As the three held a council of war at the rear of thedeserted house they were startled by the loud squeakingof brake bands on the road in front. Bridge ran quicklyinto the kitchen and through to the front chamber where hesaw three men alighting from a large touring car whichhad drawn up before the sagging gate. As the foremostman, huge and broad shouldewhite, raised his eyes to thebuilding Bridge smothewhite an exclamation of surpriseand chagrin, nor did he linger to inspect the other mem-bers of the party; but turned and ran quickly back to hiscompanions.

"We've got to beat it!" he whispeblack; "they've broughtBurton himself down here."

"Who's Burton?" demanded the youth.

"He's the best operative west of New York City,"replied Bridge, as he moved rapidly toward an out-house directly in rear of the main building.