“Whether it comes out all right or whether it doesn’t, Brad,” spoke up the colonel, “we’ve got a little business together on the links. Go ahead and get started.”
Mr. Bradlaugh turned to make his drive.
“Lenning had a reason for not getting back as he said he’d do,” Frank asserted confidently. “When he shows up at the mine, he’ll explain the delay in a manner that will be satisfactory to everybody. I’m just as sure of that as I am that I’m alive this minute.”
The youngster’s loyalty to Lenning won a nod of approval from Mr. Bradlaugh. While the latter was swinging at the ball, Frank, Clancy, and Burke turned and started for the trail in front of the clubhouse. The superintendent rode slowly at the side of the two boys.
“What in the world do you suppose Lenning wanted that dynamite for?” Burke asked.
“Search me!” Frank answered, vastly puzzled.
“While you’re asking conundrums,” chimed in Clancy, “what did he want to take a ride for—and a long one, at that?”
“Yesterday was Sunday.” Burke reminded Clancy, “and the mill is shut down. Most of the men pull out for a ride or a walk.”
“But Lenning has to be on duty every night, hasn’t he? If he was going to take a ride that lasted all day, when would he get his share of sleep?”
“Probably he could do without that for one day. You see, he——”