Part 15 (1/2)

”I wonder if this is ever going to stop?” he mused ”It looks as if it was in for an all-day pour, yet we ought only to have a suuess what I think about it won't influence the weather ht as wellLet's see If I get to Fordhaht to be able to et supper in Fordham, and push on That is, I will if the rain stops”

That was thefrom his seat strolled over to the front of the shed to look out

”I believe it is getting lighter in the west,” he told hi to clear It's only a summer shower, after all”

But just as he said that there came a sudden squall of wind and rain, fiercer than any which had preceded To It was quite chilly now, and he noticed that near where he sat there was a big opening in the rear of the shed, where a couple of boards were off

”This hty place in winter,” he observed ”If I could find a drier spot I'd sit there, but this see on ined he heard the sound of an auto back here?” he exclaiain arose, and went to the front of the shed He could see nothing, and came back to escape the rain There was no doubt but that the shoould soon be over, and looking at his watch, Toht arrive in Albany

He was busy trying to figure out the best plan to pursue, and was hardly conscious of his surroundings Seated on the log, with his back to the opening in the shed, the young inventor could not see a figure stealthily creeping up through the wet grass Nor could he see an automobile, which had come to a stop back of the horse shelter--an auto two rain-soaked h the grass

Tom put his watch back into his pocket and looked out into the storh the clouds, and only a few drops were falling The youth stretched with a yawn, for he was tired of sitting still At the mo was thrust through the opening behind hi club, and an instant later it descended on the lad's head He went down in a heap, li leaped a man He bent over To to the place where the boards were off the shed, he motioned to the men in the automobile

They hurried from the machine, and were soon beside their coht,” observed the h and dealt Tom the bloith the club

”Knocked him out! I should say you did, Featherton!” exclaimed one who appeared better dressed than the others ”Have you killed him?”

”No; but I wish you wouldn't mention my name, Mr Appleson I--I don't like--”

”Nonsense, Featherton No one can hear us But I'm afraid you've done for the chap I didn't want hiuess Featherton kno to do it, Appleson,” commented the third man ”He's had experience that way, eh, Featherton?”

”Yes, Mr Morse; but if you please I wish you wouldn't ht, Featherton, I knohat you mean,” rejoined the man addressed as Morse ”Now let's see if we have drawn a blank or not

I think he has with hi ant”

”Doesn't seem to be about his person,” observed Appleson, as he carefully felt about the clothing of the unfortunate Tom

”Very likely not It's too bulky But there's his motor-cycle over there It looks as if anted was on the back of the saddle

Jove, Featherton, but I think he's co to!”

Tom stirred uneasily and moved his arms, while a ot some stuff that will fix him!” exclaimed thethe auto fro inventor was still again

”Quick now, see if it's there,” directed Morse, and Appleson hurried over to the machine

”Here it is!” he called ”I'll take it to our car, and we can get away”

”Are you going to leave him here like this?” asked Morse