“That accounts for the obstruction on the track, all right!” Alex decided. “I guess we’ve gotten into a nest of thieves!”

“Well, you needn’t tell them what you’re thinking about!”

Alex turned quickly about, not at first recognizing the voice, then a white body launched against his breast, nearly bringing him to the earth.

“Down, Captain Joe!” he exclaimed. “Do you want to tip a fellow off his feet?”

Then he looked up at Clay with a grin.

“I thought you were a train robber!” he said. “Wonder you wouldn’t scare a fellow to death!”

“Why don’t you come up to supper?” asked Clay.

“Huh!” replied the lad. “Never you mind supper! Just come along with me and see what I have found!”

“Gold?” asked Clay.

“Train robbers.”