“So am I,” joined in Noddy.
“If you want to crack the safe there,” went on Tom, pointing to an old-fashioned one that stood in a corner, “you could get three hundred dollars, and more. I saw dad put one thousand dollars in bills in there a while ago. Some people paid their debts late this afternoon, and he didn’t want to go to the bank so near closing time. But I guess you don’t want to crack a safe, do you, Noddy?”
“No,” replied Noddy, with an uneasy laugh, as he left the mill office.
“Good night,” called Tom, as he proceeded to put his books away. Then, seeing that the safe was closed, and locking the office door, he went home.
“Everything fails me,” muttered Noddy. “But I simply must raise the cash—somehow. I wonder—”
But he hardly dared whisper even to himself the thought that came into his mind.
[CHAPTER VI.]
AT THE CLUB HOUSE.
Following the last of the races at the athletic grounds it was announced that the Cresville Club would tender, that night, a reception to all participants and their friends. There was to be a little entertainment and refreshments would be served. The prizes would also be awarded.