“Yes, me. So you are going to a high-class school, are you?”
“Why should I not if I pay for it?” asked Jack, coolly.
“And I need the money. Have you any with you?”
“Yes—and I mean to keep it with me,” with a slight interruption.
“I can claim all you have. It is mine by right,” said the other in a dogged tone. “Come closer. I want to talk to you. Perhaps I can make a business proposition.”
There was a rustle among the leaves at a little distance and Jack looked around sharply but saw nothing, the stranger having evidently not taken note of anything.
“Come here,” he said, resting his hand in the hollow of the tree. “Do you see this hole? You could put something in there and I would get it. I have used it for a post-office before. It has been very handy. So, you found the money in the creek, did you? I was coming after it in a day or so. What have you done with it?”
“Restored it to the bank, whose property it was,” came the quiet answer. “You do not suppose I would keep it?”
“I worked for that money and only for my pals getting frightened I would have had more. We left the biggest part behind.”
“It is not safe for you here since the police have your description and know your reputation,” said Jack, quietly. “I would advise you to go away at once.”