I surmised that they must be speaking of what they had done to me.  I never dreamed that they were discussing a subject much more serious.

“I’m glad Dick Blair wasn’t along to-night,” went on Moran.  “Dick is not to be trusted any more.  He kicked awfully at the idea of tying up Strong this noon.”

I was gratified to hear this bit of news.  I liked Dick in many respects, and now I was almost ready to look upon him as a friend.

“Strong didn’t give in quite as much as Dunc thought he would.  Hang it, if I didn’t admire his grit.”

“So did I. Wonder how he’s getting along in the old tool house.  We must release him first thing in the morning.”

“No need of doing that, gentlemen,” I put in, stepping out from behind the tree.  “I am—­”

But it would have been useless for me to say more, as no one would have heard me.

At the first sound of my voice both of the Models had started in alarm, and then, led by Pultzer, they dashed up the road as fast as their feet could carry them.

At first I was amazed at their actions, and then, as the ridiculousness of the situation presented itself, I smiled.  “A guilty conscience needeth no accuser,” it is said, and this truth was verified to the letter.

Yet I was sorry that I had not had a chance to speak to them.  I wanted to question them in regard to the thief.  Perhaps they had seen him, and if so, I did not want to miss my chance of getting upon his track.

Jumping over the fence, I walked slowly down the road, but not in hopes of meeting John Stumpy.  If he was anywhere near, the approach of the two boys had certainly driven him into hiding.

Suddenly I thought of the tool house.  The tramp had spoken of returning to the place.  He evidently knew the road.  I determined to go to the spot and make a search at once.

It was no easy matter to find my way back to the tool house, and at the risk of being seen I lit the lantern.

As I walked along I wondered how my sister and Dick were faring.  No doubt Kate had been much surprised to see who was with her on her recovery, and I sincerely hoped that the shock Stumpy had given her would not have any evil effects.  She was a sensitive girl, and such happenings were calculated to try her nerves severely.

At length I came within sight of the clearing.  Here I hesitated for an instant, and then, pistol in hand, approached the tool house boldly.

The door was still open, and I entered, only to find the place empty.

With a sigh I realized that my journey thither was a useless one.  Nothing remained but to go back to the road, and I was about to leave again when the rays of the lantern fell upon a white object lying on the floor.

I picked it up.  It was a common square envelope.  Thinking it contained a letter I turned it over to read the address.  Judge of my astonishment when I read the following:—­