"And when he does it will be full of brown paper," said Jack. "I've read about such tricks."
"It won't if we can help it," put in Nat. "I guess here is where we get busy."
The boys held a further conference and agreed on a plan of action. They went back to their berths, and, a little later, they heard the fake professor and Mr. Post coming back from the smoking room.
"Do I put it at the head or foot?" they heard the miner ask.
"At the foot," replied the plotter.
"So he can get it easier," muttered Jack.
Nat's berth was right opposite that of Mr. Post, so it was arranged he was to do the main work. In a little while the sleeping car became a quiet place, and deep breathing from one berth after another told that the occupants were slumbering soundly. Pretty soon Nat heard a snore from the berth of the miner.
"I'd better do it now, before Professor Punjab gets busy," he thought.
Then with his umbrella, which had a crook for a handle, Nat reached out between the curtains and began to feel around under Mr. Post's bed for the box. He had to work cautiously, but at length his efforts were rewarded. He felt the umbrella crook fasten on the object, and he pulled it across the aisle toward him.
When it was near enough he reached his hand down and took it up into his berth.