“He’s going to climb up and drop through that hole in the roof!” Ben said to himself. “That’s the way he got in before. I’ve got the burglar at last!”
The figure paused as if to listen, and then cautiously climbed up the rough side of the building and disappeared through the hole in the roof.
Ben decided to go around the building and enter through the opening on the water side. He was obliged to climb the high bulkhead which ran out into the bay, and then he swiftly ran along the beach. Peering within, he saw the man stooping over the “jigger” and searching for its contents by the aid of a bull’s-eye lantern. He was of slight physique, and there was something about the figure that was strangely familiar. Just then the man raised his head in a listening attitude, and Ben recognized him.
“Syd!” he exclaimed. “I always knew he was a mean sneak, but I never thought he’d be a thief!”
Ben sprang toward him and grasped his arm. “That’s mine! You are stealing my gold!” he cried.
The other tried to shake off his accuser. “Let go!” he screamed.
But Ben did not relax his hold. “Not till you give me what you’ve stolen!”
“I won’t! I’ve as much right to what I find as you have,” Syd doggedly replied; “and I’m goin’ to keep what I’ve got. Let go, I say!”
For answer Ben flung himself upon him.
They were about equally matched and both fought desperately. A misstep on the ground sent them sprawling among the broken bricks and rubbish.