Part 28 (1/2)
”Yes He is a ga a parties at his house Men co the private road Sometimes they arrive in the motor boat froh the village at all Oh, I see and hear things that Muchmore never suspects I know about”
”But what makes you think he is a cri so copies of old deeds and es copied unless he is going to dispose of property, and all this property is in the name of Harris Stockton, his uncle I believe Muchame”
”But where is Mr Stockton?”
”That's what I can't find out Muchmore says he is in Europe, and I often write for him letters addressed to his uncle, which are directed to different cities in France and Germany But Muchmore always mails them himself I don't knohere Mr Stockton is If I did I'd send hi on in his house, and what I suspect his nephew is up to”
”But what about this queer e?” asked Bert
”I'm sure I don't knohat to say There is soet on the track of it, but to do that I et up on the top floor, and that is a place Muchuards Perhaps you can help ed the stenographer ”I'll see you again, and--”
At that instant the fire alar, and Bert rushed back to the barn
CHAPTER XXIII
A BRAVE RESCUE
”Run her out, boys!” cried Bert ”It's the box at Needha it'll be the worst fire we ever had in this town!”
Needham's factory was one where boxes for various purposes werefire to their places The bell on the engine sent out its warning note, as they wheeled therope was unwound
”Come on!” cried Bert, as he took his place at the head of the line
”That's the way to run her out!” exclaily, as the boys swept past hiain!” Bert called to hi chief were now entirely upon the fire to which he was going
”All right,” answered Mort Decker ”I'll call around to- the engine after them
The tower bell, with quick, sharp strokes, was sounding the alar feet could be heard, as men and boys hurried toward the blaze
”We'll need the other engine, if the factory is on fire,” co to lose his breath as the swift pace was kept up
”Yes,” answered Bert ”Vincent knows he's to answer all alar for a special call He'll be there before we are”
This was because the second engine was on the side of town nearest the factory
”Maybe it isn't the box place,” suggested Tom Donnell
”I--hope--not,” spoke Cole, laboredly