCity。TheywillfollowtheNewHavenandNewYorkCentralrailroads，andmarchstraightthroughthisvillage。Ihaven’ttheleastdoubt，"exclaimedtheenthusiasticwarprophet，"thatatthismomentGermanspiesareasthickinWestchesterasblackberries。Theyareheretoselectcampsitesandgunpositions，tofindoutwhichofthesehillsenfiladetheothersandtolearntowhatextenttheirarmiescanliveonthecountry。
　　Theyarecountingthecows，thehorses，thebarnswherefodderisstored；andtheyaremarkingdownontheirmapsthewellsandstreams。"
　　AsthoughatthatmomentaGermanspymightbecrouchingbehindthedoor，Mr。Gouldspokeinawhisper。"Keepyoureyesopen！"hecommanded。"Watcheverystranger。Ifheactssuspiciously，getwordquicktoyoursheriff，ortoJudgeVanVorsthere。Rememberthescouts’motto，’Beprepared！’"
　　Thatnightasthescoutswalkedhome，behindeachwallandhayricktheysawspikedhelmets。
　　YoungVanVorstwasextremelyannoyed。
　　"Nexttimeyoutalktomyscouts，"hedeclared，you’lltalkon’VotesforWomen。’Afterwhatyousaidto—nighteveryrealestateagentwhodaresopenamapwillbearrested。We’renottryingtodrivepeopleawayfromWestchester，we’retryingtosellthembuildingsites。"
　　"YOUarenot！"retortedhisfriend，"youownhalfthecountynow，andyou’retryingtobuytheotherhalf。"
　　"I’majusticeofthepeace，"explainedVanVorst。"Idon’tknowWHYIam，exceptthattheywisheditonme。AllIgetoutofitistrouble。TheItaliansmakechargesagainstmybestfriendsforoverspeedingandIhavetofinethem，andmybestfriendsbringchargesagainsttheItaliansforpoaching，andwhenIfinetheItalians，theysendmeBlackHandletters。AndnoweverydayI’llbeaskedtoissueawarrantforaGermanspywhoisselectinggunsites。AndhewillturnouttobeamillionairewhoistiredoflivingattheRitz—Carltonandwantsto’ownhisownhome’andhisowngolf—links。Andhe’llbesohotatbeingarrestedthathe’lltakehismillionstoLongIslandandtrytobreakintothePipingRockClub。And，itwillbeyourfault！"
　　Theyoungjusticeofthepeacewasright。AtleastsofarasJimmieSniffenwasconcerned，thewordsofthewarprophethadfilledonemindwithunrest。InthepastJimmie’sideaofaholidayhadbeentospenditscoutinginthewoods。Inthispleasurehewasselfish。Hedidnotwantcompanionswhotalked，andtrampleduponthedeadleavessothattheyfrightenedthewildanimalsandgavetheIndianswarning。Jimmielikedtopretend。Helikedtofillthewoodswithwaryandhostileadversaries。Itwasagameofhisowninventing。Ifhecrepttothetopofahillandonpeeringoverit，surprisedafatwoodchuck，hepretendedthewoodchuckwasabear，weighingtwohundredpounds；if，himselfunobserved，hecouldlieandwatch，offitsguard，arabbit，squirrel，or，mostdifficultofall，acrow，itbecameadeerandthatnightatsupperJimmiemadebelievehewaseatingvenison。SometimeshewasascoutoftheContinentalArmyandcarrieddespatchestoGeneralWashington。
　　Therulesofthatgamewerethatifanymanploughinginthefields，orcuttingtreesinthewoods，orevenapproachingalongthesameroad，sawJimmiebeforeJimmiesawhim，Jimmiewastakenprisoner，andbeforesunrisewasshotasaspy。Hewasseldomshot。Orelsewhyonhissleevewasthebadgefor"stalking。"Butalwaystohavetomakebelievebecamemonotonous。Even"dryshopping"alongtheRuedelaPaixwhenyoupretendyoucanhaveanythingyouseeinanywindow，leavesonejustasrich，butunsatisfied。SotheadviceofthewarcorrespondenttoseekoutGermanspiescametoJimmielikeadayatthecircus，likeaweekattheDanburyFair。Itnotonlywasacalltoarms，toprotecthisflagandhome，butachancetoplayinearnestthegameinwhichhemostdelighted。Nolongerneedhepretend。Nolongerneedhewastehisenergiesinwatching，unobserved，agreedyrabbitrobacarrotfield。Thegamenowwashisfellow—manandhisenemy；notonlyhisenemy，buttheenemyofhiscountry。
　　InhisfirsteffortJimmiewasnotentirelysuccessful。Themanlookedthepartperfectly；heworeanauburnbeard，disguisingspectacles，andhecarriedasuspiciousknapsack。ButheturnedouttobeaprofessorfromtheMuseumofNaturalHistory，whowantedtodigforIndianarrow—heads。AndwhenJimmiethreatenedtoarresthim，theindignantgentlemanarrestedJimmie。Jimmieescapedonlybyleadingtheprofessortoasecretcaveofhisown，thoughonsomeoneelse’sproperty，whereonenotonlycoulddigforarrow—heads，butfindthem。Theprofessorwasdelighted，butforJimmieitwasagreatdisappointment。TheweekfollowingJimmiewasagaindisappointed。
　　OnthebankoftheKensicoReservoir，hecameuponamanwhowasactinginamysteriousandsuspiciousmanner。Hewasmakingnotesinabook，andhisrunaboutwhichhehadconcealedinawoodroadwasstuffedwithblue—prints。ItdidnottakeJimmielongtoguesshispurpose。HewasplanningtoblowuptheKensicodam，andcutoffthewatersupplyofNewYorkCity。Sevenmillionsofpeoplewithoutwater！Withoutfiringashot，NewYorkmustsurrender！AtthethoughtJimmieshuddered，andattheriskofhislifebyclingingtothetailofamotortruck，hefollowedtherunaboutintoWhitePlains。Butthereitdevelopedthemysteriousstranger，sofarfromwishingtodestroytheKensicodam，wastheStateEngineerwhohadbuiltit，and，also，alargepartofthePanamaCanal。NorinhisthirdeffortwasJimmiemoresuccessful。FromtheheightsofPoundRidgehediscoveredonahilltopbelowhimamanworkingaloneuponabasinofconcrete。
　　ThemanwasaGerman—American，andalreadyonJimmie’slistof"suspects。"ThatfortheuseoftheGermanartilleryhewaspreparingaconcretebedforasiegegunwasonlytooevident。
　　Butcloserinvestigationprovedthattheconcretewasonlytwoinchesthick。Andthehyphenatedoneexplainedthatthebasinwasbuiltoveraspring，inthewatersofwhichheplannedtoerectafountainandraisegoldfish。Itwasabitterblow。Jimmiebecamediscouraged。MeetingJudgeVanVorstonedayintheroadhetoldhimhistroubles。Theyoungjudgeprovedunsympathetic。"Myadvicetoyou，Jimmie，"hesaid，"istogoslow。Accusingeverybodyofespionageisaveryseriousmatter。Ifyoucallamanaspy，it’ssometimeshardforhimtodisproveit；andthenamesticks。So，goslow——veryslow。Beforeyouarrestanymorepeople，cometomefirstforawarrant。"
　　So，thenexttimeJimmieproceededwithcaution。
　　Besidesbeingafarmerinasmallway，Jimmie’sfatherwasahandymanwithtools。Hehadnounioncard，but，inlayingshinglesalongabluechalkline，fewwereasexpert。ItwasAugust，therewasnoschool，andJimmiewascarryingadinner—pailtowherehisfatherwasatworkonanewbarn。Hemadeacross—cutthroughthewoods，andcameupontheyoungmaninthegolf—cap。Thestrangernodded，andhiseyes，whichseemedtobealwayslaughing，smiledpleasantly。Buthewasdeeplytanned，and，fromthewaistup，heldhimselflikeasoldier，so，atonce，Jimmiemistrustedhim。EarlythenextmorningJimmiemethimagain。Ithadnotbeenraining，buttheclothesoftheyoungmanweredamp。Jimmieguessedthatwhilethedewwasstillontheleavestheyoungmanhadbeenforcinghiswaythroughunderbrush。
　　ThestrangermusthaverememberedJimmie，forhelaughedandexclaimed：
　　"Ah，myfriendwiththedinner—pail！It’sluckyouhaven’tgotitnow，orI’dholdyouup。I’mstarving！"
　　Jimmiesmiledinsympathy。"It’searlytobehungry，"saidJimmie；"whendidyouhaveyourbreakfast？"
　　"Ididn’t，"laughedtheyoungman。"Iwentouttowalkupanappetite，andIlostmyself。But，Ihaven’tlostmyappetite。
　　WhichistheshortestwaybacktoBedford？"
　　"Thefirstroadtoyourright，"saidJimmie。
　　"Isitfar？"askedthestrangeranxiously。Thathewasveryhungrywasevident。
　　"It’sahalf—hour’swalk，"saidJimmie"IfIlivethatlong，"correctedtheyoungman；andsteppedoutbriskly。
　　Jimmieknewthatwithinahundredyardsaturnintheroadwouldshuthimfromsight。So，hegavethestrangertimetowalkthatdistance，and，then，divingintothewoodthatlinedtheroad，"stalked"him。Frombehindatreehesawthestrangerturnandlookback，andseeingnooneintheroadbehindhim，alsoleaveitandplungeintothewoods。
　　HehadnotturnedtowardBedford；hehadturnedtotheleft。Likearunnerstealingbases，Jimmieslippedfromtreetotree。Aheadofhimheheardthestrangertramplingupondeadtwigs，movingrapidlyasonewhoknewhisway。AttimesthroughthebranchesJimmiecouldseethebroadshouldersofthestranger，andagaincouldfollowhisprogressonlybythenoiseofthecracklingtwigs。Whenthenoisesceased，Jimmieguessedthestrangerhadreachedthewoodroad，grass—grownandmoss—covered，thatledtoMiddlePatent。So，heranatrightanglesuntilhealsoreachedit，andasnowhewasclosetowhereitenteredthemainroad，heapproachedwarily。But，hewastoolate。Therewasasoundlikethewhirofarisingpartridge，andaheadofhimfromwhereithadbeenhidden，agraytouring—carleapedintothehighway。Thestrangerwasatthewheel。Throwingbehinditacloudofdust，thecarracedtowardGreenwich。JimmiehadtimetonoteonlythatitboreaConnecticutStatelicense；thatinthewheel—rutsthetiresprintedlittleV’s，likearrow—heads。
　　ForaweekJimmiesawnothingofthespy，butformanyhotanddustymileshestalkedarrow—heads。Theyluredhimnorth，theyluredhimsouth，theywerestampedinsoftasphalt，inmud，dust，andfresh—spreadtarvia。WhereverJimmiewalked，arrow—headsranbefore。Inhissleepasinhiscopy—book，hesawendlesschainsofV’s。Butnotoncecouldhecatchupwiththewheelsthatprintedthem。Aweeklater，justatsunsetashepassedbelowRoundHill，hesawthestrangerontopofit。Ontheskyline，insilhouetteagainstthesinkingsun，hewasasconspicuousasaflagstaff。Buttoapproachhimwasimpossible。ForacresRoundHillofferednoothercoverthanstubble。Itwasasbaldasaskull。Untilthestrangerchosetodescend，Jimmiemustwait。Andthestrangerwasinnohaste。ThesunsankandfromthewestJimmiesawhimturnhisfaceeasttowardtheSound。Astormwasgathering，dropsofrainbegantosplashandastheskygrewblackthefigureonthehilltopfadedintothedarkness。Andthen，attheveryspotwhereJimmiehadlastseenit，theresuddenlyflaredtwotinyflashesoffire。Jimmieleapedfromcover。Itwasnolongertobeendured。Thespywassignalling。