"I've spent more than half of what I got out of the deal," went on Pat
Malone, for such was the full name of one of the speakers.

"I've spent more than that. But never mind, my boy, fortune will favor
us again in the near future."

A crash of thunder drowned out the conversation following, and Joe
hurried back to where he had left Ned.

"Well, have you found out who they are?" demanded the rich youth,
impatiently.

"No, Ned, but I am sure of one thing."

"What is that?"

"They are two bad men."

"What makes you think that?"

"They said something about having to get out of the city, and one spoke
about being nabbed. Evidently they went away to avoid arrest."

At this announcement Ned Talmadge whistled softly to himself.

"Phew! What shall we do about it?" he asked, with a look of concern on
his usually passive face.

Joe shrugged his shoulders.