“We ought to have one of Hockley’s dime novel heroes here,” said Sam, grimly. “He’d twist this bar out in a jiffy.”
“Or one of the half-dime novel detectives,” returned Darry. “He’d find a secret passageway leading down into a counterfeiter’s den, with a trunk full of gold in the bargain.”
“Well, this is no laughing matter, Darry. That ride made me hungry. If I had known this I’d had breakfast before I started.”
“Yes, indeed, and I’d have packed a big lunch box in the bargain, Beans. But don’t mention food—it only makes me more hungry. Let’s take another look around.”
“Bound to find that passageway to the counterfeiter’s den, eh? All right, Old Flashlight, go ahead and make yourself famous.”
Both boys laughed in spite of the seriousness of the situation, and then began another hunt around the room.
“I see something that I didn’t notice before,” observed Darry, after searching around for quarter of an hour. “Do you see this wall? Right above my reach it is depressed for about a foot. If you’ll boost me up to the ledge I’ll feel around there for an opening.”
“To be sure I’ll boost you up. But don’t fall and hurt yourself.”
Once up on the ledge, Darry felt around with care. As before, he found plenty of dirt and mixed in with this were two or three musty books, a couple of empty bottles, and other odds and ends of no value whatever.
“Here’s some reading for you—it will help to pass the idle hours,” cried Darry, tossing the books to Sam.