Bob was interrupted by the sound of Uncle Ruben’s voice, which came from behind the cabin. It was pitched in a high key, and there was a triumphant ring in it.
Being fully satisfied in his own mind that the man had succeeded in finding some damaging evidence against his nephew, Bob was not very much surprised at the sight that was presented to his view when he ran around the corner of the house.
A hole had been dug close under the rear wall, and near by lay a couple of open bundles that had just been taken out of it.
Uncle Ruben’s face was fairly radiant. He seemed to be struggling to assume an expression of countenance suitable to the occasion, but his delight was so great that he could not possibly conceal it.
George Edwards was fairly overwhelmed with astonishment, while Wallace and his two friends looked as though a mountain of anxiety had been removed from their minds.
Bob’s sharp eyes took all these things in at a glance, and then they turned toward the sheriff.
The latter looked solemn, but he did not appear to be at all astonished. He knew that George Edwards had never put those bundles in that hole; and there were other men in the party who knew it, too.
But the question was: Who did do it?
It was answered in a very few minutes, and in a most unexpected manner.
“George, I am astonished at you!” said Uncle Ruben, drawing the back of his hand across his eyes, and wiping away the tears that would not come at his bidding. “Neighbor Newton, these things come from some of the stores that’s been robbed.”