CHAPTER XIII.
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 accident and calls for you repeatedly.

I am a hackman, and I volunteered to come for you and ask you to let me take you to him.

It is not very far.

My cab stands right here." "I will go to the poor fellow, certainly," responded Lester, hurrying to the vehicle in question and hastily entering it.
In a moment the driver had mounted the box and was off like the wind.