“We caught them in our tent at our things,” said Pepper. “At least, they were at my things.”
“And Ritter was in my tent, putting something in my bed,” answered Jack.
“Coulter dropped something. Make a light and see what it was,” suggested Andy.
“Oh, don’t make a noise! You’ll have the guard down on us! And Captain Putnam and Mr. Strong!” cried Paxton, hoarsely. “We don’t want to get caught!”
“You are making as much noise as anybody,” answered Ritter. He was much disturbed, but tried not to show it. “We were only playing a little joke,” he continued. “Just to square up for that launch affair.”
Andy had struck a match and lit a lantern that was handy. He cast the rays on the flooring of the tent.
“Here is what Coulter dropped,” said Dale, and picked the object up. “A twenty-five cent bill, I declare! Where did that old-time money come from?”
“Here is another bill—a ten-cent one,” added Pepper, taking it from his suit-case, which Coulter had not had time to close. “Where did they get this stuff?”
“Let me see those bills,” cried Jack. “Keep your eyes on Ritter as well as Coulter and Paxton,” he added, to his chums.
The young major took the paper money and examined it with care. He gave a start and then turned sternly to Ritter.