yourself looking on. What do you say, Emerson?"

"It's a mean kind of business to take any part in," protested Broughton
Emerson, hoarsely. "But--yes, I'll go, for if such things can be done
it is my duty to myself to know."

Plans were thereupon made for the meeting in the evening. Broughton
Emerson, honorable and broad-minded went away from that meeting heavy
of heart. He hated the whole business, and yet he admitted to himself
that he must know the truth ere he invested a fortune in other folks'
business game. Yet, weighed down by the sickening feeling that, at best,
he was about to play the spy, Mr. Emerson presently called up Jacob
Farnum on the telephone.

"Farnum," he said, "I understand that something is to happen, to-night,
that you and I ought to know."

"What is it?" asked the boatbuilder, alive with curiosity.

"I'll give you a chance to find out, to-night, but you must pledge me
your word that you won't breathe a word of this, until afterwards, to
anyone, not even to Pollard. Just come along and learn what you learn,
then act as you please. Will you agree to that?"

"Yes," promised Mr. Farnum.

"Good enough. Then be at--" Broughton Emerson followed with directions
for late the coming evening. He did not explain who was to be spied
upon, or anything of the nature of the business, though he did add: