“What could you do with them?”
“We could turn the barn there into an office. I’d run connections out through the back to the fence. It’s just behind.”
“Say—I’ve an idea then! If it wouldn’t take you long to remove the instruments from the table?”
“Only a couple of minutes.”
“Come on,” said West. Leading the way back toward the office, he explained, “I’ll get these beggars out, you hide round the corner, and soon as the way is clear rush in and get your instruments, and duck for the barn. I’ll join you later.”
“How are you going to get them out?” whispered Jack.
“Watch,” said the reporter.
As Jack drew out of sight about the rear of the building his mystification was added to when he saw West pause before the door, stoop and pick up a handful of gravel. But immediately the reporter entered the doorway and spoke his purpose was explained.
“Hello, you two big rummies,” he said in his most offensive tones. “What are you doing here?”
The two men were in a momentarily genial mood, however, and missed the insult. “Why, hello pard, ol’ man,” responded one of them cordially. “Come in an’ make ’self t’ home. Wanta buy a telegraph office? Cheap?”