CHAPTER VII
WHAT THE ENGINE CAB REVEALED
When Garry left them, Phil and Dick debated as to what course they would pursue. Phil advanced the suggestion that one should make shift to get on the train that went to Coldenham and see what, if anything, transpired along the way.
“First I move we go to see Denton and find out if there will be any valuable mail sent this afternoon,” said Phil.
This was met with assent by Dick, and they departed for the general store.
“Your friend was here only a little while ago,” Denton told them. “Bought a lot of stuff and then hiked off. Goin’ to follow him?”
“No; he’s gone off on a little private trip,” said Phil. He gave no more information, since he saw plainly that Garry had told the postmaster very little about what he intended to do.
When they asked about the mail, Denton said:
“Yes, there’s quite a batch of it for the Ferguson outfit came in on the noon train, and there are several letters with cash in them from around this section. He owns a lot of property round here, and this is about time for the rents to be sent to him. Getting near the first of the month, and he’s a hard landlord, especially to the tenant farmers. Raises hob with them if they’re a day behind on the rent, and to be on the safe side, most of them send it before the first.”
Dick glanced at Phil, as though to say that this was the proper day to start investigating.
Phil asked Denton if he would mind his looking at the letters.