Part 31 (2/2)
”Who can be got to look after it?”
Just then Harry saw in a field near-by Reuben Richardson--the boy who had released him from his bonds.
”Reuben!” he called out
Reuben approached, regarding Harry and his companions with surprise.
”Have you an hour to spare?” asked one of the detectives.
”Yes, sir.”
”Then please look after this team, and I'll see that you don't lose your time.”
”All right, sir.”
Then, free from all anxiety, the three made their way into the forest.
The way seemed blind enough to the two detectives, who were, of course, on unfamiliar ground.
”Are you sure you can find the place?” asked one of them, doubtfully, addressing himself to Harry.
”Sure,” answered Harry, briefly.
”It seems blind.”
”I know the wood well. I have played here from a boy.”
”Where does this Temple live?” asked the second detective.
”In the edge of the wood.”
”Near here?”
”No, on the other side of the wood.”
”It is to be hoped he has not grown distrustful and removed the box.”
”I don't think there is any danger of it, sir. Remember, it is only last night that it was concealed. Besides, he wouldn't dare to attempt it in the daytime, when he would be liable to be seen.”
”Quite right. You are unusually considerate for a boy.”
Harry did not disappoint his companions. He led the way to the place where, the night previous, he had seen the tin box secreted, and instantly pointed out the exact spot where it was concealed.
The two detectives lost no time in searching for it. They had brought no shovel with them, lest, being seen, their object might excite suspicion; but, by means of sticks which they sharpened into stakes with the help of sharp jackknives, they turned up the earth, and, in due time, revealed the box.
”There it is,” said Harry, joyfully, for he was also helping, and it was his stake that struck it first.
<script>