John, who had long answered to the nickname of "Johnnie Two Times,"
because of the combination of baptismal and family names by which he
was legally known.

A roar of pun-protesting groans filled the cavern, and as several of
the boys arose in attitudes of vengeance, the punster made a dive for
the exit and disappeared beyond the blanket portiere. None of the
protestors followed. They did not feel like engaging in any vigorous
sport following the strenuous exercises they had had.

Five minutes later "Johnnie Two Times" returned. One glance at his
face was sufficient guarantee that he had lost all his punning
facetiousness. He held in his hand a bit of paper which he laid on the
stone table by the lamp.

"Read that, boys!" he exclaimed, excitedly. "I found it outside. Those
men must have dropped it. They're after Mr. Stanlock--going to hold
him up."

The ten other boys needed no second bidding. They crowded around so
eagerly that nobody could read.

"Here, I'll read it aloud," said Clifford, picking up the paper and
holding it close to the lamp. Here is what he read:

"I will bring Old Stanlock along the foothill pike. Will slow up in
the sand stretch. Be there ready to grab him. Jake."

* * * * *