“And I suppose the shopkeeper will stand right there and let us do it,” said Jack with some sarcasm.
“We’ll have to tie him up before he can give the alarm.”
“Suits me,” said Jack. “I am willing to take a chance if you are. Come on.”
Quickly the lads made their way back to the street, and once more entered the store. The shopkeeper recognized them instantly by their uniforms, and approached.
“These cigarettes you gave me,” said Frank, “are no good. I want another package.”
“What’s the matter with them?” demanded the storekeeper. “Let me see them.”
Frank laid the package in his hand, and as the latter turned his eyes down to look at the package, Frank seized him about the throat with both hands. Jack picked up a strong piece of cord from the floor, and bound the man’s hands securely, while Frank kept him from making an outcry. Making a gag of his handkerchief, he stuffed it into the man’s mouth in such a way that it was impossible for him to utter a sound. Then they laid him behind the counter on the floor.
“Now we shall see what we can hear,” said Frank.
He approached the door to the next room noiselessly, Jack close at his heels. For a few minutes they waited in silence, but there was no sound from the adjoining room. At last Frank ventured to peer in. He stepped back in astonishment.
“Gone!” he exclaimed.