Chapter 13 IN THE TOILS OF THE CONSPIRATORS.

Lester Armstrong had no sooner stepped to the pavement than he was accosted by a man who stepped suddenly up to him.

"Mr. Armstrong?" he said, interrogatively, touching his hat respectfully.

"Yes," responded Lester, "what can I do for you?"

"I am here on a deed of mercy. A friend of mine, an employee of yours, sir, has met with a serious a