“These are the things the mill safe was robbed with,” replied Ned. “The lantern made the light that puzzled me that night I came past, and with this cold chisel and hammer the lock was cut out. The thief must have hidden the things under the boards as he ran away with the money. It was on his route as he passed out of the gate.”
“This mill robbery seems to follow us,” observed Jerry. “Every once in a while something about it crops out.”
“Yes,” commented Ned. “I saw the robbery being committed, or rather I was there while it was being done, we learned about the queer bank bill and Noddy’s connection with it, and now we have discovered the tools that were used.”
“All we need to do next is to recover the money,” said Bob.
“And find the thief,” said Ned.
“I fancy that won’t be difficult to do,” added Bob. “If Noddy—”
“Hush!” exclaimed Ned, “some one is coming! Let’s get out of here!”
Hurriedly Ned hid under his coat the lantern, the hammer and chisel, and the three boys passed out of the mill yard.
“What are you chaps doin’ here?” demanded a rough voice, and Bill Berry shuffled up, looking sharply at first one and then another.