nowhere. The ladies started in amazement, Mr. Austin ground his teeth,
the dog took another tired leap upward; Mr. Crosby took off his hat
gallantly, and waited patiently for the lady to discover his
whereabouts.

"Who is it, Bob?" cried the tall one, and Crosby patted his bump of
shrewdness happily. "Who have you in hiding here?"

"I'm not in hiding, Mrs. Delancy. I'm a prisoner, that's all. I'm right
near the top of the ladder directly in front of you. You know me only
through the mails, but my partner, Mr. Rolfe, is known to you
personally. My name is Crosby."

"How very strange," she cried in wonder. "Why don't you come down, Mr.
Crosby?"

"I hate to admit it, but I'm afraid. There's the dog, you know. Have you
any influence over him?"

"None whatever. He hates me. Perhaps Mr. Austin can manage him. Oh,
isn't it ludicrous?" and she burst into hearty laughter. It was a very
musical laugh, but Crosby considered it a disagreeable croak.

"But Mr. Austin declines to interfere. I came to see you on private
business and am not permitted to do so."

"We don't know this fellow, Louise, and I can't allow you to talk to
him," said Austin brusquely. "I found him where he is and there he stays
until the marshal comes out from town. His actions have been very
suspicious and must be investigated. I can't take chances on letting a