"That it's a job for silence, secrecy, and--"

"Spondulicks," said Dicky with a laugh, as the other hesitated for a
word.

"Just so," said the man.

"And what else?" I continued, pressing him firmly.

"Well," he admitted hoarsely, "I learned as how there was to be a
change of place to-night, and I might be needed."

I looked at him inquiringly. Perhaps I was on the threshold of
knowledge of this cursed business from the mouth of the enemy.

"I heard as how the boy was to be put in a safer place," he said,
wagging his head with affected gravity.

Some imp put it into my brain to try him with an unexpected bit of
news.

"Oh," I said coolly, "that's all attended to. The change was made
yesterday."

The effect of this announcement was extraordinary. The man started with
an oath.

"The hell you say!" he exclaimed in a low, smooth voice, far different
from the harsh tone he had used thus far. Then he leaped to his feet,