————●———— CHAPTER V. COLD COMFORT IN THE MOUNTAINS. The succeeding day McKenna returned to the switch-tender’s hut, and, after obtaining permission to retain the Boston _Pilot_, their suddenly suspended conversation was resumed. It is unnecessary to detail its various points, but the detective learned while Fitzgibbons was a decided and outspoken enemy of the Mollie Maguires, yet he was thoroughly informed as to their movements throughout the coal regions. This knowledge was secured by a careful study of the local newspapers, and talking with his neighbors and friends formerly holding membership in the organization. It was Fitzgibbons’s idea, judging after several years’ close consideration of the matter, that the home-nests, the chief dens, of the Mollies, might be located at Mahanoy City, Shenandoah, Shamokin, Pittston, and Wilkesbarre, and that nearly all of the smaller places had lodges of more or less magnitude. In one of these principal strongholds McKenna must make his headquarters, but in which he could only decide after personal investigation. By the time the operative had remained a fortnight or more in the mountains, much exposure to the weather and considerable out-of-door exercise had wrought perceptible changes in his personal appearance. His apparel fitted more to his satisfaction, and a certain awkwardness in bearing was notably diminished. The cuticle covering his forehead, cheeks, and hands was toughened. His complexion was darkened, while his hair was lighter and longer. The unshaven chin had sprouted and grown a tolerably heavy beard, and no attempt was made, by trimming, to shape it handsomely or becomingly. His understanding of localities was improved—and would continue to improve through travel and examination—and his list of particular associates was rapidly growing larger and more useful.