“I’ll undress Mary,” said Lucy, laying aside her sewing. “I’m going to undress myself,” put in Jimmy, who was growing to be quite a lad. Soon the two children were in the land of nod, and Lucy returned to the sitting-room, where her mother and brother were still talking. “Do you really think this man had some hidden motive?” asked Lucy of her brother. “I’m sure of it; or else why should he be so persistent? He evidently wanted to get possession of the deed.” “Why do you think he offered you such a good position?” went on Lucy. “He probably wanted to get me into his office, and then have me give him the deed, under pretense of examining it. Once he had it I guess we would never see it again.” “Well, it’s a strange affair,” said Mrs. Dexter, with a sigh. “I hope it will be explained soon.” “It will, sooner or later,” spoke Larry, with a confidence he hardly felt. When Larry met Mr. Newton the next day, and told the older reporter about the conversation Perkins had had with Mrs. Dexter, Mr. Newton said: “Things are working out the way I expected. Now, Larry, my boy, we must say nothing, and saw wood, as they say in France. If this thing pans out it will be one of the biggest deals ever undertaken. There may be something in it for your family, and there certainly will be a big story in it for the _Leader_. “But we must keep very quiet. If it leaks out that we suspect something, or that we are on the track of the men I believe to be behind the matter, we will lose everything. So, first of all, guard that deed carefully. Next, tell your mother to hold no conversation with men who may call at the house to inquire about your father’s affairs. Lastly, do no talking yourself on this subject. I will work hard to stop the game I suspect they are trying to play, but I feel I need your help.” “Do you think it involves the land my father owns, or at least the land for which we have a deed?” “I am almost certain of it. If it is what I believe, there is much money in it.” “For whom?” asked the lad. “I hope some of it will come my way.” “Well, part of it may,” rejoined Mr. Newton. “But the men back of it intend the main share for themselves and the boodle aldermen and land sharps associated with them. So be on your guard, Larry. We can’t have you kidnapped again,” and Mr. Newton smiled at the recollection of the fate that once befell Larry in the early stages of his work for the _Leader_, in connection with the cab strike. “I’ll watch out,” replied the young reporter. Larry had plenty to do that day, and, having an afternoon assignment to cover—a meeting of one of the city boards—he did not reach home until rather later than usual. As he entered the apartment he heard his mother conversing with someone in the parlor, and the voice of the visitor was a strange one.