Dan Carter And The Money Box Part 35

"All the same, we ought to keep him in sight," Brad decided. "You two hustle back and watch. If he starts this way, give some sort of signal."

"What'll it be?" Fred asked. "I know! I'll whistle like a whippoorwill."

"Are there any of 'em in the woods at this time of year?"

"Oh, the tramp won't notice," Fred said. "I could give my siren whistle."

"No, the whippoorwill signal will be better," Brad decided quickly. "That siren of yours would send him hot-footing in the opposite direction. But don't use any signal unless it's absolutely necessary."

No sooner had the two gone off, than Chips again urged that the Cubs investigate the shack.

"Jack said the tramp will be tied up for a half hour," he argued. "This is our chance! We can get in there and find the money!"

"Sure, Mr. Hatfield would want us to do it!" Midge backed him up.

"Well, I don't know-it's sort of risky."

"Oh, you're too conservative," Chips said hotly. "I'm not afraid!"

"No one is afraid," Brad retorted. "It's just a matter of common sense.

If the tramp should catch us here before the police arrive-"

"Heck! We're seven to his one! What do we need? An army?"

The taunt annoyed Brad. "I'm just trying to do what Mr. Hatfield would want us to," he retorted. "You're so hot-headed."

"Then go in there yourself and search the shack!" Chips challenged. "Or are you afraid?"

"No, I'm not, and you know it! I just have sense enough to figure that the tramp could come back here any minute."

"Fred and Jack are watching, aren't they? If the fellow leaves the creek, they'll whistle. Go on! The important thing is to get that box of money!"

Brad gazed thoughtfully toward the creek. From a short distance away, he could see a few wisps of smoke arising.

"All right, we'll take a chance!" he decided reluctantly.

Chips started for the shack, only to have Brad haul him back.

"Not you!" he said. "Dan and I will search the shack. You and Midge and Babe stay here and keep watch. If you hear a whistle, or see anyone coming, give us a warning."

"Some guys have all the fun!" Chips complained.

"Fun!" Brad snorted. "We're taking the risk. Don't forget, that tramp may be armed, either with a revolver or a knife. If he should catch us in the shack, he might give us a tough time of it."

"If you're scared, let me go."

"Oh, you make me tired!" Brad snapped in disgust. "Stay here and watch.

Come on, Dan."

The two darted across the clearing and opened the door of the shack.

A few garments hung from pegs on the wall. An orange crate had been fas.h.i.+oned into a table. Otherwise, except for the balsam bed on the floor, the room was bare.

Losing no time, Dan and Brad began to tear the bed apart.

"It's not here," Dan said in disappointment. "Wait"-his hand struck a metal object buried deep amid the carefully laid brush.

Triumphantly, he brought out the tin box.

"Good work, Dan!" Brad praised. "Is the money still there?"

Dan raised the lid. The box appeared filled with bills and coins.

"Not much can be missing at any rate," he said in satisfaction. "Finding this box will clear Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs!"

"Now our only problem will be finding out who's ent.i.tled to the money-"

Both boys froze into alert attention. Faintly they had heard a whistle from down-creek.

"Gos.h.!.+" Brad exclaimed. "We're getting out of here!"

At that same moment, someone tapped on the gla.s.s pane at the rear of the shack.

Whirling around, Brad and Dan saw Chips' contorted face pressed against the window. He motioned frantically.

Seizing the tin box, Brad and Dan started for the door.

Before they could reach it, heavy footsteps were heard outside.

Then the door creaked back, and the tramp stood there blocking the exit!

CHAPTER 18 Pursuit

"Well!" said the tramp unpleasantly. "Visitors, I see!"

Dan gripped the tin box, standing close beside Brad.

The shack had but one exit, the door which was blocked by the tramp. Dan and Brad knew they were in a spot. Their best bet was to stall for time, hoping that the other Cubs would circle in from the rear and come to their aid.

"Hand over that box!" the tramp ordered.

"No!" Dan defied him.

"You'll give it up or I'll break every bone in your body!"