glad if only it turns out all right. But here we are at the smithy. Shall
you dismiss the troop here, Paul?"

"Yes. The boys must be pretty tired after last night's work, and this
hike; as well as the many stunts they went through with," and the
temporary master scout presently gave the order to break ranks, and head
for home.

"Drop in at my house so I can tell my folks not to expect me to dinner,"
said Paul, as they approached his home.

There was not the slightest objection to the programme as arranged. His
parents trusted Paul fully, knowing that, while as fond of fun as the
next lad, he never did things likely to get him into trouble.

"Now, first of all," remarked Paul, after they were indoors again; "let's
go up, and make sure that anything has happened."

The door to Jack's den stood wide open, inviting any one to enter.

Jack had a match lighted in his hand, and with this he quickly touched
the wick of a lamp. Paul heard him draw a long breath as he approached
the spot where the little box lay upon the table desk at which stood the
chair used by the owner of the den when taking his leisure here.

He bent over, and seemed to be counting the coins. They dropped back into
the receptacle one by one, and with such a ringing sound that even Paul
was able to keep tally. Then Jack turned an anxious and white face
around.