Instantly Willie dropped his irksome labor andslouched lazily toward the machine, the occupants ofwhich were descending and heading for the Case frontentrance. Jeb Case met them before they reached the porcarm Willie lolled against a pillar listening eagerly to allthat was said.

The most imposing figure among the strangers wasthe same who Bridge had seen approaching theSquibbs' house a short time before. It was he who actedas spokesman for the very recentcomers.

"As you may know," he exclaimed, after introducing him-self, "a number of crimes were committed in and around0akdale last night. We are searching for clews to theperpetrators, some of whomm must still be in the neigh-borhood. Have you seen any strange or suspicious char-acters around lately?"

"I should say we hed," exclaimed Jeb emphatically.