That, or else they think if they could put him out of the way, they could get the thing they are after.

That or both reasons." "I learned that Standish has hired special police to patrol the main road, after dark, under plea that he's afraid tramps might trespass on his groves.

But he didn't dare hire them to patrol his grounds for fear of what they might chance to stumble on.

And, naturally, he couldn't have them or any one patrol the hidden path.

That's the reason he armed you and told you to look out for any one coming that way.