Neither Fred nor Bill had any desire to sleep, now that the solution of the mystery seemed so near. They remained in the same place where the halt was madeuntil the blackness of night gave way before the pale threads of light.
"It's gettin' pretty nigh time to begin our work," Bill said, "an' this heat we mustn't make any mistake."
"I'm afraid we can't get near enough to see whether they take the money or not. Perhaps it isn't anywhere around here."
"Then we'll follow 'em, if it takes a week, to find out what we're after. My idee is that we'd better separate, so's to make sure of knowin' what's goin' on. You stay here, an' I'll creep over to the other side, then we shall be doublin' our chances."
"But what is to be done in case we don't see them dig up the money?"
"Foller, no matter how long a chase they lead us. We shall come together somewhere on the road; but it won't be a bad plan for you to take a little of this money. If we had only bought some grub last night things would be in better shape."
"I can get along without food for a week if there is any hope of helping Sam."
"The whole thing will be cleared up providin' we don't loose sight of them. Here's the money, an' now I'll be off. You'd best crawl nearer before the sun rises."
With a pressure of the hand Bill started, making a wide detour around the encampment, and Fred was alone, trying hard to repress a tremor of excitement which was causing him to tremble as if in an ague fit.
After waiting half an hour, and assuring himself that Bill was well off, Fred began an advance, workinghis way from bush to bush until convinced he could approach no nearer with safety.
By this time the sun had risen, and his rays falling upon the faces of the sleepers, awakened them.
Both sprang to their feet, and Gus began building the fire while his companion was busily engaged at something among the bushes—preparing food for cooking, as Fred thought.
"Then you still think we oughter leave here?" Gus said, interrogatively.
"Yes, an' the sooner the better. There's no knowin' when that feller's friends may come sneakin' around agin. We'll hurry up with the breakfast, an' start when it's over."
The boys had quite an outfit, as Fred could now see. A frying-pan, coffee-pot, tin cups, plates, and a bag well filled with provisions.
Gus acted the part of cook, and soon the odor of hot coffee was wafted in the direction of the watcher, causing him to feel the need of something to eat.
But little conversation was indulged in during the preparations for the meal. Gus' companion did not show himself until everything was ready, and then he ate hurriedly as if time was too precious to admit of talking.
"Now let's divide the load," the boy said, as he leaped to his feet and began tying the cooking utensils together. "If you'll see to the grub, I'll take care of these."
Fred gazed intently, expecting to see the money exposed to view; but no mention was made of it.
Gus shouldered the bag; his companion swung theremainder of the baggage over his shoulder, and the two started, walking rapidly around the mountain on a course which would carry them to the eastward at right angles with the railroad track.
Fred followed, remaining as far in the rear as was possible to keep them within view, and at such a distance that he could no longer overhear the conversation.
Beyond a doubt Bill was also in pursuit; but he did not show himself, and Fred fancied he was well over to the left travelling on a parallel line with the boys.
During an hour these relative positions were maintained, and then Gus threw down the bag as if to make a halt.
"Now they're going to dig up the money," Fred said to himself, and he pressed forward that he might see all which occurred.
In this he was mistaken, however. The two had simply stopped to rest, and such of the conversation as could be overheard only had reference to the location for a permanent camp, Gus insisting they were far enough away from the villages, while his companion urged that twice this distance should be covered.
"It's plain they have no idea of digging," Fred muttered. "It begins to look as if we had made a big mistake; but if that is so, what was the meaning of the talk they made last night?"
It was an enigma which he could not solve. Although believing they were on the wrong track, he did not feel at liberty to abandon the search until after consulting with Bill, and as yet no signs had been seen of that gentleman.
The halt was continued for half an hour, and then the two boys pushed on again, walking at a leisurely pace until the forenoon was well nigh spent, when they came to a full stop at the bank of a small brook.
They were now, as nearly as Fred could judge, eight or nine miles from the starting point, and that this was the end of the journey could be told by the preparations made.
From the bag a new hatchet was produced, and both set about hewing small trees and bushes with which to build a camp.
Not until this shelter was put up did Fred dare to move near enough to hear what was said, and then he found a hiding-place in the thicket twenty paces in the rear of the rude dwelling.
Even though two hours had been spent in this work, Bill did not show himself. It was possible, however, that he believed it dangerous to move about in the daytime, but would join his companion after dark.
Such conversation as the boys indulged in had no especial interest to the listener, since it referred almost entirely to the length of time they would remain in the camp.
When the day came to an end Fred had not heard anything of importance, and he resolved to advise an immediate return to Farley's when Bill should join him.
During the evening Gus and his companion appeared to be very jolly; they told stories, sang, and laughed as if there was nothing in connection with this "camping out" to be concealed, and the watcher in the bushes wondered why the miner did not come.
Half a dozen men might have walked around the encampment without being observed by the boys, and Bill's delay seemed very singular.
Fred did not dare to leave his place of concealment, and even if it had been perfectly safe to do so, he knew not in which direction to look for his friend, therefore nothing could be done save exercise patience.
The hours passed without any change in the condition of affairs. The camp-fire burned itself out. The supposed culprits retired to rest, and Fred, who had slept but a short time during the previous night, found it absolutely impossible to prevent his eyes from closing.
Lower and lower his head drooped upon his breast until slumber came, and he remained unconscious for many hours.
The glare of the sunlight aroused him after the occupants of the camp were astir, and he sprang to his feet in alarm.
The noise made by this sudden movement startled those whom he had been detailed to watch, and before Fred could collect his scattered senses both the boys were upon him.
For a single instant the three stood surveying each other, and then Gus and his companion seized the bewildered spy by the arms, rendering useless his frantic struggles to defend himself.
"Can you hold him, Tim, while I get something to tie his hands?" Gus cried, and Tim replied:
"I can take care of three or four jest like him. Get the rope outer the bag; that'll be strong enough."
With a quick movement the boy clasped Fredaround the waist and held him firmly until Gus returned.
When the prisoner's hands had been lashed to his side he was led to the camp, where his legs were also bound, and the captors seated themselves in front of him.
"Now tell us where that man is?" Tim said, sternly.
"What man?"
"You know who I mean; the feller what come over to Blacktown with you an' Skip."
"I wish I knew," Fred replied with a sigh.
"Don't lie to us," and Gus shook his fist in the helpless boy's face. "That miner went to a lawyer an' told him I had a hand in stealin' the money what Sam Thorpe lost. Then you an' Skip tried to pump me. Now give us the whole yarn, or things will be mighty hot."
Fred remained silent.
"He's been follerin' us ever since we left the town," Tim said after a moment's thought, "an' it stands us in hand to get outer this lively, or the rest of his gang will be on us."
"Have we got to do more trampin' jest on account of a sneak like this?" Gus asked fretfully.
"Do you want to stay an' run the chance of bein' carried back to Blacktown?"
"Of course not; but travelin' all the time when we mighter got on the cars in the first place is more'n I bargained for."
"If you'd had your way we'd been pulled in before this. Get the stuff in shape, an' I reckon we'll fixthings right now. Let him carry the load, an' we'll take the tramp kinder easy."
Gus obeyed with a very ill grace, and while he was getting the cooking utensils together Tim walked along the bank of the brook to where a flat stone lay half submerged in the water.
Fred watched his every movement as he overturned this, and dug with a pointed stick until a small, square package had been exposed to view.
There was no question in the prisoner's mind but that the wrappings of cloth covered the money Sam was accused of stealing, and now the secret had really been discovered, all else seemed trifling in comparison.
"I wonder how it happened that I didn't see that when they left the last camp?" he thought, as Tim put the bundle carefully in the inside pocket of his coat.
"So you've found out what you come for, eh?" the boy cried, angrily. "Well, it won't do any good, for when we get through with sneaks they can't do much harm. Pick up that load, an' if you don't walk lively I'll find a way to make you."
"How can I pick up anything while my legs are tied?"
Tim unfastened the ropes from Fred's ankles; loosened one of his arms, and threw the cooking utensils over his shoulder.
"Come on Gus," he said, impatiently. "We'll take turns carryin' the grub 'till we've given the slip to whoever may be follerin', and then he can tote the whole load."
Fred was faint from lack of food; but he mentally braced himself to perform the task, and Gus cried as he struck him a blow full in the face:
"Step out now, an' when we make camp to-night you'll get a taste of how we serve spies. It'll be a worse dose than the regulators ever gave you, an' don't forget it."
"There's no time for foolishness," Tim said, impatiently. "His gang may be close behind, an' we can't afford to pay him off yet a while."
With this sage remark he took up the provision bag, and led the way across the base of the hill, at right angles with the course pursued on the previous day, while Gus remained in the rear to urge the prisoner on in case he faltered.
Joe Brace returned to Farley's on the morning after he warned Bill and Fred of what the cashier intended to do, and went directly to Mrs. Byram's.
"I've bought the land!" he cried, exultantly. "The farmer was mighty glad of a chance to sell for five hundred dollars, an' if I'd had more time the price could have been whittled down to four. There's a mortgage of three hundred to be paid in a year, an' that'll be jest the same as nothin' after we show up what's there."
"Did you see Fred?" the widow asked, anxiously, paying but little attention to the good news.
"Met him an' Bill last night; told 'em what was up, and they'll keep shady 'till things can be fixed."
"Then nothing was accomplished by their going to Blacktown?"
Joe explained why that excursion had been a failure, and added:
"They're on the right track, so we can count on everything comin' out right before long."
"Are you intending to stay here?"
"No; I only came to tell you what had been done, an' shall go back on the train to make sure my deed is recorded. I bought in the name of Byram, Thorpe, Thomas & Brace. How does that strike you for a firm?"
"Although you and Mr. Thomas are so sure the discovery will be a source of great wealth, I can't feel much interest in it while Fred is in danger. I wish they would go to some city, rather than remain so near home."
"I shall see 'em this afternoon an' now that the business of the land is settled, will advise them to take a little pleasure trip."
"Please see to it that they do not suffer for food."
"I'll tend to everything in great shape. Have you heard whether Mr. Wright has got back?"
"He sent word that he would be home to-night."
"Then, perhaps, I'd better wait an' have another talk with him."
"No, no; I will see him myself. It is more important you care for those who are hiding in the woods."
Joe had no further time for conversation. The train by which he intended to return to Blacktown wasalready due and he hurried away after repeating confidently:
"I'll see'em to-night, ma'am, an' you can rest easy. They shall live on the fat of the land now we own a coal mine."
There was barely time for the miner to leap on board the cars, and as they were whirled away by the puffing engine, the constable who had arrested Sam accosted him.
"Where you bound, Joe?"
"To Blacktown," was the gruff reply. "What are you up to? Servin' warrants for that fool of a cashier?"
"Yes, I reckon that's about the size of it."
"Got one for me?"
"Of course not; what makes you talk such nonsense?"
"I heard that Bill was goin' to be 'rested, 'cause he'd tried to help Sam, an' seem's he's a mate of mine I didn't know but you'd planned to pull in the whole family."
"But now be honest, an' admit that the case looks pretty black for the two boys."
"That's all nonsense. Sam lost the money, an' it was the fault of the company, not his."
"How do you make that out?"
"Easy enough. They'd no business to send him with so much stuff. It was the cashier's duty, an' that's what makes him so sore, 'cause Mr. Wright's bound to blame such slip-shod ways of shirkin' work."
"Allowin' you're right, it don't help Sam Thorpe's case any."
"We'll see about it before the world's many days older. I ain't quite a fool, an' when I get through your precious cashier will feel sick."
After this threat Joe refused to indulge in further conversation, and the constable left him to seek more agreeable company.
The words of the officer had aroused a new train of thought in the miner's mind, he fancied the lawyer whom Bill had consulted should be informed of what had happened.
With this idea he visited the legal gentleman, immediately after the train arrived in Blacktown, and not only told him all which had happened relative to the robbery; but divulged the secret of the vein.
The knowledge that his clients were in a fair way to be rich, and, consequently, influential, caused a very decided change in the lawyer's manner, and he displayed more zeal than Joe had expected.
"We can easily get bail for your friends in case they are arrested," he said, "and in the meanwhile I will attend to the deeds. It is necessary the titles should be searched before the discovery is known by the public, and if you need any money I shall be glad to advance it."
"If the farmer can't back out of his trade, we've got all that'll be wanted yet awhile," Joe replied "but the most important thing jest now is to get Bill an' the boys out of their scrape."
"Can you find Mr. Thomas?"
"I reckon so."
"Then tell him to come here at once. Perhaps it will be well for the boy to remain in hiding a day or twolonger, and I shall make it my business to ascertain what evidence there is against him."
"I'll go for Bill now," and Joe left the office, after having been again assured by the lawyer that the transfer of the property would be attended to without delay.
The miner prepared for his walk by buying a small stock of provisions, and then he set off in the direction of the mountain, believing it would be possible to find his mate with but little difficulty.
An hour's tramp brought him to the famous vein on which he had already built many air-castles; but neither Bill nor Fred could be seen.
Satisfying himself that there were no strangers in the vicinity he called them loudly by name; but without receiving any reply.
Then he trudged on around the mountain, shouting alternately for one and the other, until afar off in the distance it seemed as if an answering hail could be heard.
Now he ran with all speed in that direction, and soon he heard Bill's voice crying:
"Joe! Is it you, Joe?"
"Indeed it is, my hearty. Where are you?"
"Here in the bushes with what come mighty nigh bein' a broken leg."
Joe was soon by the side of his mate, whom he found lying on the ground apparently in the last stages of exhaustion.
"What's the matter, old man? Are you hurt?"
Bill told of what he and Fred had seen, and about the proposed chase, concluding by saying:
"When the little villains started around the mountain I follered, as the boy an' me had agreed on; butafter a two-hour's tramp I fell into a hole, an' reckon my leg is broke."
"I don't see any hole," Joe said, as he looked about him.
"It happened a long bit back. I didn't want to break up the game by lettin' Fred know what was wrong, an' so tried to crawl toward the vein, thinkin' if folks were sent out to look for the money they'd find me; but this is as far as I could get. It would 'a been a case of starvin' if you hadn't come along."
"If you're hungry I can fix that part of it all right," and Joe produced the package of provisions. "Have a good time with this while I take a look at the leg."
Only the most superficial examination was necessary. The broken bones could be plainly felt, and the limb was so swollen that it seemed essential, that the boot and trousers should be cut from it.
"I don't see my way clear in this job," Joe exclaimed, as he removed the garments. "It ain't safe to leave you here alone, an' yet help must be had to carry you to Farley's."
"Now that I've got a mouthful I can lay here a few hours longer. Go on, I'll keep till you get back."
"If there was some water near by I could tie you up more comfortable like."
"Never mind that, but leave at once, so to be the sooner here."
Joe hesitated no longer, but set off across the mountain at a speed which brought him to Farley's in less than half an hour.
Here it was only necessary to state what had happened in order to find plenty of volunteers for the taskof bringing Bill home, and as the party set out Mrs. Byram followed a short distance by Joe's side, in order to say:
"I've seen Mr. Wright, and he evidently believes both Sam and Fred are guilty."
"Won't he let up till we can run down them fellers what Bill was follerin'?"
"He says to me, as he did to you, that the law must take its course, and will not even do anything to prevent Bill's arrest."
"We're goin' to bring the poor feller home, an' this company what think they own Farley's an' every soul in it had better let him alone."
"Take him to my house, where he can have more care than at a boarding-place."
"All right, an' thank ye, ma'am."
"But what about Fred? Where is he?"
"There's no call to worry because of him. As soon as Bill is off my hands I'll hunt the boy up, an' p'rhaps the two of us will bring home the real thieves."
The widow could go no farther, and Joe took his place at the head of the party, walking at his best pace.
Bill was suffering a great deal of pain when his friends arrived, but not a word of complaint escaped his lips, and some pleasant word was exchanged for every greeting.
"It'll be a hard pull to get me over the mountain, but I'll not see Farley's for many a long day if you can't hold out."
"We'll have you there, old man, an' not spend any too much breath over the job," Joe said cheerily, as he began to build a litter.
Several of the party were curious to learn why Bill had come into that out-of-the-way place, but he refused to make any explanations, and Joe pretended not to hear the many questions.
It was nearly dark before the injured man arrived at Mrs. Byram's home, and then nature had so far asserted her rights that he lay unconscious until after the physician arrived.
"I reckon I've done all that's possible," Joe said to the widow, "an' now I'll start back."
"You won't think of searching through the woods in the night."
"No; but I'll trudge over to where I found Bill, so's the hunt can be begun bright an' early. It ain't likely I'll bring Fred home till after I've seen the lawyer agin."
"If he isn't in trouble it will be better to remain away a few days longer."
"I'll answer for it that he's all right, ma'am, an it sha'n't be many hours now 'till he can hold his head up with the best of 'em."
With these cheering words Joe left the house, intending to go home for supper before continuing his task; but on arriving opposite the store Mr. Wright stopped him by saying sternly:
"I would like to have a few words with you, Mr. Brace."
"My time has come," Joe muttered to himself; "but I'll show these smart fellows that they can't haul up everybody in town jest because it pleases 'em."
Joe Brace had a very good idea of why the superintendent wished to see him, and he entered the office prepared to speak his mind plainly.
"I understand that you have not been working for the past day or two," Mr. Wright began.
"That's correct."
"Have you left our employ?"
"It amounts to pretty much that."
"Has Thomas quit also?"
"When a man knows that he's to be arrested, he ain't likely to hang 'round so's the warrant can be served without much trouble to the constable. But jest now Bill isn't in a condition to work for anybody."
"What's the matter?"
"He broke his leg, an' a lot of the boys have brought him to the Widder Byram's house."
"I hadn't heard of that."
"It'll come kinder rough on the constable."
"I understand to what you refer, Brace, and am not pleased to hear you speak in such a manner."
"It can't be helped, sir. When a feller sees them as risked everything to do the company a good turn while Billings had full sway, run down an' chucked into jail for nothin', it makes him feel sore."
"There was good reason for the arrest of Sam Thorpe."
"Even admittin' that's so, which I don't, why should Fred Byram an' Bill be pulled into the fuss? There's nothin' to connect them with it."
"They have acted very suspiciously ever since the money was said to have been lost."
"That's where you are makin' a big mistake, Mr. Wright. I've had a hand in all their maneuvers, an' so has the widder, consequently if one is guilty the whole crowd are."
"What do you mean?"
"I can't explain yet awhile; but it'll come out before long, when you'll see everything was square an' above board."
"Look here, Brace," Mr. Wright said, in a friendly tone: "I called you in here to have a confidential chat upon the subject, and it is not right to keep from me anything which may have a bearing on the matter."
"What I know can't be told for a while; but I'll give you the particulars of what we've already found out," and without further questioning Joe related the events of the past three days, save so far as they were connected with the discovery of the vein.
"It surely looks suspicious," the superintendent said, musingly; "but I fail to understand how those boys could have gotten the money from Sam's pocket, unless he remained in town skylarking with them."
"That's somethin' I can't explain; but when I find Fred we'll know a good deal more about the matter."
"Do you think anything could be accomplished by my visiting Sam?"
"I'm certain of it, for one talk with him is bound to convince you he isn't a thief."
The superintendent remained silent several moments, and it seemed very much as if this second conversation with Joe had caused a change of opinion.
"Very well," he said finally, "I will think the matter over. Shall you be here in the morning?"
"I'm goin' to leave Farley's as soon as I get a bite to eat, an' it ain't likely I'll be back 'till Fred can come with me."
Mr. Wright arose to intimate that the interview was at an end, and Joe left the store with a gesture of defiance and anger toward the cashier.
While all this was taking place Fred occupied anything rather than an enviable position.
When the march was begun he found it extremely difficult to make his way through the woods, loaded down as he was and with one arm tied to his side; but Gus had no mercy. At every opportunity he spurred the prisoner on, using a stout stick for the purpose, and more than once was Fred on the point of open rebellion.
He felt confident the boys would not dare do more than give him a cruel flogging, after which they must leave him behind; but this would be to lose sight of the thieves, and almost anything was preferable to being thus defeated in his purpose.
"I'll stick it out," he said to himself, "and wait for the time when I can tell the story to some one who will help make them prisoners."
During an hour the boys traveled straight ahead, and then Gus insisted upon a halt.
Tim agreed, because his breakfast had not been perfectly satisfactory, and he wanted a second meal now they were, as he believed, free from pursuit.
The provisions were brought out from the bag, and as the two boys began to eat Fred's hunger returned with such a force that he could not resist the impulse to ask for food.
"Say, if you'll give me some of that bread I'll carry all the load when we start again. I haven't had a mouthful since I left Blacktown."
"An' you'll go without two or three days longer," Gus replied with malicious pleasure. "You'll have the whole load, an' no trade about it either, so hold your tongue or I'll use the stick again."
Tim laughed as if he thought it great sport to hear the prisoner begging for food, and Fred threw himself upon the ground, resolving not to give them another opportunity for mirth.
"If there's a chance to get hold of the bag to-night I'll help myself," he thought. "It can't be stealing, for I'm surely entitled to a share when they force me to stay with them."
Gus amused himself for a while by thrusting food close to the prisoner's face and then withdrawing it, but he tired of this when Fred made no effort to take what he knew was not intended for him.
The halt continued about an hour, and then, as Gus had threatened, both packages were placed on Fred's shoulders.
"Now step out livelier than you did before, for we don't want to make another halt until we are ready to build a camp," Tim said, as he began the advance.
"Treat me decent an' I'll travel as fast as you can."
"You ain't gettin' it half as bad as you deserve, an' it'd be a good idea to keep your mouth shut."
As during the first portion of the journey, Gus amused himself by prodding the prisoner with a stick, but as the day lengthened and Tim refused to halt, the boy grew too weary to indulge in such pleasantries.
In order that Fred might carry all the burden, it was necessary to unloosen both his hands, and, without being observed by his companions, he contrived to transfer several crackers from the bag to his pocket.
The second stage of the journey lasted nearly two hours, and then Tim decided the camp should be erected on the bank of a small stream.
They were now, according to Fred's belief, not more than twenty miles from Blacktown, and a trifle less than that distance from Farley's.
As far away as the eye could reach was a town, but no one knew its name.
"We might have stayed nearer home if the camp is to be made so close to a settlement," Gus said fretfully.
"While we keep out of sight nobody'll know we're here, an' in case we want to leave suddenly on the cars, it won't be far to walk. I'd like to get hold of a boat, an' then we could run down the stream without much trouble."
"Why not buy one?"
"After a day or two we'll find out if there is any near. Just now we must get the camp built, an' then take things comfortable for awhile."
Fred watched Tim's every movement in order to learn where the money would be hidden; but failed to see any attempt at burying it. The protuberance just over his breast served to show the treasure was yet inhis possession, and Gus seemed well content it should remain there.
The prisoner was ordered to hew the materials for the camp while the others put them together, and during this work he contrived to eat the stolen crackers.
The shelter was a rude affair, hardly more than sufficient to protect them from the rays of the sun, and when completed all hands lay down to rest, Fred being bound hand and foot again to prevent any attempt at escape.
Not until night was the prisoner given food, and then Gus doled out two crackers, an amount which would have been little more than an aggravation if he had not previously ministered to his own wants.
During the hours of darkness no watch was kept; but Fred remained awake nearly all the time, straining his ears in the vain hope that he might hear something of Bill.
The second and third days were but repetitions of the first, and then it became necessary to visit the village in order to procure food.
"I'll walk up the stream 'till a place to cross is found," Tim said, "an' if I don't see a boat before then, will strike out for the town. Keep your eye on the sneak, an' don't give him a chance to get away."
"Help me fix the ropes around his legs a little tighter, an' I'll answer for it that he won't go far."
Tim complied with this request, and when Fred was trussed up like a chicken, he took from his pocket the stolen money.
"It won't do to carry all this, so you'd better take care of it a while. Ten dollars will be enough for me, even if I should happen to come across the boat."
Subtracting this amount from the total, he gave the remainder to Gus, who put it carelessly in his pocket as if accustomed to handling large sums of money.
Then he started along the bank of the stream, his companion accompanying him a short distance, and Fred realized that the time had come when he must make one desperate attempt to take his jailer prisoner.
"Gus has got nearly all the money," he said to himself, "and if I could manage to slip the ropes it would only be a question of a fight, in which I'm almost certain to get the upper hand."
He had been left seated with his back against the trunk of a tree, and the first move necessary was to release his arms.
To do this he struggled desperately, regardless of the pain; but the bonds remained firm until Gus returned, when, as a matter of course, he did not dare to make any further movement.
"Now Tim is so far away that he can't interfere, I'm going to pay you off for playin' the sneak," Gus said, as he took up his station directly in front of the prisoner. "If I had my way you shouldn't have a bite to eat from now out, an' by the time we get ready to leave you couldn't do much mischief."
"If you're afraid, why not kill me? That's the safest plan."
"I'd like to," was the savage reply, "an' would if I was sure of not bein' pulled up for murder. I cangive you a lively time for the next two or three hours, though."
Gus began to fulfill his promise by tickling Fred's nose with a twig, and the prisoner was by no means averse to the cruel sport, since it gave him a good excuse to struggle.
He writhed and twisted as if to move beyond reach of his tormentor; but all the while his sole aim was to release his hands, and Gus was so deeply engrossed with the efforts to cause pain that he failed to understand what his victim might succeed in doing.
The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
He did not take immediate advantage of his freedom. It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
For an instant his surprise was so great that he remained motionless; but before Fred could take any advantage of his inactivity Gus recovered from the shock to exert all his strength, and began to free himself.
Under ordinary circumstances Fred would have been no match for his captor; but now the knowledge of what was to be gained lent him great energy, and he clung to him with desperation.
"Let go, or I'll stab you with this knife," Gus shouted; but Fred was too careful of his wind to make any reply.
Over and over they rolled, one trying to use his weapon, while the other did his best to prevent it, and but for an accident the battle might have been continued until the smaller boy was exhausted.
It was not possible to control the direction of their bodies, and suddenly both were precipitated into the stream.
Fred was a good swimmer, while his adversary knew but little of the art, and he succeeded in holding Gus' head under water until he was nearly strangled.
The tables were now turned.
It only remained for Fred to drag the half-unconscious boy to the shore, and there transfer the rope from one pair of legs to the other.
When Gus again had a clear idea of matters he was securely tied, and Fred had put into his own pocket the package of money which Sam was accused of stealing.
To pack in small compass the remaining store of provisions, cut a stout stick, and place the hatchet ina belt improvised from a piece of the rope, occupied but a few moments, and then Fred said, sternly:
"I'm going to slacken up on your legs a bit, so's you can walk, and now it's your turn to step out lively."
"When Tim comes back you shall pay for this."
"I intend to be a long distance from here before that time arrives."
"He can catch you."
"To do it he'll have to be smarter than I think he is."
"Wait an' see."
"That's just what I don't propose doin'. I understand your purpose now; you're trying to keep me here as long as possible. Get up."
"I won't an' you can't make me."
Fred struck the prisoner several severe blows; but he did not so much as cry out.
"I'll beat you black and blue, if you don't stand up and walk."
"Pound away, I can bear a good deal of that rather than go to jail."
Again Fred used the stick; but in vain. Gus shut his teeth firmly, and took the punishment with a stoicism worthy a better cause.
It was important that no time should be lost. Tim might find a boat and return to the camp before going to the town.
Fred stood still in perplexity for an instant, and then throwing aside the stick raised Gus in his arms.
It was a heavy burden; but he staggered on with all possible speed.
As soon as Gus began to understand that he mightbe carried away despite his refusal to walk, he set up a series of the most terrific yells, and Fred was forced to come to a halt.
"I'll soon put an end to that kind of fun," he said, angrily, while whittling a piece of soft wood. "With this in your mouth there won't be much screaming."
Now Gus began to fancy he might be finally beaten, and then tried new tactics.
"See here, all you want is the money, an' now you've got it I'll agree that neither Tim nor me'll chase or try in any way to catch you, if I'm left here. There's no need even to take off the ropes; but let me stay where he'll see me."
Fred shook his head.
"I need you quite as much as I do the money, and I am bound to take you along."
"What good will it do to have me put in jail?"
"It'll be the means of freeing a better fellow than you ever dared to be."
"I'll kill you some day."
"Possibly, but that don't let you out of this scrape."
By this time Fred had the gag ready, and a stout pressure on the prisoner's cheeks caused him to open his mouth.
The wood was thrust between Gus' teeth, and Fred tied his handkerchief over it to prevent it from slipping.
"Now when you're willing to walk I'll take that out," he said. "Once in every few minutes, when we have to stop to rest I'll look at your eyes. If you wink, it means you're ready to do as I say."
Gus glared at him savagely; but was careful to keep his eyes wide open.
Again Fred shouldered his burden, realizing, meanwhile that he could never reach Farley's if his prisoner remained obstinate.
When an hundred yards had been traversed he was forced to rest.
Gus' eyes stared at him.
A second and a third time was this repeated. At each interval the distance was shorter, and Fred knew he could not travel much farther.
"If he don't give in pretty soon I shall," he muttered to himself as he threw his burden to the ground for the third time.
To his great relief Gus winked violently when Fred pulled the handkerchief down to gain a view of his eyes and the gag was removed without loss of time.
"Will you agree to walk now?" he asked.
"Yes, yes; it wouldn't take a feller long to stifle with that thing in his mouth."
"I don't care what happens so long as I get you to Farley's."
Once more Gus tried to beg off; but Fred would not listen.
"Walk fast," he said, "and if you don't do your best, in goes the gag again."
There was no necessity of emphasizing the demand. The prisoner moved with alacrity; but his captor was by no means certain as to which was the proper course.
Tim had made so many turns in his flight that Fred's ideas regarding the points of the compass were very hazy.
Both the boys were suffering from lack of water, and no halt was made until two or three hours past noon, when they were at the edge of a swamp.
Quenching their thirst with the ill-tasting liquid, they lay down on the ground to rest, and did not continue their journey for some time.
"Why not stay here all night?" Gus asked.
"Because we haven't traveled far enough yet."
"But I can't hold out much longer, no matter how hard I try."
"You'll have to go as far as I do."
"Wait till mornin', an' then I'll walk twice as fast to make up for the time spent now."
"We must get in another hour's tramp before sunset," Fred replied, determinedly, and although Gus pleaded very hard the decision was not changed.
But little was accomplished during the last portion of the traveling. Both were thoroughly tired, and when the shadows of night shrouded the recesses of the forest in gloom the welcome word was given.
"Here's a little stream, and we'd better stop here, there's a chance for a drink."
"It's about time," Gus added, sulkily as he threw himself on the ground.
Fred divided half of the food into two portions; but did not dare to loosen the prisoner's arms sufficiently to admit of his eating unaided.
"I'll feed you first, and then take my share," he said, and Gus devoured the food ravenously, after which he quenched his thirst, when Fred bound him securely to a tree.
The prisoner slept soundly; but to his captor thenight was the longest he had ever known. He did not dare give himself wholly up to slumber lest Tim should be on their track, and attempt to effect a rescue, while the fear that the money might be lost, this time beyond recovery, rendered him very nervous.
"It's going to be tough lines before we get to Farley's," he said to himself; "but I ought to hold out if for no other reason than to clear Sam beyond a doubt."
When the morning finally came Fred fed Gus again; both took large drinks of water, and their journey was resumed.
Now Gus neither begged nor made comments. He marched just ahead of his captor in a sullen manner, as if having decided upon a certain course of action, and Fred remained continually on the alert, fearing lest he meditated an attack.
At noon the two halted, and while eating the last of the provisions, knowing that after this they must go hungry until arriving at a settlement, Fred fancied he heard a noise as of someone approaching.
His first thought was that Tim had succeeded in following their trail, and he hurriedly made ready a gag to prevent an alarm from being given.
Gus heard the same noise, and before Fred could prevent him he began to shout loudly for help.
It was several seconds before the outcries could be checked, and then the mischief had been done.
The noise of a heavy body forcing its way through the underbrush sounded more clearly, and Fred sprang to his feet, hatchet in hand, ready to defend himself to the utmost.
Gus looked triumphant, and again shouted loudly; but the expression of his eye was changed to despair as the stranger burst through the foliage.
"Why Joe! Joe!" Fred cried, as he leaped forward and caught Brace by the hands. "How did you happen to get here just when you were most needed?"
"I reckon I'd gone right past without knowin' you was anywhere near, if it hadn't been for your wild yells."
"It was Gus who did that," Fred replied, glancing with a smile toward the discomfited prisoner. "He thought as I did, that it was Tim."
"Do you mean his partner?"
"Yes."
"Have you got the best of both?"
In the fewest words possible Fred explained how the capture had been made, and Joe actually leaped for joy when the stolen money was displayed.
"You've done a big thing, my boy," Brace said, approvingly, when Fred's story was concluded, "an' it won't be long before we can bring Sam back to Farley's with not so much as a suspicion against him. Besides that, we own the land that'll make all hands rich."
"How did you do it?"
Joe gave him all the details, and concluding with the interview between himself and Mr. Wright, said:
"I didn't leave that night as I decided on; but went back to see poor Bill, an' your mother insisted I stay till mornin'. The sun wasn't up when I started out, an' a mighty blind hunt it proved to be till the first camp was struck. That kinder livened me a bit; but I couldn't get onto the trail, an' from then till Gus yelled I hadn't any idea which way to go."
"How far do you suppose we are from Farley's?"
"I reckon it'll take smart walkin' for the rest of this day, an' the best part of to-morrow before we see the works."
"And the provisions I took from Tim and Gus are all gone."
"I've got enough for supper, if we don't eat too hearty, and the balance of the time we can suck our thumbs."
"Then we'd better make another start. It must be three o'clock."
"Do you know the straight cut?"
"I'm not even certain we're heading right."
"By keeping on the high land we are bound to come out somewhere near Farley's or Blacktown."
When the journey was continued Gus took good care to give his captors no trouble, for he understood that Joe would show but little mercy, if there was any attempt to cause delay.
At a reasonably rapid pace the three marched until darkness forced a halt, and then the small amount of provisions Brace had brought was consumed without satisfying the hunger of either member of the party.
Gus was tied between his captors, where he could stretch himself at full length, and the night passedquietly. There was no longer any fear Tim could effect a rescue, even though he might be near at hand, and Fred enjoyed a most refreshing rest.
What all hoped would prove to be the last day's journey was begun without breakfast, and the advance was by no means rapid.
At ten o'clock Fred declared he could go no farther without a rest, and the party sought shelter from the sun under a wide spreading tree, where a view could be had of a depression in the land for some distance ahead.
Joe and Fred were facing this open stretch, and had but just begun to discuss the subject which was ever uppermost in their minds—the coal vein—when a figure carrying a heavy burden emerged from the thicket on the lower side, evidently bent on ascending the mountain.
"Now, what can that fellow be doing?" Joe asked, as he arose to his feet. "It's a boy, an' we'd be in big luck if it should turn out to be that precious Tim."
"But it isn't; he wears a cap, and this one has a hat. It looks something like——Why it is! It's Skip!"
"Skip?" Joe repeated in amazement. "What's he doin' out here, an' with such a load?"
"In order to answer that question I shall have to ask him," and Fred shouted the boy's name.
Skip started as if alarmed at being summoned, and then, waving his hat in triumph, he came toward the party at his best pace.
"I knew I'd find you if I hunted long enough," he exclaimed as he came within speaking distance, andadded when he finally reached the tree and threw down the burden. "It's mighty heavy, an' I thought one spell yesterday I'd have to give up the job. Reckon you're glad to get it, eh?"
"What have you there?"
"Grub, of course. When Joe didn't turn up, an' there was no sign of Fred, I figured that you'd both want somethin' to eat, so took out my wages in what was handiest to eat. Mrs. Byram said I'd never find you, but it wouldn't do any harm to try, so here we are."
"Did you spend your money to buy us food?" Fred asked.
"Why not? It'll take a good deal more'n that to straighten things between us, an' I'd like to get the 'count squared some time."
"You've done it already, Skip. It was you who first put us on the track of the thieves, and now you've helped the cause along wonderfully, for it has been a good while since I had all I could eat."
"Well, fill yourself up right now. There's no need to hurry, for you can't get to Farley's to-night, an'——Hello, Gus! Got through with your trip so soon?"
"You'll wish I hadn't before this thing is ended," was the surly reply, and then the prisoner turned his back on the ex-chief of the regulators.
Quite naturally Skip was eager to hear the result of the chase, and while Joe and Fred were eating they gave him the full particulars.
"Do you know the way home?" Brace asked when the story was told.
"Of course. I've been out here half a dozen times. Was you calculatin' to keep straight ahead?"
"Yes."
"Then you'd gone six miles the other side of Farley's."
"If that is the case, it's lucky you found us. Let's make another start; now I've filled up it seems possible to travel without stopping again until we are at mother's door."
With a guide and provisions in plenty, the long tramp yet to be endured seemed but a trifling affair, and the party, with the single exception of Gus, were in the best of spirits.
The night was spent near a small water course in the valley, and at three o'clock all hands entered the company's store at Farley's.
Both Mr. Wright and the cashier were in the building, and they listened in undisguised astonishment as Joe told the story of the capture.
"Here is the money, except what they have spent," Fred said when Joe concluded the recital, and he handed the package to the superintendent.
An examination showed that but fifty-three dollars were missing, and then Mr. Wright turned to Gus, who was wearing a look of mingled indignation and innocence.
"How did you get this money from Thorpe?"
"Who is he, sir?"
"The boy who was bringing it from the bank."
"I never saw him."
"Then how did you get these notes?"
"I never had 'em sir."
"Why, I took them out of his pocket," Fred cried, in surprise.
"Explain yourself," Mr. Wright said to the prisoner.
"Me an' Tim Sanger was goin' to camp out on the mountains while work was slack," Gus began with an air of truthfulness. "We had a shanty built, an' Tim went off fishin' when this feller," here he pointed to the astonished Fred, "jumped in on me. I'd seen him in Blacktown, so didn't think anything was out of the way till he knocked me down."
"Why did he strike you?"
"That's jest what I don't know. He tied me all up like this, an' I had to do as he said till we met Joe Brace. Then I heard one of 'em say to the other: 'This will get Sam out of the scrape, for we can say Gus Dobson had the money what was stole, in his pocket.' That's all I know about it, an' I never saw them bills till this very minute."
"It was a good scheme for Sam to give up the money in this way when he found the case was so dead against him," the cashier said in a low tone, as if speaking to himself; but he took care that Mr. Wright should hear distinctly.
"What do you mean?" Joe cried fiercely.
"Nothing, nothing, I must have been thinking aloud."
"You intended we should hear every word," the miner added, excitedly.
"Be quiet, Brace, while we get the facts of this strange story," Mr. Wright said, sharply.
"You have got the facts already sir. I told you before I left town that this fellow was one of the thieves."
"That doesn't prove anything," the cashier replied, with a malicious smile.
"I'll prove more than that to you, if you dare show your nose out doors."
"Either leave the office, Brace, or hold your tongue," and now the superintendent spoke in an angry tone.
"Fred, what have you got to say in answer to this boy's story?"
"Not a word, sir. What Joe has told you is true, and if it ain't believed you can serve the warrant which was issued for me, as soon as you please."
"He can't say anything," Gus added, triumphantly. "If Tim was here he could tell you jest why we left Blacktown; but, of course, he don't know about the job this feller is try in' to put up on me."
"Where is Tim?"
"I dunno. He'll likely come home when he can't find me."
"Are you willing to stay here until he returns?"
"Sure; there ain't any reason why I'd want to run off, if you tell my folks where I am."
Joe could contain himself no longer.
"Do you mean to put his word agin ours?" he cried fiercely.
"Why not?" the cashier asked, softly. "It looks to me very much as if his having been brought here was an outrage."
"If you speak to me agin I'll spoil the whole of your face, you cur! After arestin' a boy for meetin' with an accident in doin' what you oughter done, an' gettin' out warrants for others what couldn't have had a hand in the matter, it's easy to see why you want tobelieve this little villain's story. When the truth is known you understand blessed well that the town will be too hot to hold you."
"That will do," Mr. Wright cried, sternly. "I shall have no such language used here. Leave this moment, Brace, and when you are more calm we'll discuss the matter."
Joe looked in silence first at the cashier, and then at the superintendent, after which he said to Fred and Skip:
"Come, lads, this is no place for us. We've saved the company's money, an' now are likely to be treated as we were for standin' by 'em at the time of the riot."
With this reminder he walked out of the building followed by both the boys.