From Brad’s pocket was taken the wad of bills which Ted had thought to purloin from the bag before he threw it and the rest of its contents away.

“This is counterfeit money, boys, made from the plates in the bag.  They were taking these things to Solus, who had written them that he had secured a nice quiet retreat where they might work undisturbed.  So you see, my boy,” said Mr. Pender to Ted, “if you had made way with this it must have gotten you into a peck of trouble from the start.  You’re lucky to get out of it as easy as you do.”

Ted was looking anything but cheerful.

“Oh!  I knowed it was bad money all the while, sir, but I wanted to take it to the chief of police in town.  I ain’t ever goin’ to run up against Paul Morrison and his crowd no more, after this white way they treated me.  Not much.  I’m goin’ to turn over a new leaf after this.  But please, mister, get that key from him, and take these things off.  Makes me squirm to just feel ’em.  But, mister, I’m glad I didn’t have to smoke, after all,” and that seemed to be the burden of Ted’s thanksgiving.

As to his ever turning over that promised new leaf, well, Paul believed they were more apt to find potatoes growing on apple trees than that such a wonder should come about.

“But I’m not satisfied yet, boys,” said the Government agent; “there’s a third one to get; Solus Smithers, who is known to me by another name.  Now, I wonder if I could leave these two prisoners in charge of several of you, while the rest went with me in the car?  I’ll make use of the rope, so they just can’t possibly get away.”

It was presently decided that William, Wallace and Bobolink should stay, also Ted if he cared to remain.  Paul and Jack would accompany Mr. Pender, so as to render any assistance needed.  They could also bring back little Willie Boggs, should he be found under the roof of the old farmhouse by the mill pond.

“The worst of it is I don’t know how to handle a machine,” remarked the gentleman, after they had stepped out on to the road.

“Both of us do, sir,” remarked Paul; “so if you will jump aboard we’ll soon be off.”

“Well, I’d just like to learn if there is anything you Boy Scouts don’t know how to handle?” observed the pleased agent, as he saw the two lamps put back in position, though only one was allowed to remain lighted.

It took them but a short time to draw close to the farmhouse by the pond.

Mr. Pender jumped out and advanced through the darkness toward the door.  Just as he reached it the boys, looking, saw it open.  Then the voice of Sol Smithers came plainly to them.

“Wall, did yuh run acrost the bag, Brad?  I guessed ‘twas on’y layin’ down the road a piece.  But what yuh mean apushin’ in on me thetaways?”

“You’re my prisoner, Silas Westover.  Don’t try to run, or it will be the worse for you.  I have plenty of help and your place is surrounded.  Wash and Brad are already in irons.  Hold up your hands!” came in the stern voice of Mr. Pender.