“Or the manner in which they came here,” Alex concluded, trying to change “money” into “manner” and not succeeding very well.
While the boys talked, they were preparing their beds for the night There were two of these, And they were almost like hammocks let down from the low ceiling, being attached to strong rods by chains. When drawn up the bottoms of the beds looked exactly like the ceiling; when let down strong springs and soft mattresses were disclosed.
Case had already climbed into the one he occupied with Clay when a timid knock came on the door.
“Reception night!” gasped Alex.
“Perhaps it is the policeman come back after the diamonds,” suggested Case. “That little thief has told about seeing them here, and we’re all to be arrested!”
“Imagine one notch farther, and get us hanged for murdering the owner of the diamonds!” scorned Alex. “You certainly do let out the rankest prophecies! Shall I open the door, fellows?”
There was another knock, and the boy did not wait for an answer, but turned the key and threw the door half open. Then he dodged back, and the slender, black-eyed lad who had been taken away by the policeman entered the cabin. It was still raining, and his garments contributed tiny lakes and rivers to the damp spots already on the floor. He stood silent a moment, fumbling with his cap, wringing wet, and then found his voice.
“I thought,” he began.
He stopped and looked toward the coffee-pot, still steaming. Alex lifted it and poured out a cup of strong coffee, which, together with a plate of cold beans and a loaf of bread, he set before the wet boy.
“I guess you’re hungry,” he said, unconcernedly.