“Over the hill a little ways. It isn’t far. It’s being guarded by Dan Brent, that boy I was telling you about,” whispered Sally, trembling with excitement.
“But where are Allan and Syd? Did you see them?” demanded Prim anxiously.
“They’re not there. Bud Hyslop has them hidden away somewhere.”
“Did you tell Dan that Bud is a crook? That he is keeping the boys hidden, hoping to get a reward?” asked Prim.
“No, that would spoil everything. Dan thinks they are bank robbers. Bud told them that he was holding them for the law and expects to get a reward.”
“There, I just knew that Bud had fixed up a plot against Allan and Syd, and that settles it! Doesn’t Dan know where they are?”
“No, he didn’t know but he’s going to try and find out. He promised to help us.”
Terry turned to the girl impulsively. “Help us, Sally, if you can. You and Dan will never be sorry. We’ll do anything for you! Bud Hyslop has kidnapped Allan and Syd and we must find them at once!”
Late that afternoon Sally slipped away once more. She wanted to see Dan and find out if he had heard anything further from Bud. As she neared the Comet’s hiding place something made her tiptoe softly along the trail. When she came in sight of the clearing she stopped short, with a gasp of surprise. Two other planes were standing near The Comet. Sally crept close, keeping under cover of the low growing bushes. Bud Hyslop and a stranger were talking together a little apart from Dan. The stranger was a slightly built man, very trim in his flying suit and helmet.
“There’s a mystery here,” said Sally to herself. “Somebody else beside Bud Hyslop is interested in that reward.”