“I thought Lenning had been the victim of foul play,” was all he said.
Hawkins, putting down the lantern beside him, began releasing Lenning. First he removed the cloth from his lips.
“The safe has been broken open,” were Lenning’s first, halting words; “Shoup was one of the thieves—I don’t know who the—the other man was. Follow them! You’ll have to hurry or——”
“Never mind, Jode,” interrupted Hawkins, in a kindly voice. “Shoup and the other fellow got away, but the bullion was recovered.”
“The bullion—was re-recovered, you say?” faltered Jode.
“Yes.”
A sob of relief rushed through Lenning’s lips.
“I—I was afraid it would be laid to me,” he cried. “I didn’t want that to happen after Merriwell had got me the place, and had become responsible for what I did.”
“Everything’s all right, Lenning,” Merriwell called down, “so don’t fret.”
Hawkins got the cords off Lenning’s feet and hands, and then helped him up the ladder and down to the hard ground outside the tank. Mr. Bradlaugh was there to catch him by the hand.