Not long after Alex left Bixton to take up his duties at Foothills, Jack,
at Hammerton, also received an advancement. In itself it was not of
particular note, beyond an encouraging increase in salary, and a transfer
from the day to the night force; but indirectly it resulted in an
experience more thrilling than any Jack's genius for tackling adventurous
difficulties had yet brought him.
Wheeling by the office of the "Daily Star" one afternoon, he heard his
name called, and turned his head to discover West, the reporter with whom
he had made the memorable Oakton trip, hastening after him.
"Just the man I was looking for, Jack," declared West, as the young
operator wheeled to the curb. "I have a job for you.
"How would you like to tackle a bit of Black Hand investigation?"