started yesterday in the after part of the day; but be this as it may, I
wish you and Dick to follow after him, and don't fail to finish him somehow
and somewhere. If you could only manage to get ahead of him and waylay him
at some point in the mountains, it would be the best place for you to do
the deed and conceal the commission of the act."

"Yes, if he should be alone."

"Which will most likely be the case, at least a portion of the time. But
should no such opportunity occur, or should you fail to get beyond him on
the way, you must watch for him in the city; follow him as closely as his
shadow, and in some dark alley, or at some unseasonable hour, put him out
of the way."

"Exactly."

"You understand that this _must_ be done, do you?"

"If Lieutenant Duffel says so."

"Well, I do say so, most emphatically. I am more anxious than ever to have
him settled, since this new phase of affairs has come up."

"I understand; but when are we to start?"

"Early in the morning. We will find out as soon as possible whether he
started yesterday; then you must show yourselves for a little while, as was
before determined; and as soon afterward as possible be off. Be sure to get
on the right track, and don't lose it."