This was the gist of the Westerner’s messages, and in one he added something that rather caused Jerry and his chums some uneasiness. For Tinny said:
“Don’t buy any stock in Blue Rock.”
It might have been a message from a broker to his client concerning an oil well scheme, but the boys knew Mallison referred to the story told by Bill Cromley.
“Guess Tinny doesn’t believe what Bill said,” Ned remarked.
“Oh, well, don’t say anything,” advised Bob. “We can let the two talk it out when they meet.”
So, though there was an undercurrent of disappointment on the part of the boys regarding the story of the treasure chest, it did not much weigh down their spirits.
Some of their things they sent on ahead to Chicago, and they were in fine fettle when, one bright morning, they entered Jerry’s serviceable, if not very fancy car, ready for the start. Good-bys were echoed and re-echoed.
Then, at the last minute, Professor Snodgrass was discovered to be missing.
“Where can he be?” exclaimed Jerry, who was at the wheel. “He was here a minute ago, making notes in one of his books.”