“Yes, sure.”
“It doesn’t seem possible!” panted Hodge.
Then he caught sight of Frank’s grip, sprang for it, caught it up.
“Open it, Frank!” he cried—“open it and let me see! I shall not be satisfied till I look!”
“It is no use,” said Merry. “The money is gone.”
“Open it!” Hodge shouted.
Frank did so. Bart tore out the contents. He sprang the fastening that held the false bottom in and removed the bottom.
“Yes, gone!” he groaned, thrusting in his hand and feeling about. “But as there is a God, I swear I did not take it! Do you believe me, Frank?”
“Yes, Bart, I believe you.”
“Thank Heaven!”