At the mention of business--the first reference that had been made to the cause of their presence in Manchester--both boys pricked up their ears. But to their disappointment, the lawyer turned the conversation to other topics. With the appetites of healthy young athletes, the lads did full justice to the luncheon. When all had finished, Mr. Bronson dismissed the waiter, requesting him to send in the two men the Markhams had seen in the office. "These are Mr. Howard and Mr. Abbot, Fred," said the lawyer, when the men had entered. "They are investigators. "The reason that I sent for you two boys is that I need help in a matter concerning Mr. Markham's affairs, and I knew that I could trust you implicitly. You mustn't even breathe a word of the matter to any one. "Charlie Gibbs is in Manchester for some purpose that Mr. Abbot and Mr. Howard will soon learn. But he is here under a name not his own--that of Henry Sanders. "Fred, I want you to go to the Randolph Hotel and stay about the hotel till you see Gibbs. When you do, go to him and address him by his right name. He denied his identity day before yesterday. "James, Abbot and Howard will be in the hotel also, but you must not speak to them. They are to witness the meeting between you and Gibbs." As the boys realized they were to play an important part in the lawyer's plan to clear Mr. Markham's name, their eyes grew big with excitement, and even Fred's father was surprised. "But why do you need me, if Mr. Abbot and Mr. Howard are to be there?" asked young Bronson. "Because courts sometimes have a prejudice against the testimony of professional investigators," replied his father. "Having seen Gibbs, you know him." Though both boys were consumed with anxiety to learn what bearing the identification would have upon the case, they understood the nature of the lawyer too well to ask questions. "Here is ten dollars for your expenses," continued Mr. Bronson, handing the money to Fred. "But I won't need that much," protested the boy. "You may--in case you are obliged to stay at the hotel a day or so. Now, go right over there." "What shall I say if Charlie Gibbs asks me what I am doing in Manchester?" inquired Fred. "Say you are looking for work," replied his father. "When you see him, be sure and shake hands with him. That will make the identification more complete; won't it, Bronson?" "Yes, that's a good idea." Eager to begin his watch, Fred hastened to the hotel, and dropped into a chair near the elevator, where he proceeded, apparently, to read a newspaper, though in reality he was looking over its edge at the people who passed before him. Scarcely had he seated himself than he saw the two investigators enter, and finally Clothespin, all three of whom took chairs whence they could watch Fred. When evening came without Gibbs, the boy saw Howard approach the hotel desk and heard him ask if Mr. Sanders had left. "No; he's still here," replied a clerk, "but he's out."