Part 30 (2/2)

”I had no idea this Bernardo was such a scoundrel, or I would never have done business with him. However, all's well that ends well. And I cannot complain of my treatment by the federal authorities. But I was worried for a time, not only about myself, but about you boys.”

”Oh, we made out all right,” boasted Ned.

”So I hear,” laughed his uncle. ”Besides saving me you covered yourselves with glory.”

”We didn't think so the time we let those pickpockets rob us,” remarked Frank. ”We felt like a couple of very foolish lads then.”

”Did you ever hear anything of those rascals?” questioned the uncle, with interest.

”Not a word. Fact is, we didn't get much chance to follow the matter up after we joined the navy.”

”I see. It is a pity. Such rascals ought to be placed behind the bars.

They are a constant menace to honest folks.”

”Maybe the police captured those fellows while we were away,” suggested Ned. ”I think I'll make some inquiries. They may have p.a.w.ned dad's watch. I'd like to get that back even if we didn't get our money. I'm going to inquire.”

And he did, with the result that he did recover the watch where one of the thieves had p.a.w.ned it. But the money was gone forever, and the thieves were never brought to book for the crimes against Frank and Ned for the reason that these two rascals were already serving a term in prison in another state.

”Well, since our fortunes are recovered, we have plenty of money, boys,”

said Mr. Arden to his nephews one day when they had sh.o.r.e leave and were out to dinner with him. ”I can buy your discharge from the navy, if you like.”

”No, sir!” exclaimed Frank. ”I'm going to serve out my four years at least. Uncle Sam's navy is the finest place in the world, and I'm learning more than I would at college. I'm going to stick!”

”So am I!” added Ned.

And stick they did.

THE END

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