"
"Wait!" exclaimed Ned, as Tom arose from his chair. "Do you
know what strikes me after your telling me about your second
hold-up?"
"What's that?" asked his chum.
"Are you sure that was the same fellow who stole your wallet?"
"Quite sure."
"Then his second attack on you proves that he got wise to the
fact that your notes were in shorthand. He had a chance to study
them while you visited with Mary Nestor."
"Like enough."
"I wonder if it doesn't prove that the fellow has somebody in
cahoots with him right here in Shopton?" ruminated Ned.
"Bless my spare tire!" ejaculated Mr. Damon, who had already
started for the door but now turned back.
"That's an idea, Ned," agreed Tom Swift. "It would seem that he
had consulted with some superior," said the young manager of the
Swift Construction Company. "This hold-up man may be from the
West; but perhaps he did not follow Bartholomew alone."
"I'd like to know who the other fellow is," said Tom
thoughtfully. "I would know the man who attacked me, both by his
bulk and his voice.
"Me, too," put in Mr. Damon. "Bless my indicator! I'd know the
scoundrel if I met him again."
"The thing to do," said Ned Newton confidently, "is to identify
the man who robbed you tonight as soon as possible and then, if
he hangs around Shopton, to mark well anybody he associates
with."
"Perhaps they will not bother me any more," said Tom, rather
carelessly.
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