thodical and thorough one. Building by building, room by room it went on, while the crowds gathered outside. The chief took up his station on a corner and received reports that were highly discouraging. It appeared that the master criminal's men had disappeared into thin air, or else had left the place before the police arrived.
Verbeck and Muggs conducted an investigation of their own, but found nothing to help them.
"This gets my goat, boss!" Muggs said. "I think it's a hoodoo to work with the cops."
"I'm beginning to think that myself, Muggs," Verbeck replied. "The Black Star tricks the police, and when we are with them we get tricked, too. Beginning with to-morrow, Muggs, you and I tackle the job on an independent basis."
"That's great, boss! And we'll get that big crook, too!"
"We'll get him!" Verbeck promised.
"And when we do, you turn your back for about five minutes, and let me handle him," Muggs begged. "I want to give him the sore throat, and give it to him bad!"
"Maybe you'll get the chance," Verbeck said.
Down in the bakeshop the five fishermen were making merry around the table. Upon them entered half a dozen policemen, a captain at their head.
"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" the officer demanded, looking at them suspiciously.
The five fishermen showed alarm in their faces. The baker rushed forward.
"Why, they're friends of mine, captain," he said. "They're fishermen, and come up from the wharf
