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their questions. Frank maneuvered the conversation around to the reason for their visit.
    â€œWe’re wondering how you knew that stolen samurai sword belonged to Mr. Satoya’s family,” he probed.
    Their host said he had been told so. “The fact wasn’t mentioned in the sale catalog for the auction, but I’m a valued customer of the Palmer-Glade Galleries,” Humber said smugly. “I daresay that’s why their Oriental expert confided the information to me.”
    Frank threw a glance at Joe. Both boys had the same idea. No doubt this explained why the gallery director believed the anonymous Japanese offer to buy the sword might have come from Satoya. But he had not revealed his reasons to the boys in order to protect his gallery’s reputation for being discreet about its customers’ affairs.
    â€œMatter of fact, that dancer Warlord told us Mr. Satoya was probably interested in purchasing the sword,” Joe said. “I wonder how he found out?”
    â€œHm! Good question,” Humber sniffed disdainfully. “In my opinion that Warlord fellow’s not to be trusted—especially about anything connected with the Satoya Corporation.”
    Frank frowned alertly. “Why not, sir?”
    â€œBecause I’ve reason to believe he’s involved in a nasty feud with the company.”
    â€œWhat sort of feud, Mr. Humber?” Joe asked.
    Their host shrugged as if he found the subject too unpleasant to talk about. “It started when Warlord was over in Japan. There was trouble of some kind—actual physical violence, or so I’ve heard. But I wouldn’t know the details.”
    Again the Hardys exchanged thoughtful looks.
    As they were leaving, Humber said, “By the way, I may need some detective work done myself one of these days.”
    Frank politely inquired the reason.
    â€œBecause I suspect thieves may have their eye on my collection of weapons,” Humber replied. “Possibly professional burglars.”
    â€œDo you have any definite grounds for your suspicions?” Frank persisted.
    â€œIndeed I do, though you may think I’m worrying about shadows. This evening at twilight, just before it got dark, I’m sure I saw someone spying on the house. It was a man dressed all in black!”

10
    Trouble in Tokyo
    Joe was about to blurt out that Frank, too, had glimpsed a dark figure, as a result of which they had made a hasty search for any lurking spy just before ringing the door-bell. But he stifled his remark at a slight frown from his brother.
    â€œIf it happens again, Mr. Humber, please give us a call,” Frank said. “We’ll come right over and try to trap whoever’s watching your house.”
    â€œThanks! I’ll certainly do that.” Humber sounded genuinely grateful for the offer of help.
    As the boys drove away, Frank explained, “No sense worrying the guy—that’s why I signaled you not to mention what we saw. Or what I saw, anyhow.”
    â€œGuess you’re right,” Joe agreed. “At least we know it wasn’t your imagination.” He added after a pause, “You think it was a ninja?”
    Frank nodded thoughtfully. “It’s sure beginning to look that way. What do you make of that trouble Humber mentioned, between Warlord and the Satoya Corporation?”
    â€œSounded to me like he’s peeved at Warlord, so he’s raking up some old business to make him look bad.”
    â€œI got the same impression. On the other hand, if Warlord really does have a grudge against the company, I’d like to know more about it.”
    â€œSame here. Maybe we ought to have another talk with Warlord.”
    It was not yet 9:30, so the Hardys felt there might still be a chance of seeing the dancer before he retired. Frank pulled into a gas station. Leaving Joe to deal with the attendant, he dialed the number of Bayshore College on the pay telephone inside and