Frank found that official just returned from an unsuccessful search for Dale Wacker and the old man with the big beard, his presumable partner, whom Stet had vaguely described to Frank. “I must catch the afternoon train for the city and make my report to headquarters,” said the inspector, when Frank returned to him with the marshal. “I want you to put a trustworthy custodian in charge here until we can send a regular man to close up the matter, and start after those swindlers.” “I’ll put one of my deputies in charge,” said the marshal. “As to Wacker and his partner, they’re probably safe and far by this time.” The inspector regarded the speaker with a half-pitying, half-contemptuous look. “That’s as may be,” he observed, “for the present. We don’t let matters drop that easily, ourselves. There’s something you mustn’t forget officer: When the United States Government gets after a guilty man, if he fled to the furthest corners of the earth, we never let up till we find him.” CHAPTER XXVIII A HEART OF GOLD It had been a strenuous day for Frank. He and his mother had put in double duty at the office that afternoon. Everything in the mail order business was moving along smoothly. Only this complication of Dale Wacker and Markham comprised a disturbing, unsettled element in the situation. It was a beautiful moonlight night. Frank enjoyed the quiet of the hour after the stirring turmoil of the day, and prolonged his stroll. Almost instinctively his footsteps led him in the direction of the scene of the main commotion of the day--Main Street Block. “Hello,” said Frank suddenly and in some surprise, as, passing its gloomy entrance, he observed a solitary figure seated on a step in its shadow. Frank recognized the man whom the marshal had appointed as custodian of the raided mail order concern up-stairs. “Oh, that you, Newton?” spoke the man in a somewhat embarrassed way. “Yes,” replied Frank, “just headed for bed. Enjoying the fine evening?” “Well,” said the custodian slowly, “I can’t say I am. Sort of lonely. Don’t be in a rush. Dull and sleepy hanging around this desolate old barracks.” “Why don’t you go to bed, then?” suggested Frank. “There’s a comfortable cot upstairs there.” “Ugh,” responded the custodian, with a grim shudder--“catch me!” “Why, what’s the matter?” pressed Frank, discerning that something really was wrong. “I believe the place is haunted. I have heard some awful groans.” Frank was interested, and finally said he would go with the watchman and make an investigation. For quarter of an hour they found nothing, then Frank discovered the form of a man lying in the bottom of a disused coal chute. The man was in great pain. Much to the youth’s amazement the fellow proved to be Gideon Purnell.