"Run as you never did before, Teddy, for if they get hold of us it'll be a bad job all around!"Once Teddy caught a glimpse of the unfortunate man; his glossy hat was gone, his clothing torn, and his face covered with blood."I can see him now!" he cried, "and it looks as if they had about used him up, for——"Before he could finish the sentence a stranger rushed toward him, and showing the familiar black satchel in his hand, said hurriedly:"Get out of here with that. Hazelton will see you some time this evening. Don't stop a minute!"Before the boy could reply the stranger was forcing his way through the struggling, yelling crowd, in order to aid his partner, and Teddy said in dismay:"Now we are in a muss. Here is all his money, an' if anybody sees us with it we'll have a tough time.""You can't throw it away, an' we must sneak off," Dan said, and the expression on his face told how distressed he was that such a responsibility had been thrust upon them."Shall we go back to the stand?""No, that would never do, for then they would be sure to vent their anger on you. Go up to the museum; Mr. Sweet knows Hazelton, an' may be willin' to help him by keeping the satchel till the row is over."These words had been spoken as the boys were trying to make their way through the fringe of spectators which had hemmed them in since the fight began, and after some difficulty they succeeded; but at the same moment one of the combatants, who had received more than his share of punishment, emerged close by their side.He saw Hazelton's satchel, and recognized it."Come here, fellows! two little villains are making off with the money! That's what we want!"He at once started in pursuit, as did several others, and Dan cried, as he helped carry the burden:"Run as you never did before, Teddy, for if they get hold of us it'll be a bad job all around!"CHAPTER XVII.A TERRIBLE NIGHT.At just about the same moment when Teddy and Dan were running with Hazelton's money at full speed toward the museum tent, with the chance of escape very much against them, Sam was in a decidedly painful frame of mind.After he had been securely tied the two men conversed in low tones for several minutes, and then, as if having arrived at some definite conclusion, began to make preparations for leaving the place.At the same spot where Sam had been interrupted while scraping away the dirt they proceeded to dig with a shovel which Phil procured from somewhere outside the building, and during this labor the prisoner could hear fragments of the conversation.Once Long Jim ceased his work long enough to say:"When you come to look at the matter quietly it doesn't seem as if we'd got into sich a very bad scrape. You can manage to bring the rest of thestuff down the creek between now an' Friday mornin' and I've got a plan for givin' anybody who may come after us a good clue to the boy's disappearance."Phil made some remark which Sam could not hear, and his companion replied in a louder tone:"It can all be done so's to make folks think we've gone up the creek, an' we've got to lay low for a while, which won't be a hard job while the weather is warm.""But I don't like the idea of totin' that cub with us so long.""I'll take care of him, an' will make him earn his board, or somethin's bound to break."From this time until several packages were unearthed Sam could hear nothing; but what had already been said was sufficient to convince him that he was to have a very unpleasant experience, and for at least the hundredth time he fervently wished he had never so much as heard of detective work.After the goods had been brought to light the earth was replaced in the excavation and pounded down carefully. Then fully half an hour was spent digging in different places, probably for the purpose of misleading any one who might come there in search of plunder, for Phil said in a tone of satisfaction as he ceased the apparently aimless labor:"It'll take at least a day before all of these suspiciouslooking spots have been investigated, an' in the meanwhile, unless we're chumps, we shall know what's goin' on. I'll take one load to the boat; make sure the coast is clear, an' then the three of us can carry the balance. Have the boy ready for a quick move, an' see to it that he can't give an alarm.""I'll knock his head off if he so much as thinks of such a thing," and as Phil disappeared with a portion of the plunder Long Jim began to unfasten Sam's bonds, saying as he did so:"We've made up our minds to hold you with us a few days 'cause you're sich jolly company. If you obey orders an' keep your mouth shut there's a chance of gettin' outer this scrape mighty easy; but I'd slit your throat in a jiffy if you tried to give us the slip or made any noise."Sam made no reply; but his captor could see very plainly that the boy was nearly paralyzed with fright, and it was safe to infer he would follow the instructions given to the letter.Phil returned in a very short time and reported:"The coast is clear. There's not a craft to be seen on the creek, an' we can leave without danger."The rope had been removed from Sam's limbs, and Long Jim proceeded to load him down with bundles until he staggered under the weight."Now, see that you walk a chalk line," the burglar said, fiercely. "Foller Phil, an' I'll keep behindto make sure there are no tricks played. Remember what I promised!"The men could carry the remainder of the goods in one load, and the three went out of the barn hurriedly, Sam not daring to so much as lift his eyes from the ground lest Long Jim's threat should be carried into execution.Arriving at the water's edge the boat was loaded, the prisoner ordered to take his place at the oars, and then the final preparations were made.Phil uncovered the boat in which Sam had come, launched and overturned her. Then taking the hat from the unresisting boy's head, threw it far out in the channel, afterward giving the little craft a shove which sent her a long distance from the shore. Next the two oars were sent after the hat, and Phil said with a laugh:"The current ain't very strong; but with the aid of the wind I reckon that stuff will drift up to the fair grounds before dark."Sam's despair was already so great that it did not seem as if it could be increased; but the last vestige of hope fled when he realized that these things had been done in order to make it appear as if he were dead."Teddy and Dan won't think of huntin' for me after the boat is found," he thought, "an' these men are sure to kill me before this scrape is over!"The two burglars seated themselves comfortablyin the stern-sheets, the packages being placed at the bow to trim the craft properly, and Long Jim said, sternly:"You've been showin' off your skill as an oarsman for two or three days, an' we want you to do it now. Put in your best licks, for it'll be tough if we don't get through the water mighty fast."Even Sam's worst enemy would have pitied him at this moment. No galley slave chained to his seat could have been more utterly helpless, and he exerted himself to the utmost in order to please those who professed to be so willing to punish or kill.Every stroke of the oars took them farther away from the fair grounds, and each puff of wind carried the evidences of the prisoner's death nearer the only ones who might take the trouble to search for him.Not until fully an hour had passed did the burglars give any sign of a desire to end the journey, and then Long Jim said:"We must be six miles from the fair grounds by this time, an' that is as far as you'll want to pull to-night, Phil. There should be plenty of good hidin'-places in this bit of woods, an' I think we'd better haul up.""All right. Steer her into that ditch over there, an' we'll look around."Thus far in his experience as a detective this wasthe only thing Sam had had for which to be thankful. His arms were so tired that it seemed as if he could not have pulled another stroke, and his clothes were literally wet from the perspiration that came from his body.Phil went ashore, leaving his companion to watch the almost exhausted prisoner, and in a few moments the former shouted:"Load that cub up, an' bring him over here. This is a capital place to locate in for a couple of days."Staggering under the heavy burden Long Jim placed on his shoulders the amateur detective was forced on through the underbrush in advance of his captor until the two arrived at a perfect tangle of cedars.Phil returned to the boat for the remainder of the goods, and all the plunder was placed inside the thicket where the foliage was so dense that one might have passed within a few feet of the spot and not had any suspicion men were hidden there.A tiny brook ran past one side of the hiding-place, and Sam took advantage of the opportunity to check his raging thirst while the men were laying plans for the future."I'll go back soon after sunset," Phil said, as he lighted his pipe and proceeded to make himself comfortable. "We can leave the boy here to look out for the stuff, an' you'd better come with me upto the barn so's to learn if any one visits the place. I shall be back before morning, an' you can let me know if the coast is clear.""Shall you try to finish the job we were talkin' about?""No; things are so hot jest now that it won't pay to take any more risks than are absolutely necessary. What we want is to get out of this portion of the country as soon as possible.""All right. I'll leave you to manage the rest of the business, an' promise to follow orders.""I think it's about time you said that, Jim. If my plans had been carried out in the first place we wouldn't be in sich a muss; but could be havin' the cream of the pickin's at the fair.""Well, what's the use of harpin' on that all the time? The thing has been done, an' we've got to make the best of it. Do you think it'll be safe to leave this cub here alone while we're away?""It will be when I get through with him," was the grim reply, and Sam, terrified by the vagueness of this remark, more even than he had been by the plain language previously used, cried, piteously:"Please don't leave me here alone to-night! I'll pull the boat, an' do everything you say, without so much as yippin'.""Them as starts out in the detective business have to take what comes, 'specially when their own foolishness brings it about. You joined ourparty of your own accord, my son, an' must put up with what we choose to give."Sam said nothing more. He was reaping what he had sowed, and decided that matters could not be much worse even if he was caught trying to escape, therefore he resolved to take desperate chances in an effort to give his captors the slip.There was no opportunity to make the attempt, on this night at least, for when Phil had finished smoking he proceeded in a very methodical manner to secure the prisoner.Sam was ordered to seat himself on the ground, with his back to the trunk of a cedar-tree, and he was fastened skillfully, with his elbows tied back in such a manner that he could not bring his hands together. Both feet were bound, and then, with a sudden movement, Phil forced the boy's mouth open, shoving into it a short piece of pine wood about an inch and a half in diameter.This was secured in such a manner that the prisoner could not free himself from the uncomfortable bridle, neither would it be possible for him to make the slightest outcry."Now, don't shout for help while we are gone, an' unless the bears eat you up we shall meet again about daybreak," Phil said, with a coarse laugh as he and Jim went out of the thicket toward the creek.Poor Sam had never thought of the possibilitythat there might be bears in this section of the country until the burglar suggested it, and he was so terrified as not to realize it was impossible there could be any dangerous animals in such a thickly-settled portion of the State.Therefore, in addition to the danger to be apprehended from his captors, he had constantly before his mind this new cause for fear. The rustling of the leaves, the flight of a bird as it sought a perch for the night, or the soughing of the wind among the branches were to him so many proofs that a violent death would be his before morning.If the beginning of the hours of darkness was so terrible it can well be fancied how he suffered before another day dawned.CHAPTER XVIII.A NARROW ESCAPE.Neither Teddy nor Dan had any hope of reaching the museum tent before their pursuers could overtake them, and although both knew what might be the result if they were taken with the jewelry fakir's money and goods in their possession, they did not for a moment think of abandoning the property.The cries of those in the rear attracted the attention of the spectators elsewhere on the grounds, and without waiting to learn the cause of the trouble hundreds of men and boys joined in the chase, all shouting at the full strength of their lungs:"Stop thief! Stop thief!"The distance to be traversed was nearly a quarter of a mile; but the many turns the boys were forced to make in order to avoid those who were ready to capture them doubled this, and they were yet very far from the goal when a burly, red-faced man jumped in front of them.It seemed as if capture was inevitable; but Teddy resorted to the last means of defense, and was successful.Letting go his hold of the satchel he lowered his head, leaped forward with full force, striking the officious stranger full in the stomach.The man, not anticipating such an attack at a moment when he almost had his hands upon the supposed thieves, was bowled over like a nine-pin, and, jumping quickly aside, Teddy caught hold of the satchel once more.By this time both the boys were so nearly winded that speech was well nigh impossible; but Dan managed to gasp admiringly:"You're a dandy, old fellow," and then, with one supreme effort, increased his pace a trifle.It was fortunate that there were no spectators in front of Mr. Sweet's tent when the boys came in sight of it. The barker was lounging in a chair outside, and on catching a glimpse of the boys recognized them immediately.The crowd in pursuit would have told a duller man than he professed to be that there had been some serious trouble, and, running to meet the boys as if to intercept them, he cried:"Circle around the canvas, an' crawl underneath, so's that gang won't see where you've gone!"The fugitives understood the scheme at once, and making a short detour as if to avoid him, dashedunder the guy-ropes at one end, gaining the interior of the tent before the pursuers arrived.Mr. Sweet had just started toward the flap to ascertain the cause of the commotion when the boys entered, and, thinking himself about to be attacked, leaped quickly back as he seized an ironbound stake."Oh, it's you, eh?" he said, on recognizing the intruders. "What's up? Are you the thieves they're yellin' for?"Teddy was hardly able to speak; but he held up the satchel, as he panted:"Hazelton's—they're killin' him—he—wants—this—saved.""Yes, I understand it now. Jump into the wagon an' get under the stuff there. I'll take the valise. Them kind of fakirs are bound to come to grief sooner or later, an' honest people get into a muss tryin' to help 'em. I'd like to see the fair where them kinds of games wasn't allowed; but don't s'pose I ever shall, although it's always promised."While Mr. Sweet had been grumbling, and at the same time concealing the satchel under the box containing the snakes, the boys were doing their best to hide themselves beneath the litter of ropes and canvas which had been carelessly thrown into the wagon.In the meantime the pursuers came up, discoveredthe unpleasant fact that the fugitives were no longer in sight, and began to parley with the barker."I tried to catch 'em," the boys heard the latter say; "but they got around the tent before I had time to find out what the matter was.""They've gone inside!" one of the crowd shouted. "Don't let's allow swindlers to get the best of us so easy!""That's the way to talk!" another cried. "We'll have 'em out if the show has to come down!"At this moment Mr. Sweet, looking calm and undisturbed, emerged from the flap."Bring out them boys, or down comes your tent!" a man yelled."I reckon the wisest plan for you to pursue is to wait till I find out what all this means," the proprietor of the museum said loudly, at the same time beckoning the barker and the clown to his side. "It looks to me as if this was the same gang who came here last night tryin' to clean us out, an' warrants for their arrest are in the hands of the constables now. I paid one hundred dollars for the privilege of exhibitin' here, an' that means I'm to have all the protection the managers of this fair and the authorities of the town can give me. I've warned you off; but if you still want to finish up the work of last night, an' the constables don't come in time, there are three of us here who are good fortwice that number of your gang, an' when a man gets a tap over the head with one of these he's not in it any longer!"Mr. Sweet flourished the heavy stake as he spoke, and his employes showed that they were armed in the same manner."We didn't come to disturb you," one of the crowd said, in a milder tone, as the greater number fell back before the threats made of invoking the aid of the law. "All we want is a valise two boys brought here, for in it is quite a pile of our money.""How did they get it from you?" the proprietor of the museum asked for the purpose of gaining time in the hope the constables would put in an appearance."We were swindled by a jewelry agent, an' are goin' to get back our own.""Oh, you are, eh? Well, I haven't got the stuff; but if you allow yourselves to be swindled, will you help matters by turning thieves? You can sue the man who has done you up; but there's a penalty for stealing, as you will find out if you keep on in this way."The less impetuous among the pursuers understood that the showman was speaking only the truth, and, now that they had an opportunity for reflection, began to be ashamed of the part they were playing. One by one walked away without makingany further remonstrance, and in a short time only a dozen or so remained in front of the tent.All these were young men, and several had been drinking, therefore the danger was not yet past."You stand here and brain the first man who attempts to enter," Mr. Sweet said, as he disappeared inside the tent. Then hurrying to where Teddy and Dan were hidden, he whispered:"It may be possible that in order to avoid a row I shall be obliged to let this gang in. There is no one behind the canvas, and you can slip out readily. Go directly back where you belong, an' if anybody accuses you of being the boys who brought away the valise deny it. I'm goin' to make a big bluff about lookin' for constables, an' the minute you hear me talking, move lively.""What about Hazelton's money?" Teddy asked."He'll find it here when he dares to come for it."An instant later the fugitives heard him say from the outside:"I propose to call for help in case you very respectable young gentleman should take a notion to break in and steal.""All we ask is that you'll turn out them boys," one of the party replied, angrily, "for, whether it's stealing or not, we're bound to have that fakir's money.""That part of it is nothing to me. There are no boys inside, an' if you want to go in one at a time,so there'll be no chance of gettin' the best of me an' destroyin' my property, I don't think there'll be any objection made.""Now's our time before they come?" Dan whispered, as he slipped softly down from the wagon, and Teddy followed.It was but the work of a moment to raise the canvas and step out. There was absolutely no one in sight. The tent had been erected near the edge of the grounds, and there was nothing in the vicinity to attract the sightseers."We'll get over the fence, an' come in through the main gate. It's better to pay for admission than to let people suspect we were the ones who have been chased.""Go on; I'll stay close at your heels."Five minutes later they were walking along the dusty road looking as innocent as possible, and feeling comparatively safe."Do you suppose any one will know us?" Teddy asked after they had trudged some distance in silence."There can't be much danger of that. All the crowd saw were our backs, and, besides, after those fellows cool off they'll be ashamed of themselves. I don't reckon you'll have any trouble; but I may get it hot from the boss because I've been away so long.""I guess there won't be much danger of that;but if anything should happen come to my stand. After what has happened I reckon I can afford to whack up with you on some of the profits, especially since every one says to-morrow is to be such a big day. Where do you suppose Hazelton is?""He must have had a chance to get off when the men started for us; but I'll bet he don't look as nice as he did this morning."By this time the boys were at the ticket-office, and, paying the price of admission, they walked into the inclosure without attracting the slightest attention.On the way to his place of business Teddy chanced to think of the errand on which they had started out, and he bought a generous supply of sandwiches for Dan, Tim, and himself.When the two arrived at the cane-board business was at its height, and the clerk and his assistant were having quite as much as they could do to attend to the customers.This saved Teddy the necessity of entering into any explanation while strangers were near, and he immediately went to work, not having an idle moment until nearly nightfall, when the greater portion of the visitors had departed."Where did you and Dan go that you staid away so long?" Tim asked as he and Teddy began to pack up the stock of canes and knives."Oh, it's a long story; I'll tell you all about itwhile we are eating supper," Teddy replied, with a significant look in the direction of the assistant.Tim understood that there was some secret regarding the matter, and he at once proceeded to get rid of a possible eavesdropper by saying to the assistant:"Here's the money I promised. There's no need of your stayin' any longer.""Shall I come to work in the morning?"Tim looked toward his employer, and the latter said:"Yes, of course, if it is pleasant weather. Everybody says there'll be a bigger crowd than ever, an' I reckon we shall have work enough for all hands."The boy had but just taken his departure when Dan approached, looking very mournful."Have you been bounced?" Teddy cried, excitedly."Not a bit of it; but look here," and Dan held up a straw hat. "That's poor Sam's! His boat has been found bottom up, an' this, with one of the oars, was fished out of the creek a few moments ago. While we were talking rough about him the poor boy was drowning!"CHAPTER XIX.THE ARREST.Teddy was dazed by the tidings and apparent proof of Sam's death. Without being able to explain why, it seemed as if the amateur detective was not the sort of a boy who might be expected to depart this life suddenly, and the news saddened him wonderfully."Just think," he said, "the poor fellow wouldn't try to save the women because of the danger of approaching a drowning person, and in such a short time he himself is at the bottom of the creek.""If he has got any folks some word ought to be sent to them.""I never heard him say whether he had or not. Will any one search for the body?""The man who represents the Davis Company says he will have men out in the morning, if it is possible to hire any; if not, there will be plenty wanting a job by Saturday, and he can then get all he wants. It's bound to be a long search, for there's no telling where the boat capsized."Nothing save Sam's untimely fate was spoken of during the time they were packing up the goodsand carrying them to the tent, and then Mr. Sweet, after having been told the sad news, said, without commenting upon it:"You boys had better go to supper now, an' get back before dark, for there's no knowin' but that some of those fellows who called on me may be waiting to take their revenge out on you.""How did you get rid of them?" Dan asked."That part of it was as easy as rollin' off a log, after you boys were out of sight. I let 'em in one at a time, an' the chumps never tumbled to the fact that you had gone under the canvas. They came to the conclusion you must have climbed over the fence, an' we didn't take the trouble to show them the mistake. It was a close shave, though. At one time, when I was talkin' so loud about stealing, I thought we'd have the toughest kind of a row.""Is the money all right?""It's jest where I left it, an' won't be touched till he comes to claim it, unless you boys want to take charge of the property.""Indeed we don't," Teddy replied, quickly. "I've had all I want of such caretaking.""Then go to supper, an' hurry back."The boys waited only long enough to stow their goods in the wagon, and then Mr. Sweet's advice was acted upon.As a matter of course Tim wanted to know what the proprietor of the museum had been talkingabout, and as they were walking across the grounds Teddy told the whole story, concluding by saying:"It was a little the worst scrape I ever got into; but after the money had been placed in our hands, and the man who left it went off, we couldn't do different from what we did.""That Hazelton had no business to get you into such a row," Tim replied, indignantly. "Why didn't he hang on to the stuff, an' take his lickin' like a man?""I don't think he knew it was to be given to us. The fellow who did it had seen him leave the satchel with us once, most likely, an' when there was danger of being robbed, believed we could look out for it again. It's the last time such a thing will happen, for I'm going to tell Hazelton that I don't want to be mixed up in his business."At this point Dan changed the subject of conversation by speculating upon the way in which Sam met his death, and this topic was such a mournful one that nothing else was thought of until the party returned to the tent once more.Then came the question of how much money had been taken in during the day, and after figuring up the amount he had spent, Teddy reckoned the cash on hand, announcing the result as follows:"Countin' what I paid out, we've taken sixty-one dollars an' seventy cents since morning. It don'tseem reasonable, but a feller has to believe it after seein' the money.""You'll have a much better trade to-morrow, if it is fair, and you're not recognized as one of the boys who helped to get Hazelton's money away," Mr. Sweet said, cheerily. "I predict that the receipts will figure up hard on to a hundred dollars."Teddy gasped like a person who is suddenly submerged in cold water at the thought of earning so much, and he realized that if such should be the case he would be able to assist his mother very materially."I'll pay you, Tim, before I get so dazzled as to forget it," he said, with a laugh, and the clerk felt almost as rich as his employer when he received six dollars and seventeen cents for a day's labor which came very near being sport."I only wish the fair held on for six months," he said gleefully. "It seems too bad that there are only two days more, for Saturday never counts.""You can go to the Holtown fair, and try it for yourself. I'll give you what stock we have left on hand.""Then I'll do it," Tim replied, emphatically, and straightway he began to speculate as to the enormous amount of money he would earn.Teddy tied his money in as compact a package as possible, intending to give it to his mother when she should arrive on the morrow, and Mr. Sweethad advised that all hands "turn in" early, when the flap was raised, admitting a man who appeared to be covered with adhesive plaster and bandages.Not until the newcomer had approached within the circle of light cast by the lantern did the occupants of the tent recognize him as the jewelry fakir, and Teddy cried in surprise:"Why, Mr. Hazelton! We didn't expect to see you to-night!""Did you think I was dead?""It looked as if you would be killed for a certainty, and you did get pretty well done up.""Yes; as the reports of the prize fights put it, 'I'm badly disfigured, but still in the ring.' Was the money taken away all right?""Mr. Sweet has hidden it.""And how did you come out of the scrape?""If it hadn't been for the folks here we should have fared about the same as you did.""I'm sorry, my boy, that you were dragged into the matter, and it wouldn't have happened if I'd understood what Kelly was going to do. He knew you could be trusted, and so turned it over; but it was a mean situation to put you in.""It wasn't pleasant for any of us," Mr. Sweet said; "but you can thank the boys for hanging on to the bag as if it had been their own. Most fellows of their age would have dropped it long before reaching here. How did you get off?""When the cry was raised that the money had gone the greater portion of the crowd started in pursuit, an' my partners and I managed to hold our own until a couple of constables came up. They took charge of the team, and gave us a chance to slip through the gates.""What are you going to do now? Try it to-morrow?""With this face? Well, I should say not. There is a fellow here who has bought my right to the privilege, and I shall leave Peach Bottom early in the morning.""That's about the best thing you can do, and I'd advise that you don't spend much time out of doors until then.""I'm not intending to. It was necessary to come here, and, unless you object, I'll stay a while so's they will have time to sober up a bit.""You're welcome to what we've got, even if I don't like your way of doing business.""I want to straighten matters with the boys, and if they——"Hazelton did not finish the sentence, for at that moment the canvas flap was pushed aside and a man entered with an unmistakable air of authority."Hold on there, friend," Mr. Sweet shouted. "We don't allow visitors at this time of night.""I understand that, but reckon you won't make any very big kick when I tell you that I'm one ofthe deputy sheriffs of this county, and have come to serve a warrant.""On whom?""Frank Hazelton, who claims to be an agent for a firm of jewelry manufacturers. I believe you're the man," he added, approaching the disfigured fakir."You've got that part of it straight enough, but what am I to be arrested for?""You are suspected of being concerned in the burglary which was committed in this town last night."Hazelton did not express nearly as much surprise as the boys, who were really dazed by the announcement."So Hargreaves has finally succeeded," the fakir said half to himself, and the officer replied, quickly:"This has nothing to do with old Nathan's affair, although it does look as if the two burglaries were committed by the same person."Hazelton remained silent several seconds, during which time the sheriff waited patiently for him to say he was ready to go, and then he asked:"Can I speak to one of these boys in private. It has nothing to do with the charge, but I want him to aid me in getting a good lawyer.""I am sorry to say I must hear all that is talked about, however trifling it may be.""Well, I don't suppose it can make much difference," and without rising from his seat, Hazeltoncontinued, "Teddy, you believe I had nothing to do with this thing?""I can tell what I heard those——""Don't tell anything yet a while; at least, not now. I want you to do this for me: After the fair closes go to that merchant who was so kind to you, and explain to him the whole affair, including your suspicions. Ask him to direct you to the best attorney in the county; get all the money from Mr. Sweet that may be needed, and pay the lawyer's fee. Send him to me as soon afterward as possible. It is nothing more serious than lying in jail a few days, and that won't be such a great hardship, now I've got this face on me.""Shall I——""There is no need of saying anything more," Hazelton interrupted, fearing the boy was about to speak of the money the proprietor of the museum had hidden. "The merchant will understand and advise if you tell him everything—that is, I think he will; but in case he refuses, talk with some one else whom you can trust."As he finished speaking the fakir arose to his feet, motioned to the officer, and walked directly out of the tent without so much as bidding the others goodby.No one spoke until after he had been absent several minutes, and then Teddy asked, with a long-drawn sigh:"Do you think he will come out all right, Mr. Sweet?""That's hard to say, for I don't know how much proof they may have against him. It's his business that has done a great deal toward inducing a magistrate to issue the warrant, for once a man shows himself to be a swindler, anything else can readily be believed of him.""But what about his money?" Dan asked."That is to be handed over to Teddy.""What have I got to do with it?" the boy asked, in amazement."He told us that as plainly as he dared to talk before the officer, and we'll count it out, after which his stock in trade shall be buried, for I want nothing to do with it."CHAPTER XX.A PROPOSITION.Teddy had the most decided objections to taking charge of Hazelton's money, and for several reasons. In the first place he did not want to have the responsibility, and again, the fact of its being in his possession seemed to make him a partner in the business.Mr. Sweet was determined, however. He insisted that Hazelton had stated this as plainly as was possible under the circumstances, and, despite the boy's protests, immediately began the transfer."It shall be done in such a way that he can't accuse you of having taken any," the proprietor said, as he pulled the satchel from its hiding-place and broke the lock open with a hatchet. "We'll count it in the presence of all hands, and each one shall give Teddy a written statement of how much was found."An exclamation of surprise burst from Tim's lips as the receptacle was spread out on the ground, for it appeared to be literally crammed with money.Mr. Sweet separated the silver from the banknotes, spreading both on the ground where they could be seen by every person present, and then he counted them slowly, taking care that the spectators were following his every movement."I make it three hundred an' forty-eight dollars," he announced. "If there's anybody here who ain't sure that's right, say so now."Each member of the party had seen the amount counted, and agreed with the result as declared by Mr. Sweet, who forthwith wrote the following:We, the undersigned, have seen a valise belonging to Frank Hazelton broken open, and certify that three hundred and forty-eight dollars, the only money found therein, was handed by Jacob Sweet to Edward Hargreaves in conformance with the orders, as we understood them, from the said Frank Hazelton."Now I want every one to sign that," Mr. Sweet said, as he handed his lead-pencil first to the barker, "and then Teddy and I will have some proof of the amount."It required quite a while for all to conform with the wishes of the proprietor of the museum, owing to the fact that several of the party were far from being skillful penmen, but the task was finally accomplished, and as the money was handed to Teddy, the latter asked, ruefully:"What shall I do with it? I'm afraid of losing so much.""That's a risk Hazelton is bound to take. Fastenit in your clothes somehow, an' be sure you don't get into any row where it can be stolen."By the aid of many pins, and with the assistance of both Dan and Tim, Teddy finally succeeded in disposing of the money about his person in such a way that it was not an unusual burden, and then Mr. Sweet insisted that all hands should try to get some rest in order to be fresh for the supposedly enormous amount of work to be done on the following day.Teddy lay down on the ground with the others, but it was many hours before his eyes were closed in slumber. Sam's untimely death, the guardianship of so much money, and his own business affairs all served to keep his eyes open until nearly midnight, when he fell into a sleep so troubled by frightful dreams that it was far from being restful.It seemed as if he had but just lost consciousness when Mr. Sweet aroused him with the information that the "big" day of the fair was breaking."Turn out an' get your breakfast before sunrise, for on this morning the early bird will pick up many a penny while the lazy ones are yet in bed, an' fakirs must make hay when the sun shines."Teddy was on his feet in an instant, and half an hour later, having broken his fast, he was at the booth with his clerk and Dan, the latter volunteering his assistance until the exhibition buildings should be opened.The proprietor of the museum had advised him well; the receipts of the cane and knife boards were nearly five dollars before more than half of the booths were in condition for trade, because the trains were running unusually early in order to accommodate the crowds, and when Dan felt obliged to leave, business was so good that the proprietor, clerk, and assistant were all working industriously."If I can get off I'll see you about noon," Dan said, as he walked away, and Teddy replied:"Be sure to come, for mother will be here, and I want you to meet her."From that time until nine o'clock the crowd increased in numbers, and as Teddy said during a lull in business, "it seemed as if the grounds were so full that no more could get in."When Mrs. Hargreaves arrived her son could pay little attention to her, but he proposed that she should amuse herself by looking at the different exhibits until nearly noon, when he stated that he would take an hour off, no matter how great a rush of customers might be around his booth."I earned sixty dollars yesterday, an' before night I'll have a hundred more, so there's little doubt that this week's work as a fakir will enable me to pay all you owe on the house," he whispered, triumphantly, and his mother walked away, hardly daring to believe what Teddy had told her.During the next hour it seemed as if a steadystream of money was flowing into the box, and Teddy was feeling confident that Mr. Sweet's prediction would prove to be correct, when the one especial man he wanted to see came up with a folded paper in his hand.It was the merchant from Waterville, and he said, as he handed the document to the boy:"Here is the receipted bill, and I am more than glad to see you doing so well.""Can I talk with you for five minutes?" Teddy asked, hardly noticing the paper as he put it in his pocket."As long as you want to. What is the matter? Running out of stock?""Oh, no, your clerk made such a good selection for me that I've got all I shall need. This is something more important."Then Teddy hurriedly told the merchant how and where he had first met Hazelton; explained fully what the latter's business was; of the accusations made by Uncle Nathan; what he and Dan had heard and seen, and concluded by repeating the request made by the fakir as he was led away to jail."Are you willing to do anything for him?" the boy asked, as his story was finished."I can't say it is a matter which appeals very strongly to my sympathies, because of the swindles he perpetrated, but if it is an unjust accusation something should be done to help him. The onelawyer above all others who can be of assistance came over with me this morning. I will see him, and later in the day you shall have a call from us.""Before you go I wish you would take this money," Teddy said, earnestly. "It is too large an amount for me to carry around, and it will be safe with you."The merchant consented to take charge of Hazelton's ill-gotten gains, and Teddy felt decidedly relieved when the cash was in another's keeping, and he had nothing of more value than an acknowledgment of the same to look after."In this matter I shall recognize no other order than yours," the merchant said when the transaction was concluded, "and if the fakir should succeed in regaining his liberty he must come to you for the necessary document."I don't care how it is fixed so long as the money is not in my hands," Teddy replied, in a tone of satisfaction, and then he was called upon to attend to another rush of customers, every one of whom was eager to be waited upon first.Another hour passed, and it was more evident than before that Mr. Sweet had been correct when he stated the sum which should be taken in at the cane-board.Teddy, having breakfasted early, was so hungry that he was on the point of going out to buy a supply of sandwiches, when another visitor arrived.This was no less a personage than Uncle Nathan, and he greeted his nephew with the utmost cordiality, as he said:"It looks to me as if you were makin' a power of money here, Teddy. I had no idea these triflin' games would so attract the people."Glad to be on pleasant terms with the old man once more, Teddy stated that they had been at work very hard since the first train arrived, and concluded by saying:"I took over sixty dollars yesterday, and Mr. Sweet says it'll come near to a hundred to-day.""Sixty dollars!" the old man cried. "Are you telling me the truth, Teddy Hargreaves?""Of course I am, an' I've got the money in my pocket to prove it.""Why, at this rate you'll soon be a rich man, for you don't seem to lose much of the stock.""We buy a good many canes or knives back. When a man puts a ring over one that he don't want we take it in, and give him five more chances. In that way there is very little goes out compared to the amount of money received."Uncle Nathan looked around at the players for a moment, and then in a very confidential tone he whispered:"See here, Teddy, don't you want a partner? I'll pay for the stock you bought, an'——""I've already done that out of yesterday's receipts," Teddy cried. "All the bills are settled, an' what comes in now is clear profit.""But suppose I stood here an' called up the people I know, don't you think it would make business better?""And if it should, do you think we could attend to more customers? Every minute I talk with you is so much money lost, for the other fellers can't pick up rings an' make change fast enough.""Does that mean you don't want to go into business with me?" the old man asked, angrily."No; but it means that there would be no reason for doing such a thing. I've got no debts, an' there are more customers than can be attended to on so small a board. If you'd made the proposition last Monday it would have been different, but now you can't expect me, after taking all the risk, to divide after the work has been done.""Who lent you the money to start, Teddy Hargreaves?" Uncle Nathan cried, his face growing purple with rage."You did.""And how have you repaid such generosity? How——""I gave you three dollars for the use of fifteen two days," was the prompt reply."But how have you repaid me for remaining inactive after my money was stolen?""That was something which did not concern me, therefore I had nothing to repay.""It has a great deal to do with you, as shall be shown before this day is ended, unless you consent to take me as an equal partner in this enterprise. Your friend in crime has been arrested, and I can swear that he turned over to you his ill-gotten gains. One word from me at this time and you will be in the same prison."The fact of his having been threatened before made Teddy bold, and he said, quietly:"I won't pay you for holding your tongue, Uncle Nathan, so do whatever you choose.""I will inform the authorities of all I have learned this morning, and we shall see what the result will be," the old man cried, in a fury, as he walked away, and despite the bold bearing he had assumed Teddy firmly believed that if the magistrate who issued the warrant for Hazelton's arrest should know he was in possession of the fakir's money, he would be brought before a bar of justice to explain matters.CHAPTER XXI.WITH THE BURGLARS.It is well to look in upon Sam during his enforced vigil of Wednesday night.For at least two hours after the burglars had departed he thought of nothing save that he would soon be killed, and, perhaps, devoured by wild animals. Then the pain in his jaw and limbs became so great, owing to the tightly bound cords and his inability to move, that his sufferings overcame the fear to a certain extent, and he had not even the poor consolation of being able to give vent to an audible groan.Notwithstanding the mental and bodily torture he did sleep occasionally during the night, which appeared to be of twenty-four hours' duration, and never had he heard a sweeter sound than when his captors approached, the hum of their voices reaching him before the noise of their footsteps.The burglars were laden with packages of what appeared to be merchandise, and by the faint lightof the coming day Sam could see that they looked heated and tired."Well, how's our detective?" Long Jim asked, with a laugh, as he threw himself on the ground by the boy's side. "Has he decided to arrest his victims, or will he give them a little show of leaving the country?"As a matter of course Sam could not make any reply; but the expression in his eyes must have told of the suffering which he was forced to endure, for Phil said, as he began to untie the rope holding the gag in place:"There's no need of keepin' him trussed up any longer, an' I reckon it'll be a relief to have a chance to use his tongue once more."Even when he was free the prisoner was unable to do more than roll upon his side. His limbs were so stiff and cramped that he had no power over them, and he could not have risen to his feet just at that moment if his life had depended upon it.Jim seemed to think all this was very comical, for he laughed loudly at the prisoner's helplessness, and suggested that if he intended to follow the business of a detective to practice remaining in one position in order to avoid such a complete collapse when fortune should again be so unkind to him as she had been in this particular case.When the burglar's mirth finally ceased the two men lighted their pipes, and proceeded to enjoy aseason of repose after so much fatiguing work, while Sam was left to recover as best he might.Fully half an hour elapsed before he succeeded in crawling to the brook where he quenched his thirst, and then his one desire was for sleep.Stretched out on the ground within a few feet of his captors the blissful unconsciousness of slumber came upon him, and the sun was high in the heavens before he awoke.Long Jim was seated on the turf, his back against a tree, and a quantity of food spread out in front of him; but Phil was not in sight."Well, it strikes me you've been takin' things mighty comfortable," the man said, with a grunt. "Don't give yourself so far over to a life of pleasure as to forget that I promised to give you the greatest floggin' of your life before we part, for then you won't be so much surprised when it comes."The sight of the food caused Sam to realize how very hungry he was, and, regardless of the subject introduced by Jim, he asked, timidly:"Can't I have somethin' to eat?""I don't think you can, my son. In the first place you haven't earned it, an' then, again, my partner an' I may need all the grub we've got on hand."Then, as if reconsidering his determination, the man selected two small crackers, tossing them to Sam as he cut a slice of boiled ham for himself."That's more'n you deserve," he said, as the prisoner began to devour them eagerly; "so don't count on gettin' another bite to-day."Sam literally devoured the food, and then went once more to the brook to wash down the dry repast.It seemed as if the crackers increased rather than satisfied his hunger, and he watched Jim eagerly as the latter finished a generous meal of meat, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs.The burglar lighted his pipe, and paid no attention to the hungry boy, who now had ample time for reflection.He remembered that this was the important day of the fair, and pictured to himself Teddy and Dan at their work enjoying themselves at the same time they were making money. Then he thought of what he might be doing if the detective fever had not taken so firm a hold upon him, and, despite all efforts to prevent it, the tears coursed down his cheeks, plowing wide furrows in the dirt with which his face was encrusted.This painful revery was not prolonged. Shortly before noon Phil came into the hiding-place, his face wearing an expression of entire satisfaction."I reckon we needn't be afraid any one will be here lookin' for us now our detective has been drowned," he exclaimed."What's up?" Jim asked."Hazelton, the fakir, has been arrested for the burglary at Peach Bottom, an' men are draggin' the creek to find the body of the boy who worked for the Davis Boat Company."Sam actually shuddered at the thought that people were looking for his corpse, and it gave him an "uncanny" feeling, this idea that he was numbered with the dead."When was the arrest made?" Jim asked."Last night. Old Nathan from the Run says the fakir turned over a lot of money to the boy who was goin' to buy your cane-board, an' it looks very much as if he would be locked up with the man whom people believe is his partner.""Nothin' said about what the cubs saw at the barn?""Not a word.""Then we can count on havin' the balance of this week in which to leave the country.""As much as that, if not more. Another load will get the stuff together; but I've been thinkin' we'd better bury it here, an' not try to move a thing for a month or two.""In that case we'd be obliged to take that specimen along," and Jim pointed with a contemptuous gesture toward Sam. "It wouldn't do to let go of him while there was a chance of his givin' the game away.""I'll 'tend to that part of it, an' guarantee hewon't be in condition to make us much trouble," Phil said so confidently that Sam began to shake as with an ague fit, for it seemed positive to him this burglar had decided upon his murder."If things were so comfortable like why don't you try to make a dollar, for I reckon there's a big crowd at the fair?""The grounds are packed; but it ain't exactly safe to do much business," and Phil told of the assault upon Hazelton. "The whole boilin' of 'em now think everybody's tryin' to work some swindle," he added, "an' the consequence is that it would go hard with any feller who should slip up. We've done enough for one week, an' I'd rather not take chances till this stuff is off our hands.""Do you count on goin' back agin to-day?""What's the use?""I only asked, for you're managin' this whole thing now.""My idea was to sneak up alone to-night; take on the balance of the stuff, an' then lay low till Saturday evenin', when we'll make the big break.""It's goin' to be mighty dull business sittin' here with nothin' to do," Jim replied, in a tone of complaint."I don't see how we can fix it much quicker, unless we go to-morrow, while there are so many around."It was evident Jim did not relish the idea ofleaving everything to his companion, and the latter so understood the expression on his friend's face, for he said, angrily:"You're cookin' up some foolish scheme now, an' in spite of all I can do to prevent it we'll probably succeed in gettin' nabbed before matters are arranged as they should be.""Oh, you're too smart, that's what ails you. Take all the soft snaps, an' leave me here to suck my thumbs without even the chance of movin' around.""If you think it's sich a snap to row up there an' back, why don't you try your hand.""That's jest what I'm willin' to do. Anything's better'n stayin' here, an' I'd like you to have a taste of it."Sam, who was expecting each moment to see the thieves come to blows, understood at once that this arrangement did not please Phil; but he made no further objection than to say:"If you wasn't so blamed careless I'd like to have you do a share of the hard work; but it's ten to one you'll contrive to let everybody know you are there.""I may not be so all-fired smart as you think you are, but I ain't quite a fool. Why, I've managed bigger things than this when you was around beggin' for something' to eat, 'cause you was too chicken-hearted to do this kind of work.""You'd better not say too much; I've stuck by you when worse men would have a' given you the cold shake, an' don't intend to take any guff, especially since I've had sich hard work to get us out of the scrape you jumped into.""I shall talk, an' if you don't want to listen, there are plenty of places to lay off in outside of this."Then the two thieves glared at each other several moments in silence, and finally Phil said, with a mirthless laugh:"We won't fight till this job is finished. Go an' get the balance of the stuff, an' we'll make a break whenever you are ready; but after one pull up an' back there'll be somebody besides me who'll think it hard work."Then, in order to heal the breach which had opened between them, Phil produced a suspicious looking black bottle from his pocket, and handed it without comment to his partner."Why didn't you bring this out before, an' then, perhaps, the business would 'a' looked different?" Jim growled, as he drank long and deep; "but it won't make any difference about my goin' up the creek.""That's all right; I'm satisfied."As the two men began to drink a great hope sprang up in Sam's heart that they would become so stupefied by the liquor that he might make his escape. They had not thought it necessary toreplace the bonds which had cost him so much suffering, and at the first signs of unconsciousness he resolved to make one dash for liberty, either by taking to the boat, or attempting to make his way toward the fair grounds on that side of the creek.There was no such good fortune in store for the prisoner, however. The men drank themselves into the most friendly humor, and then the supply of liquor was exhausted.After advising Jim not to start until sunset, Phil lay down to sleep, and Sam thought it wise to feign slumber also, lest the wakeful burglar should take it into his head to administer the promised flogging in order to pass the time more agreeably.
"Run as you never did before, Teddy, for if they get hold of us it'll be a bad job all around!"
Once Teddy caught a glimpse of the unfortunate man; his glossy hat was gone, his clothing torn, and his face covered with blood.
"I can see him now!" he cried, "and it looks as if they had about used him up, for——"
Before he could finish the sentence a stranger rushed toward him, and showing the familiar black satchel in his hand, said hurriedly:
"Get out of here with that. Hazelton will see you some time this evening. Don't stop a minute!"
Before the boy could reply the stranger was forcing his way through the struggling, yelling crowd, in order to aid his partner, and Teddy said in dismay:
"Now we are in a muss. Here is all his money, an' if anybody sees us with it we'll have a tough time."
"You can't throw it away, an' we must sneak off," Dan said, and the expression on his face told how distressed he was that such a responsibility had been thrust upon them.
"Shall we go back to the stand?"
"No, that would never do, for then they would be sure to vent their anger on you. Go up to the museum; Mr. Sweet knows Hazelton, an' may be willin' to help him by keeping the satchel till the row is over."
These words had been spoken as the boys were trying to make their way through the fringe of spectators which had hemmed them in since the fight began, and after some difficulty they succeeded; but at the same moment one of the combatants, who had received more than his share of punishment, emerged close by their side.
He saw Hazelton's satchel, and recognized it.
"Come here, fellows! two little villains are making off with the money! That's what we want!"
He at once started in pursuit, as did several others, and Dan cried, as he helped carry the burden:
"Run as you never did before, Teddy, for if they get hold of us it'll be a bad job all around!"
A TERRIBLE NIGHT.
At just about the same moment when Teddy and Dan were running with Hazelton's money at full speed toward the museum tent, with the chance of escape very much against them, Sam was in a decidedly painful frame of mind.
After he had been securely tied the two men conversed in low tones for several minutes, and then, as if having arrived at some definite conclusion, began to make preparations for leaving the place.
At the same spot where Sam had been interrupted while scraping away the dirt they proceeded to dig with a shovel which Phil procured from somewhere outside the building, and during this labor the prisoner could hear fragments of the conversation.
Once Long Jim ceased his work long enough to say:
"When you come to look at the matter quietly it doesn't seem as if we'd got into sich a very bad scrape. You can manage to bring the rest of thestuff down the creek between now an' Friday mornin' and I've got a plan for givin' anybody who may come after us a good clue to the boy's disappearance."
Phil made some remark which Sam could not hear, and his companion replied in a louder tone:
"It can all be done so's to make folks think we've gone up the creek, an' we've got to lay low for a while, which won't be a hard job while the weather is warm."
"But I don't like the idea of totin' that cub with us so long."
"I'll take care of him, an' will make him earn his board, or somethin's bound to break."
From this time until several packages were unearthed Sam could hear nothing; but what had already been said was sufficient to convince him that he was to have a very unpleasant experience, and for at least the hundredth time he fervently wished he had never so much as heard of detective work.
After the goods had been brought to light the earth was replaced in the excavation and pounded down carefully. Then fully half an hour was spent digging in different places, probably for the purpose of misleading any one who might come there in search of plunder, for Phil said in a tone of satisfaction as he ceased the apparently aimless labor:
"It'll take at least a day before all of these suspiciouslooking spots have been investigated, an' in the meanwhile, unless we're chumps, we shall know what's goin' on. I'll take one load to the boat; make sure the coast is clear, an' then the three of us can carry the balance. Have the boy ready for a quick move, an' see to it that he can't give an alarm."
"I'll knock his head off if he so much as thinks of such a thing," and as Phil disappeared with a portion of the plunder Long Jim began to unfasten Sam's bonds, saying as he did so:
"We've made up our minds to hold you with us a few days 'cause you're sich jolly company. If you obey orders an' keep your mouth shut there's a chance of gettin' outer this scrape mighty easy; but I'd slit your throat in a jiffy if you tried to give us the slip or made any noise."
Sam made no reply; but his captor could see very plainly that the boy was nearly paralyzed with fright, and it was safe to infer he would follow the instructions given to the letter.
Phil returned in a very short time and reported:
"The coast is clear. There's not a craft to be seen on the creek, an' we can leave without danger."
The rope had been removed from Sam's limbs, and Long Jim proceeded to load him down with bundles until he staggered under the weight.
"Now, see that you walk a chalk line," the burglar said, fiercely. "Foller Phil, an' I'll keep behindto make sure there are no tricks played. Remember what I promised!"
The men could carry the remainder of the goods in one load, and the three went out of the barn hurriedly, Sam not daring to so much as lift his eyes from the ground lest Long Jim's threat should be carried into execution.
Arriving at the water's edge the boat was loaded, the prisoner ordered to take his place at the oars, and then the final preparations were made.
Phil uncovered the boat in which Sam had come, launched and overturned her. Then taking the hat from the unresisting boy's head, threw it far out in the channel, afterward giving the little craft a shove which sent her a long distance from the shore. Next the two oars were sent after the hat, and Phil said with a laugh:
"The current ain't very strong; but with the aid of the wind I reckon that stuff will drift up to the fair grounds before dark."
Sam's despair was already so great that it did not seem as if it could be increased; but the last vestige of hope fled when he realized that these things had been done in order to make it appear as if he were dead.
"Teddy and Dan won't think of huntin' for me after the boat is found," he thought, "an' these men are sure to kill me before this scrape is over!"
The two burglars seated themselves comfortablyin the stern-sheets, the packages being placed at the bow to trim the craft properly, and Long Jim said, sternly:
"You've been showin' off your skill as an oarsman for two or three days, an' we want you to do it now. Put in your best licks, for it'll be tough if we don't get through the water mighty fast."
Even Sam's worst enemy would have pitied him at this moment. No galley slave chained to his seat could have been more utterly helpless, and he exerted himself to the utmost in order to please those who professed to be so willing to punish or kill.
Every stroke of the oars took them farther away from the fair grounds, and each puff of wind carried the evidences of the prisoner's death nearer the only ones who might take the trouble to search for him.
Not until fully an hour had passed did the burglars give any sign of a desire to end the journey, and then Long Jim said:
"We must be six miles from the fair grounds by this time, an' that is as far as you'll want to pull to-night, Phil. There should be plenty of good hidin'-places in this bit of woods, an' I think we'd better haul up."
"All right. Steer her into that ditch over there, an' we'll look around."
Thus far in his experience as a detective this wasthe only thing Sam had had for which to be thankful. His arms were so tired that it seemed as if he could not have pulled another stroke, and his clothes were literally wet from the perspiration that came from his body.
Phil went ashore, leaving his companion to watch the almost exhausted prisoner, and in a few moments the former shouted:
"Load that cub up, an' bring him over here. This is a capital place to locate in for a couple of days."
Staggering under the heavy burden Long Jim placed on his shoulders the amateur detective was forced on through the underbrush in advance of his captor until the two arrived at a perfect tangle of cedars.
Phil returned to the boat for the remainder of the goods, and all the plunder was placed inside the thicket where the foliage was so dense that one might have passed within a few feet of the spot and not had any suspicion men were hidden there.
A tiny brook ran past one side of the hiding-place, and Sam took advantage of the opportunity to check his raging thirst while the men were laying plans for the future.
"I'll go back soon after sunset," Phil said, as he lighted his pipe and proceeded to make himself comfortable. "We can leave the boy here to look out for the stuff, an' you'd better come with me upto the barn so's to learn if any one visits the place. I shall be back before morning, an' you can let me know if the coast is clear."
"Shall you try to finish the job we were talkin' about?"
"No; things are so hot jest now that it won't pay to take any more risks than are absolutely necessary. What we want is to get out of this portion of the country as soon as possible."
"All right. I'll leave you to manage the rest of the business, an' promise to follow orders."
"I think it's about time you said that, Jim. If my plans had been carried out in the first place we wouldn't be in sich a muss; but could be havin' the cream of the pickin's at the fair."
"Well, what's the use of harpin' on that all the time? The thing has been done, an' we've got to make the best of it. Do you think it'll be safe to leave this cub here alone while we're away?"
"It will be when I get through with him," was the grim reply, and Sam, terrified by the vagueness of this remark, more even than he had been by the plain language previously used, cried, piteously:
"Please don't leave me here alone to-night! I'll pull the boat, an' do everything you say, without so much as yippin'."
"Them as starts out in the detective business have to take what comes, 'specially when their own foolishness brings it about. You joined ourparty of your own accord, my son, an' must put up with what we choose to give."
Sam said nothing more. He was reaping what he had sowed, and decided that matters could not be much worse even if he was caught trying to escape, therefore he resolved to take desperate chances in an effort to give his captors the slip.
There was no opportunity to make the attempt, on this night at least, for when Phil had finished smoking he proceeded in a very methodical manner to secure the prisoner.
Sam was ordered to seat himself on the ground, with his back to the trunk of a cedar-tree, and he was fastened skillfully, with his elbows tied back in such a manner that he could not bring his hands together. Both feet were bound, and then, with a sudden movement, Phil forced the boy's mouth open, shoving into it a short piece of pine wood about an inch and a half in diameter.
This was secured in such a manner that the prisoner could not free himself from the uncomfortable bridle, neither would it be possible for him to make the slightest outcry.
"Now, don't shout for help while we are gone, an' unless the bears eat you up we shall meet again about daybreak," Phil said, with a coarse laugh as he and Jim went out of the thicket toward the creek.
Poor Sam had never thought of the possibilitythat there might be bears in this section of the country until the burglar suggested it, and he was so terrified as not to realize it was impossible there could be any dangerous animals in such a thickly-settled portion of the State.
Therefore, in addition to the danger to be apprehended from his captors, he had constantly before his mind this new cause for fear. The rustling of the leaves, the flight of a bird as it sought a perch for the night, or the soughing of the wind among the branches were to him so many proofs that a violent death would be his before morning.
If the beginning of the hours of darkness was so terrible it can well be fancied how he suffered before another day dawned.
A NARROW ESCAPE.
Neither Teddy nor Dan had any hope of reaching the museum tent before their pursuers could overtake them, and although both knew what might be the result if they were taken with the jewelry fakir's money and goods in their possession, they did not for a moment think of abandoning the property.
The cries of those in the rear attracted the attention of the spectators elsewhere on the grounds, and without waiting to learn the cause of the trouble hundreds of men and boys joined in the chase, all shouting at the full strength of their lungs:
"Stop thief! Stop thief!"
The distance to be traversed was nearly a quarter of a mile; but the many turns the boys were forced to make in order to avoid those who were ready to capture them doubled this, and they were yet very far from the goal when a burly, red-faced man jumped in front of them.
It seemed as if capture was inevitable; but Teddy resorted to the last means of defense, and was successful.
Letting go his hold of the satchel he lowered his head, leaped forward with full force, striking the officious stranger full in the stomach.
The man, not anticipating such an attack at a moment when he almost had his hands upon the supposed thieves, was bowled over like a nine-pin, and, jumping quickly aside, Teddy caught hold of the satchel once more.
By this time both the boys were so nearly winded that speech was well nigh impossible; but Dan managed to gasp admiringly:
"You're a dandy, old fellow," and then, with one supreme effort, increased his pace a trifle.
It was fortunate that there were no spectators in front of Mr. Sweet's tent when the boys came in sight of it. The barker was lounging in a chair outside, and on catching a glimpse of the boys recognized them immediately.
The crowd in pursuit would have told a duller man than he professed to be that there had been some serious trouble, and, running to meet the boys as if to intercept them, he cried:
"Circle around the canvas, an' crawl underneath, so's that gang won't see where you've gone!"
The fugitives understood the scheme at once, and making a short detour as if to avoid him, dashedunder the guy-ropes at one end, gaining the interior of the tent before the pursuers arrived.
Mr. Sweet had just started toward the flap to ascertain the cause of the commotion when the boys entered, and, thinking himself about to be attacked, leaped quickly back as he seized an ironbound stake.
"Oh, it's you, eh?" he said, on recognizing the intruders. "What's up? Are you the thieves they're yellin' for?"
Teddy was hardly able to speak; but he held up the satchel, as he panted:
"Hazelton's—they're killin' him—he—wants—this—saved."
"Yes, I understand it now. Jump into the wagon an' get under the stuff there. I'll take the valise. Them kind of fakirs are bound to come to grief sooner or later, an' honest people get into a muss tryin' to help 'em. I'd like to see the fair where them kinds of games wasn't allowed; but don't s'pose I ever shall, although it's always promised."
While Mr. Sweet had been grumbling, and at the same time concealing the satchel under the box containing the snakes, the boys were doing their best to hide themselves beneath the litter of ropes and canvas which had been carelessly thrown into the wagon.
In the meantime the pursuers came up, discoveredthe unpleasant fact that the fugitives were no longer in sight, and began to parley with the barker.
"I tried to catch 'em," the boys heard the latter say; "but they got around the tent before I had time to find out what the matter was."
"They've gone inside!" one of the crowd shouted. "Don't let's allow swindlers to get the best of us so easy!"
"That's the way to talk!" another cried. "We'll have 'em out if the show has to come down!"
At this moment Mr. Sweet, looking calm and undisturbed, emerged from the flap.
"Bring out them boys, or down comes your tent!" a man yelled.
"I reckon the wisest plan for you to pursue is to wait till I find out what all this means," the proprietor of the museum said loudly, at the same time beckoning the barker and the clown to his side. "It looks to me as if this was the same gang who came here last night tryin' to clean us out, an' warrants for their arrest are in the hands of the constables now. I paid one hundred dollars for the privilege of exhibitin' here, an' that means I'm to have all the protection the managers of this fair and the authorities of the town can give me. I've warned you off; but if you still want to finish up the work of last night, an' the constables don't come in time, there are three of us here who are good fortwice that number of your gang, an' when a man gets a tap over the head with one of these he's not in it any longer!"
Mr. Sweet flourished the heavy stake as he spoke, and his employes showed that they were armed in the same manner.
"We didn't come to disturb you," one of the crowd said, in a milder tone, as the greater number fell back before the threats made of invoking the aid of the law. "All we want is a valise two boys brought here, for in it is quite a pile of our money."
"How did they get it from you?" the proprietor of the museum asked for the purpose of gaining time in the hope the constables would put in an appearance.
"We were swindled by a jewelry agent, an' are goin' to get back our own."
"Oh, you are, eh? Well, I haven't got the stuff; but if you allow yourselves to be swindled, will you help matters by turning thieves? You can sue the man who has done you up; but there's a penalty for stealing, as you will find out if you keep on in this way."
The less impetuous among the pursuers understood that the showman was speaking only the truth, and, now that they had an opportunity for reflection, began to be ashamed of the part they were playing. One by one walked away without makingany further remonstrance, and in a short time only a dozen or so remained in front of the tent.
All these were young men, and several had been drinking, therefore the danger was not yet past.
"You stand here and brain the first man who attempts to enter," Mr. Sweet said, as he disappeared inside the tent. Then hurrying to where Teddy and Dan were hidden, he whispered:
"It may be possible that in order to avoid a row I shall be obliged to let this gang in. There is no one behind the canvas, and you can slip out readily. Go directly back where you belong, an' if anybody accuses you of being the boys who brought away the valise deny it. I'm goin' to make a big bluff about lookin' for constables, an' the minute you hear me talking, move lively."
"What about Hazelton's money?" Teddy asked.
"He'll find it here when he dares to come for it."
An instant later the fugitives heard him say from the outside:
"I propose to call for help in case you very respectable young gentleman should take a notion to break in and steal."
"All we ask is that you'll turn out them boys," one of the party replied, angrily, "for, whether it's stealing or not, we're bound to have that fakir's money."
"That part of it is nothing to me. There are no boys inside, an' if you want to go in one at a time,so there'll be no chance of gettin' the best of me an' destroyin' my property, I don't think there'll be any objection made."
"Now's our time before they come?" Dan whispered, as he slipped softly down from the wagon, and Teddy followed.
It was but the work of a moment to raise the canvas and step out. There was absolutely no one in sight. The tent had been erected near the edge of the grounds, and there was nothing in the vicinity to attract the sightseers.
"We'll get over the fence, an' come in through the main gate. It's better to pay for admission than to let people suspect we were the ones who have been chased."
"Go on; I'll stay close at your heels."
Five minutes later they were walking along the dusty road looking as innocent as possible, and feeling comparatively safe.
"Do you suppose any one will know us?" Teddy asked after they had trudged some distance in silence.
"There can't be much danger of that. All the crowd saw were our backs, and, besides, after those fellows cool off they'll be ashamed of themselves. I don't reckon you'll have any trouble; but I may get it hot from the boss because I've been away so long."
"I guess there won't be much danger of that;but if anything should happen come to my stand. After what has happened I reckon I can afford to whack up with you on some of the profits, especially since every one says to-morrow is to be such a big day. Where do you suppose Hazelton is?"
"He must have had a chance to get off when the men started for us; but I'll bet he don't look as nice as he did this morning."
By this time the boys were at the ticket-office, and, paying the price of admission, they walked into the inclosure without attracting the slightest attention.
On the way to his place of business Teddy chanced to think of the errand on which they had started out, and he bought a generous supply of sandwiches for Dan, Tim, and himself.
When the two arrived at the cane-board business was at its height, and the clerk and his assistant were having quite as much as they could do to attend to the customers.
This saved Teddy the necessity of entering into any explanation while strangers were near, and he immediately went to work, not having an idle moment until nearly nightfall, when the greater portion of the visitors had departed.
"Where did you and Dan go that you staid away so long?" Tim asked as he and Teddy began to pack up the stock of canes and knives.
"Oh, it's a long story; I'll tell you all about itwhile we are eating supper," Teddy replied, with a significant look in the direction of the assistant.
Tim understood that there was some secret regarding the matter, and he at once proceeded to get rid of a possible eavesdropper by saying to the assistant:
"Here's the money I promised. There's no need of your stayin' any longer."
"Shall I come to work in the morning?"
Tim looked toward his employer, and the latter said:
"Yes, of course, if it is pleasant weather. Everybody says there'll be a bigger crowd than ever, an' I reckon we shall have work enough for all hands."
The boy had but just taken his departure when Dan approached, looking very mournful.
"Have you been bounced?" Teddy cried, excitedly.
"Not a bit of it; but look here," and Dan held up a straw hat. "That's poor Sam's! His boat has been found bottom up, an' this, with one of the oars, was fished out of the creek a few moments ago. While we were talking rough about him the poor boy was drowning!"
THE ARREST.
Teddy was dazed by the tidings and apparent proof of Sam's death. Without being able to explain why, it seemed as if the amateur detective was not the sort of a boy who might be expected to depart this life suddenly, and the news saddened him wonderfully.
"Just think," he said, "the poor fellow wouldn't try to save the women because of the danger of approaching a drowning person, and in such a short time he himself is at the bottom of the creek."
"If he has got any folks some word ought to be sent to them."
"I never heard him say whether he had or not. Will any one search for the body?"
"The man who represents the Davis Company says he will have men out in the morning, if it is possible to hire any; if not, there will be plenty wanting a job by Saturday, and he can then get all he wants. It's bound to be a long search, for there's no telling where the boat capsized."
Nothing save Sam's untimely fate was spoken of during the time they were packing up the goodsand carrying them to the tent, and then Mr. Sweet, after having been told the sad news, said, without commenting upon it:
"You boys had better go to supper now, an' get back before dark, for there's no knowin' but that some of those fellows who called on me may be waiting to take their revenge out on you."
"How did you get rid of them?" Dan asked.
"That part of it was as easy as rollin' off a log, after you boys were out of sight. I let 'em in one at a time, an' the chumps never tumbled to the fact that you had gone under the canvas. They came to the conclusion you must have climbed over the fence, an' we didn't take the trouble to show them the mistake. It was a close shave, though. At one time, when I was talkin' so loud about stealing, I thought we'd have the toughest kind of a row."
"Is the money all right?"
"It's jest where I left it, an' won't be touched till he comes to claim it, unless you boys want to take charge of the property."
"Indeed we don't," Teddy replied, quickly. "I've had all I want of such caretaking."
"Then go to supper, an' hurry back."
The boys waited only long enough to stow their goods in the wagon, and then Mr. Sweet's advice was acted upon.
As a matter of course Tim wanted to know what the proprietor of the museum had been talkingabout, and as they were walking across the grounds Teddy told the whole story, concluding by saying:
"It was a little the worst scrape I ever got into; but after the money had been placed in our hands, and the man who left it went off, we couldn't do different from what we did."
"That Hazelton had no business to get you into such a row," Tim replied, indignantly. "Why didn't he hang on to the stuff, an' take his lickin' like a man?"
"I don't think he knew it was to be given to us. The fellow who did it had seen him leave the satchel with us once, most likely, an' when there was danger of being robbed, believed we could look out for it again. It's the last time such a thing will happen, for I'm going to tell Hazelton that I don't want to be mixed up in his business."
At this point Dan changed the subject of conversation by speculating upon the way in which Sam met his death, and this topic was such a mournful one that nothing else was thought of until the party returned to the tent once more.
Then came the question of how much money had been taken in during the day, and after figuring up the amount he had spent, Teddy reckoned the cash on hand, announcing the result as follows:
"Countin' what I paid out, we've taken sixty-one dollars an' seventy cents since morning. It don'tseem reasonable, but a feller has to believe it after seein' the money."
"You'll have a much better trade to-morrow, if it is fair, and you're not recognized as one of the boys who helped to get Hazelton's money away," Mr. Sweet said, cheerily. "I predict that the receipts will figure up hard on to a hundred dollars."
Teddy gasped like a person who is suddenly submerged in cold water at the thought of earning so much, and he realized that if such should be the case he would be able to assist his mother very materially.
"I'll pay you, Tim, before I get so dazzled as to forget it," he said, with a laugh, and the clerk felt almost as rich as his employer when he received six dollars and seventeen cents for a day's labor which came very near being sport.
"I only wish the fair held on for six months," he said gleefully. "It seems too bad that there are only two days more, for Saturday never counts."
"You can go to the Holtown fair, and try it for yourself. I'll give you what stock we have left on hand."
"Then I'll do it," Tim replied, emphatically, and straightway he began to speculate as to the enormous amount of money he would earn.
Teddy tied his money in as compact a package as possible, intending to give it to his mother when she should arrive on the morrow, and Mr. Sweethad advised that all hands "turn in" early, when the flap was raised, admitting a man who appeared to be covered with adhesive plaster and bandages.
Not until the newcomer had approached within the circle of light cast by the lantern did the occupants of the tent recognize him as the jewelry fakir, and Teddy cried in surprise:
"Why, Mr. Hazelton! We didn't expect to see you to-night!"
"Did you think I was dead?"
"It looked as if you would be killed for a certainty, and you did get pretty well done up."
"Yes; as the reports of the prize fights put it, 'I'm badly disfigured, but still in the ring.' Was the money taken away all right?"
"Mr. Sweet has hidden it."
"And how did you come out of the scrape?"
"If it hadn't been for the folks here we should have fared about the same as you did."
"I'm sorry, my boy, that you were dragged into the matter, and it wouldn't have happened if I'd understood what Kelly was going to do. He knew you could be trusted, and so turned it over; but it was a mean situation to put you in."
"It wasn't pleasant for any of us," Mr. Sweet said; "but you can thank the boys for hanging on to the bag as if it had been their own. Most fellows of their age would have dropped it long before reaching here. How did you get off?"
"When the cry was raised that the money had gone the greater portion of the crowd started in pursuit, an' my partners and I managed to hold our own until a couple of constables came up. They took charge of the team, and gave us a chance to slip through the gates."
"What are you going to do now? Try it to-morrow?"
"With this face? Well, I should say not. There is a fellow here who has bought my right to the privilege, and I shall leave Peach Bottom early in the morning."
"That's about the best thing you can do, and I'd advise that you don't spend much time out of doors until then."
"I'm not intending to. It was necessary to come here, and, unless you object, I'll stay a while so's they will have time to sober up a bit."
"You're welcome to what we've got, even if I don't like your way of doing business."
"I want to straighten matters with the boys, and if they——"
Hazelton did not finish the sentence, for at that moment the canvas flap was pushed aside and a man entered with an unmistakable air of authority.
"Hold on there, friend," Mr. Sweet shouted. "We don't allow visitors at this time of night."
"I understand that, but reckon you won't make any very big kick when I tell you that I'm one ofthe deputy sheriffs of this county, and have come to serve a warrant."
"On whom?"
"Frank Hazelton, who claims to be an agent for a firm of jewelry manufacturers. I believe you're the man," he added, approaching the disfigured fakir.
"You've got that part of it straight enough, but what am I to be arrested for?"
"You are suspected of being concerned in the burglary which was committed in this town last night."
Hazelton did not express nearly as much surprise as the boys, who were really dazed by the announcement.
"So Hargreaves has finally succeeded," the fakir said half to himself, and the officer replied, quickly:
"This has nothing to do with old Nathan's affair, although it does look as if the two burglaries were committed by the same person."
Hazelton remained silent several seconds, during which time the sheriff waited patiently for him to say he was ready to go, and then he asked:
"Can I speak to one of these boys in private. It has nothing to do with the charge, but I want him to aid me in getting a good lawyer."
"I am sorry to say I must hear all that is talked about, however trifling it may be."
"Well, I don't suppose it can make much difference," and without rising from his seat, Hazeltoncontinued, "Teddy, you believe I had nothing to do with this thing?"
"I can tell what I heard those——"
"Don't tell anything yet a while; at least, not now. I want you to do this for me: After the fair closes go to that merchant who was so kind to you, and explain to him the whole affair, including your suspicions. Ask him to direct you to the best attorney in the county; get all the money from Mr. Sweet that may be needed, and pay the lawyer's fee. Send him to me as soon afterward as possible. It is nothing more serious than lying in jail a few days, and that won't be such a great hardship, now I've got this face on me."
"Shall I——"
"There is no need of saying anything more," Hazelton interrupted, fearing the boy was about to speak of the money the proprietor of the museum had hidden. "The merchant will understand and advise if you tell him everything—that is, I think he will; but in case he refuses, talk with some one else whom you can trust."
As he finished speaking the fakir arose to his feet, motioned to the officer, and walked directly out of the tent without so much as bidding the others goodby.
No one spoke until after he had been absent several minutes, and then Teddy asked, with a long-drawn sigh:
"Do you think he will come out all right, Mr. Sweet?"
"That's hard to say, for I don't know how much proof they may have against him. It's his business that has done a great deal toward inducing a magistrate to issue the warrant, for once a man shows himself to be a swindler, anything else can readily be believed of him."
"But what about his money?" Dan asked.
"That is to be handed over to Teddy."
"What have I got to do with it?" the boy asked, in amazement.
"He told us that as plainly as he dared to talk before the officer, and we'll count it out, after which his stock in trade shall be buried, for I want nothing to do with it."
A PROPOSITION.
Teddy had the most decided objections to taking charge of Hazelton's money, and for several reasons. In the first place he did not want to have the responsibility, and again, the fact of its being in his possession seemed to make him a partner in the business.
Mr. Sweet was determined, however. He insisted that Hazelton had stated this as plainly as was possible under the circumstances, and, despite the boy's protests, immediately began the transfer.
"It shall be done in such a way that he can't accuse you of having taken any," the proprietor said, as he pulled the satchel from its hiding-place and broke the lock open with a hatchet. "We'll count it in the presence of all hands, and each one shall give Teddy a written statement of how much was found."
An exclamation of surprise burst from Tim's lips as the receptacle was spread out on the ground, for it appeared to be literally crammed with money.
Mr. Sweet separated the silver from the banknotes, spreading both on the ground where they could be seen by every person present, and then he counted them slowly, taking care that the spectators were following his every movement.
"I make it three hundred an' forty-eight dollars," he announced. "If there's anybody here who ain't sure that's right, say so now."
Each member of the party had seen the amount counted, and agreed with the result as declared by Mr. Sweet, who forthwith wrote the following:
We, the undersigned, have seen a valise belonging to Frank Hazelton broken open, and certify that three hundred and forty-eight dollars, the only money found therein, was handed by Jacob Sweet to Edward Hargreaves in conformance with the orders, as we understood them, from the said Frank Hazelton.
We, the undersigned, have seen a valise belonging to Frank Hazelton broken open, and certify that three hundred and forty-eight dollars, the only money found therein, was handed by Jacob Sweet to Edward Hargreaves in conformance with the orders, as we understood them, from the said Frank Hazelton.
"Now I want every one to sign that," Mr. Sweet said, as he handed his lead-pencil first to the barker, "and then Teddy and I will have some proof of the amount."
It required quite a while for all to conform with the wishes of the proprietor of the museum, owing to the fact that several of the party were far from being skillful penmen, but the task was finally accomplished, and as the money was handed to Teddy, the latter asked, ruefully:
"What shall I do with it? I'm afraid of losing so much."
"That's a risk Hazelton is bound to take. Fastenit in your clothes somehow, an' be sure you don't get into any row where it can be stolen."
By the aid of many pins, and with the assistance of both Dan and Tim, Teddy finally succeeded in disposing of the money about his person in such a way that it was not an unusual burden, and then Mr. Sweet insisted that all hands should try to get some rest in order to be fresh for the supposedly enormous amount of work to be done on the following day.
Teddy lay down on the ground with the others, but it was many hours before his eyes were closed in slumber. Sam's untimely death, the guardianship of so much money, and his own business affairs all served to keep his eyes open until nearly midnight, when he fell into a sleep so troubled by frightful dreams that it was far from being restful.
It seemed as if he had but just lost consciousness when Mr. Sweet aroused him with the information that the "big" day of the fair was breaking.
"Turn out an' get your breakfast before sunrise, for on this morning the early bird will pick up many a penny while the lazy ones are yet in bed, an' fakirs must make hay when the sun shines."
Teddy was on his feet in an instant, and half an hour later, having broken his fast, he was at the booth with his clerk and Dan, the latter volunteering his assistance until the exhibition buildings should be opened.
The proprietor of the museum had advised him well; the receipts of the cane and knife boards were nearly five dollars before more than half of the booths were in condition for trade, because the trains were running unusually early in order to accommodate the crowds, and when Dan felt obliged to leave, business was so good that the proprietor, clerk, and assistant were all working industriously.
"If I can get off I'll see you about noon," Dan said, as he walked away, and Teddy replied:
"Be sure to come, for mother will be here, and I want you to meet her."
From that time until nine o'clock the crowd increased in numbers, and as Teddy said during a lull in business, "it seemed as if the grounds were so full that no more could get in."
When Mrs. Hargreaves arrived her son could pay little attention to her, but he proposed that she should amuse herself by looking at the different exhibits until nearly noon, when he stated that he would take an hour off, no matter how great a rush of customers might be around his booth.
"I earned sixty dollars yesterday, an' before night I'll have a hundred more, so there's little doubt that this week's work as a fakir will enable me to pay all you owe on the house," he whispered, triumphantly, and his mother walked away, hardly daring to believe what Teddy had told her.
During the next hour it seemed as if a steadystream of money was flowing into the box, and Teddy was feeling confident that Mr. Sweet's prediction would prove to be correct, when the one especial man he wanted to see came up with a folded paper in his hand.
It was the merchant from Waterville, and he said, as he handed the document to the boy:
"Here is the receipted bill, and I am more than glad to see you doing so well."
"Can I talk with you for five minutes?" Teddy asked, hardly noticing the paper as he put it in his pocket.
"As long as you want to. What is the matter? Running out of stock?"
"Oh, no, your clerk made such a good selection for me that I've got all I shall need. This is something more important."
Then Teddy hurriedly told the merchant how and where he had first met Hazelton; explained fully what the latter's business was; of the accusations made by Uncle Nathan; what he and Dan had heard and seen, and concluded by repeating the request made by the fakir as he was led away to jail.
"Are you willing to do anything for him?" the boy asked, as his story was finished.
"I can't say it is a matter which appeals very strongly to my sympathies, because of the swindles he perpetrated, but if it is an unjust accusation something should be done to help him. The onelawyer above all others who can be of assistance came over with me this morning. I will see him, and later in the day you shall have a call from us."
"Before you go I wish you would take this money," Teddy said, earnestly. "It is too large an amount for me to carry around, and it will be safe with you."
The merchant consented to take charge of Hazelton's ill-gotten gains, and Teddy felt decidedly relieved when the cash was in another's keeping, and he had nothing of more value than an acknowledgment of the same to look after.
"In this matter I shall recognize no other order than yours," the merchant said when the transaction was concluded, "and if the fakir should succeed in regaining his liberty he must come to you for the necessary document.
"I don't care how it is fixed so long as the money is not in my hands," Teddy replied, in a tone of satisfaction, and then he was called upon to attend to another rush of customers, every one of whom was eager to be waited upon first.
Another hour passed, and it was more evident than before that Mr. Sweet had been correct when he stated the sum which should be taken in at the cane-board.
Teddy, having breakfasted early, was so hungry that he was on the point of going out to buy a supply of sandwiches, when another visitor arrived.
This was no less a personage than Uncle Nathan, and he greeted his nephew with the utmost cordiality, as he said:
"It looks to me as if you were makin' a power of money here, Teddy. I had no idea these triflin' games would so attract the people."
Glad to be on pleasant terms with the old man once more, Teddy stated that they had been at work very hard since the first train arrived, and concluded by saying:
"I took over sixty dollars yesterday, and Mr. Sweet says it'll come near to a hundred to-day."
"Sixty dollars!" the old man cried. "Are you telling me the truth, Teddy Hargreaves?"
"Of course I am, an' I've got the money in my pocket to prove it."
"Why, at this rate you'll soon be a rich man, for you don't seem to lose much of the stock."
"We buy a good many canes or knives back. When a man puts a ring over one that he don't want we take it in, and give him five more chances. In that way there is very little goes out compared to the amount of money received."
Uncle Nathan looked around at the players for a moment, and then in a very confidential tone he whispered:
"See here, Teddy, don't you want a partner? I'll pay for the stock you bought, an'——"
"I've already done that out of yesterday's receipts," Teddy cried. "All the bills are settled, an' what comes in now is clear profit."
"But suppose I stood here an' called up the people I know, don't you think it would make business better?"
"And if it should, do you think we could attend to more customers? Every minute I talk with you is so much money lost, for the other fellers can't pick up rings an' make change fast enough."
"Does that mean you don't want to go into business with me?" the old man asked, angrily.
"No; but it means that there would be no reason for doing such a thing. I've got no debts, an' there are more customers than can be attended to on so small a board. If you'd made the proposition last Monday it would have been different, but now you can't expect me, after taking all the risk, to divide after the work has been done."
"Who lent you the money to start, Teddy Hargreaves?" Uncle Nathan cried, his face growing purple with rage.
"You did."
"And how have you repaid such generosity? How——"
"I gave you three dollars for the use of fifteen two days," was the prompt reply.
"But how have you repaid me for remaining inactive after my money was stolen?"
"That was something which did not concern me, therefore I had nothing to repay."
"It has a great deal to do with you, as shall be shown before this day is ended, unless you consent to take me as an equal partner in this enterprise. Your friend in crime has been arrested, and I can swear that he turned over to you his ill-gotten gains. One word from me at this time and you will be in the same prison."
The fact of his having been threatened before made Teddy bold, and he said, quietly:
"I won't pay you for holding your tongue, Uncle Nathan, so do whatever you choose."
"I will inform the authorities of all I have learned this morning, and we shall see what the result will be," the old man cried, in a fury, as he walked away, and despite the bold bearing he had assumed Teddy firmly believed that if the magistrate who issued the warrant for Hazelton's arrest should know he was in possession of the fakir's money, he would be brought before a bar of justice to explain matters.
WITH THE BURGLARS.
It is well to look in upon Sam during his enforced vigil of Wednesday night.
For at least two hours after the burglars had departed he thought of nothing save that he would soon be killed, and, perhaps, devoured by wild animals. Then the pain in his jaw and limbs became so great, owing to the tightly bound cords and his inability to move, that his sufferings overcame the fear to a certain extent, and he had not even the poor consolation of being able to give vent to an audible groan.
Notwithstanding the mental and bodily torture he did sleep occasionally during the night, which appeared to be of twenty-four hours' duration, and never had he heard a sweeter sound than when his captors approached, the hum of their voices reaching him before the noise of their footsteps.
The burglars were laden with packages of what appeared to be merchandise, and by the faint lightof the coming day Sam could see that they looked heated and tired.
"Well, how's our detective?" Long Jim asked, with a laugh, as he threw himself on the ground by the boy's side. "Has he decided to arrest his victims, or will he give them a little show of leaving the country?"
As a matter of course Sam could not make any reply; but the expression in his eyes must have told of the suffering which he was forced to endure, for Phil said, as he began to untie the rope holding the gag in place:
"There's no need of keepin' him trussed up any longer, an' I reckon it'll be a relief to have a chance to use his tongue once more."
Even when he was free the prisoner was unable to do more than roll upon his side. His limbs were so stiff and cramped that he had no power over them, and he could not have risen to his feet just at that moment if his life had depended upon it.
Jim seemed to think all this was very comical, for he laughed loudly at the prisoner's helplessness, and suggested that if he intended to follow the business of a detective to practice remaining in one position in order to avoid such a complete collapse when fortune should again be so unkind to him as she had been in this particular case.
When the burglar's mirth finally ceased the two men lighted their pipes, and proceeded to enjoy aseason of repose after so much fatiguing work, while Sam was left to recover as best he might.
Fully half an hour elapsed before he succeeded in crawling to the brook where he quenched his thirst, and then his one desire was for sleep.
Stretched out on the ground within a few feet of his captors the blissful unconsciousness of slumber came upon him, and the sun was high in the heavens before he awoke.
Long Jim was seated on the turf, his back against a tree, and a quantity of food spread out in front of him; but Phil was not in sight.
"Well, it strikes me you've been takin' things mighty comfortable," the man said, with a grunt. "Don't give yourself so far over to a life of pleasure as to forget that I promised to give you the greatest floggin' of your life before we part, for then you won't be so much surprised when it comes."
The sight of the food caused Sam to realize how very hungry he was, and, regardless of the subject introduced by Jim, he asked, timidly:
"Can't I have somethin' to eat?"
"I don't think you can, my son. In the first place you haven't earned it, an' then, again, my partner an' I may need all the grub we've got on hand."
Then, as if reconsidering his determination, the man selected two small crackers, tossing them to Sam as he cut a slice of boiled ham for himself.
"That's more'n you deserve," he said, as the prisoner began to devour them eagerly; "so don't count on gettin' another bite to-day."
Sam literally devoured the food, and then went once more to the brook to wash down the dry repast.
It seemed as if the crackers increased rather than satisfied his hunger, and he watched Jim eagerly as the latter finished a generous meal of meat, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs.
The burglar lighted his pipe, and paid no attention to the hungry boy, who now had ample time for reflection.
He remembered that this was the important day of the fair, and pictured to himself Teddy and Dan at their work enjoying themselves at the same time they were making money. Then he thought of what he might be doing if the detective fever had not taken so firm a hold upon him, and, despite all efforts to prevent it, the tears coursed down his cheeks, plowing wide furrows in the dirt with which his face was encrusted.
This painful revery was not prolonged. Shortly before noon Phil came into the hiding-place, his face wearing an expression of entire satisfaction.
"I reckon we needn't be afraid any one will be here lookin' for us now our detective has been drowned," he exclaimed.
"What's up?" Jim asked.
"Hazelton, the fakir, has been arrested for the burglary at Peach Bottom, an' men are draggin' the creek to find the body of the boy who worked for the Davis Boat Company."
Sam actually shuddered at the thought that people were looking for his corpse, and it gave him an "uncanny" feeling, this idea that he was numbered with the dead.
"When was the arrest made?" Jim asked.
"Last night. Old Nathan from the Run says the fakir turned over a lot of money to the boy who was goin' to buy your cane-board, an' it looks very much as if he would be locked up with the man whom people believe is his partner."
"Nothin' said about what the cubs saw at the barn?"
"Not a word."
"Then we can count on havin' the balance of this week in which to leave the country."
"As much as that, if not more. Another load will get the stuff together; but I've been thinkin' we'd better bury it here, an' not try to move a thing for a month or two."
"In that case we'd be obliged to take that specimen along," and Jim pointed with a contemptuous gesture toward Sam. "It wouldn't do to let go of him while there was a chance of his givin' the game away."
"I'll 'tend to that part of it, an' guarantee hewon't be in condition to make us much trouble," Phil said so confidently that Sam began to shake as with an ague fit, for it seemed positive to him this burglar had decided upon his murder.
"If things were so comfortable like why don't you try to make a dollar, for I reckon there's a big crowd at the fair?"
"The grounds are packed; but it ain't exactly safe to do much business," and Phil told of the assault upon Hazelton. "The whole boilin' of 'em now think everybody's tryin' to work some swindle," he added, "an' the consequence is that it would go hard with any feller who should slip up. We've done enough for one week, an' I'd rather not take chances till this stuff is off our hands."
"Do you count on goin' back agin to-day?"
"What's the use?"
"I only asked, for you're managin' this whole thing now."
"My idea was to sneak up alone to-night; take on the balance of the stuff, an' then lay low till Saturday evenin', when we'll make the big break."
"It's goin' to be mighty dull business sittin' here with nothin' to do," Jim replied, in a tone of complaint.
"I don't see how we can fix it much quicker, unless we go to-morrow, while there are so many around."
It was evident Jim did not relish the idea ofleaving everything to his companion, and the latter so understood the expression on his friend's face, for he said, angrily:
"You're cookin' up some foolish scheme now, an' in spite of all I can do to prevent it we'll probably succeed in gettin' nabbed before matters are arranged as they should be."
"Oh, you're too smart, that's what ails you. Take all the soft snaps, an' leave me here to suck my thumbs without even the chance of movin' around."
"If you think it's sich a snap to row up there an' back, why don't you try your hand."
"That's jest what I'm willin' to do. Anything's better'n stayin' here, an' I'd like you to have a taste of it."
Sam, who was expecting each moment to see the thieves come to blows, understood at once that this arrangement did not please Phil; but he made no further objection than to say:
"If you wasn't so blamed careless I'd like to have you do a share of the hard work; but it's ten to one you'll contrive to let everybody know you are there."
"I may not be so all-fired smart as you think you are, but I ain't quite a fool. Why, I've managed bigger things than this when you was around beggin' for something' to eat, 'cause you was too chicken-hearted to do this kind of work."
"You'd better not say too much; I've stuck by you when worse men would have a' given you the cold shake, an' don't intend to take any guff, especially since I've had sich hard work to get us out of the scrape you jumped into."
"I shall talk, an' if you don't want to listen, there are plenty of places to lay off in outside of this."
Then the two thieves glared at each other several moments in silence, and finally Phil said, with a mirthless laugh:
"We won't fight till this job is finished. Go an' get the balance of the stuff, an' we'll make a break whenever you are ready; but after one pull up an' back there'll be somebody besides me who'll think it hard work."
Then, in order to heal the breach which had opened between them, Phil produced a suspicious looking black bottle from his pocket, and handed it without comment to his partner.
"Why didn't you bring this out before, an' then, perhaps, the business would 'a' looked different?" Jim growled, as he drank long and deep; "but it won't make any difference about my goin' up the creek."
"That's all right; I'm satisfied."
As the two men began to drink a great hope sprang up in Sam's heart that they would become so stupefied by the liquor that he might make his escape. They had not thought it necessary toreplace the bonds which had cost him so much suffering, and at the first signs of unconsciousness he resolved to make one dash for liberty, either by taking to the boat, or attempting to make his way toward the fair grounds on that side of the creek.
There was no such good fortune in store for the prisoner, however. The men drank themselves into the most friendly humor, and then the supply of liquor was exhausted.
After advising Jim not to start until sunset, Phil lay down to sleep, and Sam thought it wise to feign slumber also, lest the wakeful burglar should take it into his head to administer the promised flogging in order to pass the time more agreeably.