"No more than your name was Robinson." "Did you ever hear of John Farrow Norman?" "The poor boy that came in for a hundred million! You bet!" "Well, I work for him. I'm his secretary." A noiseless whistle escaped through Tommy's lips. But he still looked a little incredulous. "You can find that out at the office on your way out," suggested Jack. Tommy looked impressed by this evidence of good faith. "Say, boss, can I see him himself--Norman I mean?" "He's out of town to-day. But you'll see him all the time if you work for me." Tommy was melting fast. "On the level, do you want me to work for you?" "Surest thing you know!" "What doing?" "Oh, just a little detective work," said Jack carelessly. Tommy was won. "Oh-h! Detective work! That's my specialty!" "The man who sent that package to the Bienvenu Hotel is trying to blackmail Mr. Norman," said Jack. "We've got to catch him with the goods." Tommy nodded sagely. "See if you can't remember what he looked like. Was he a middle-aged man short and thickset, well-dressed, but not sporty, heavy white moustache, and little chin whisker?" "Sure!" cried Tommy. "That's the very guy! I remember now." "Well, give me some further particulars then," said Jack to test him. Tommy considered. "His hair was brushed in a funny way, sticking out like, in front of his ears." "That's our man!" said Jack. "Has he ever been in your office before?" "Yes, once in a while. He's a guy you'd remember. Gives big tips." "When you couldn't deliver that package at the Bienvenu what did you do with it?" "Handed it in at the office again." "Then what happened to it?" "It's there yet. They couldn't return it to sender because he didn't leave no address." "You're sure he hasn't been after it himself?" "Not up to the time I left. Us boys watches for that guy." "Thought you said you couldn't remember him." "Well, I didn't know which side was on the square then," said Tommy unabashed. "Good! I'm sure he will come after it, and I want you to go back to the office and watch for him. When he does come in, see if you're clever enough to trail him back to his home or his office, or wherever it is he goes, see?" "How can I sneak out without orders from the desk?" objected Tommy. "And supposin' I'm out on another call when he comes in?" "You can leave that to me," said Jack. "From now on you're working for me, and you won't take any other calls, see? I'll have an order sent through from the head office to your branch. But mind you, not a word to any of the other kids!" "That's all right, boss," said the diminutive sleuth with dignity. "I know a thing or two about this biz. I can easy stall off those pore fish down there." "Here's something on account," said Jack offering him a dollar bill. "As to your final payment I'll just say this: if you and I pull this off together, I'll offer you a permanent job with Mr. Norman." "Me workin' for Norman himself! Gee!" said Tommy. 30