"Let us get there as soon as possible," said Mr. Goings. "I half expected something of this kind. You can go with us, Dix. I will be responsible—hello! here comes Calvert himself. He will take charge of the mail until we get back. I calculate there will be no complaining if you do not get in late to-night, with the news that you will bring."
Little Snap could make no reply to these hurried words, and all too soon it seemed to him they were ready to start toward the cave, Ab Raggles leading the way.
"Reckon you fellers will hev an easy time o' it a baggin' th' game some one else has nabbed fer ye."
"Fast are they?" asked Mr. Goings.
"I should say so. He's got 'em shut up in th' cave—every galoot o' 'em. Jess fixed a rock so es to slide it down over the hole thet led inter the place. Then, when they was all in he shot th' stone on."
Ha! there's th' old duffer now, a-waitin' for us!"
They had got in sight of the cave, and sure enough, on the summit of the rock overlying the place stood the figure of the victor, as described by Ab Raggles.
Little Snap looked up to recognize Old Solitaire!
The old hermit's garb was sadly disarranged, and the flowing white beard and hair were hanging on one side of his head, presenting a ridiculous appearance!
"We came as soon as we could, Mr. Lewis," said the inspector.