“He said if he didn’t get the jewels back it would ruin him,” added Roger.
“Oh, we must get them back!” cried Dave. “Why, they are worth a fortune!”
In the shipping-room all was dark, and the boys had to first light a match and then turn on the electric illumination. The telephone was near by.
“Ruined!” cried our hero, as he beheld the wrenched-away receiver and transmitter.
“Here is where they must have caught the watchman while he was telephoning to Mr. Wadsworth!” said Phil.
“That must be it, Phil. We’ll have to go to the police station, or find another telephone.”
The boys rushed back to the offices and told of what they had discovered. Then Phil and Roger volunteered to run to the police station, over a quarter of a mile away.
“If you’ll do that, I’ll go to the railroad station,” said Dave. “I may be able to pick up some clew. The twelve-fifteen train is almost due and those rascals may try to board it. If I see anybody that looks suspicious, I’ll have him detained.”
“Don’t get into trouble!” called his father after him.
“I’ll try to take care of myself, Dad,” he answered.