CHAPTER IX

"WELL DONE, MY BOY!"


"There, some more gone, Paul!"

"But it's nearly ten days since we talked it over last, and then there
were, let me see, I believe six coins left," returned the other, quickly.

"That's true enough. And I can see now that you're wondering why none
have been taken all this time, up to to-day," remarked Jack, as he came
alongside his chum, who was looking in at a window where sporting goods
made a brave display.

"Will Carlo hang around and wait for you a bit?" asked Paul, looking with
a smile toward the big Newfoundland dog that had been trotting at the
heels of his young master, carrying a basket, in which were several
packages from the store.

"Sure. He's well trained, and that is one of the smallest of his stunts,
as you know. See, he has laid the basket down, and stands guard over it.
I dare any dog in Stanhope to try and take it away. Now, you want to know
about my poor old batch of coins!"

"I'm waiting to hear, old fellow," said Paul, tenderly; for he could see
that his chum was once again highly charged with emotion.

"I thought I'd try a scheme unbeknown to you," began the other, slowly.