“Oh, I guess not. Don’t saddle that on him,” said Luke. “But I didn’t mean that way. I think Hop Wong has been day-dreaming, perhaps, and he may have heard some story about fabulous wealth in the Corner House. You know, before you girls succeeded to Mr. Stower’s estate,” Luke went on, “there was a rumor, so I’ve heard, that he was a sort of miser.”
“We never heard that!” declared Ruth.
“Well, probably it wasn’t spread broadcast,” proceeded Luke. “But I understand there was some talk of it, and I think this is what Hop Wong has gotten hold of and he thinks maybe there is a treasure buried somewhere.”
“Just like that treasure that was found in the album in the attic—the fortune that went to Mrs. Eland and Miss Pepperill,” said Agnes.
“But where, Luke, could this present fortune be buried?” asked Ruth.
“Just nowhere!” chuckled Luke. “It’s all bosh, of course, and that’s why I think Hop Wong is a faker.”
“But what about what was said by those men on the train?” asked Agnes. “I mean about the ten thousand dollars.”
“Oh,” murmured Luke. “You mean those men I overheard talking?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t believe there’s any connection between them and Hop Wong. It’s all just bunk, if you will excuse my use of a slang term,” laughed Luke. “Now let’s forget all about it and go riding. It’s a glorious day.”