“You’re a fine boy!” he cried. “Come back to the office, and let us talk matters over.”
“Not to-day,” answered Jerry. “I’ve had enough of a dose for the present.”
“You are making a mistake.”
“I don’t intend to put my head into the lion’s mouth.”
While the two were speaking Casey came up, and, as the two appeared as if they wanted to drag Jerry back into the building just left, the youth retreated.
Alexander Slocum followed for a block, and then gave up the chase. Seeing this, Jerry walked on more leisurely.
Our hero’s visit to the real estate dealer had set him to thinking deeply. The man’s anxiety concerning the papers made the boy feel sure there was more at the bottom of the land speculation than either his parents or he had suspected.
Perhaps the land was still held by this man and was of great value. If this was so how was he to go to work to establish his father’s claim?
Pondering over the affair, the young oarsman thought of Mr. Randolph Islen and of his kindness. He resolved to tell that gentleman his story and see what he would have to say.
This conclusion reached, Jerry felt in his inner pocket to see if the precious papers were still safe. To his horror they were gone.