“It seems to me,” drawled Jack, addressing the motel owner, “that you’re changing your tune about the gold. Until now, you’ve maintained Stony’s tale was fantastic.”
“And so it is!”
“You’re the one who should know,” Willie said significantly. “You were the first to go through Old Stony’s things.”
The Scouts expected the motel owner to fly into a rage at this accusation, but to their surprise he shrugged it off.
“I found nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
“Not even in the bag of pinto beans?” War asked.
Walz’ lips twitched, and a flush overspread his ruddy cheeks.
“I see Old Stony did tell you quite a story,” he sneered. “Oh, you can’t fool me! You weren’t here on any good-will mission. You were looking for gold and a treasure map.”
“You’ve changed your idea about the map, too,” Jack accused him.
“Maybe I have! Maybe I’ve come to the conclusion Old Stony told you a few things he never entrusted to any other person in Rocking Horse.”