But he felt freshened up, and, making a hearty breakfast, went to the office. He was among the first to arrive. Mr. Newton was there, busily engaged in writing at his desk. He looked up when Larry entered.
“Anything new?” he asked, and Larry shook his head, knowing his friend referred to the deed.
“We’ll have to get busy on that again, now,” spoke Mr. Newton, coming over to where Larry was. “It will not do to let the gang think we have given up.”
“But what can we do?” asked Larry.
“We’ll wait, and see if they don’t do something first,” replied Mr. Newton. “They may show us a little more of their hand, and give us a better clew to work on. I guess we can’t depend any more on Mr. Hosfer to help us. He will be suspected by the gang from now on. We’ll have to think up a new plan.”
“Do you suppose they’ll be after me again, to sign the deed?” asked Larry.
“I presume so. They must have your signature, as well as that of your mother. In fact, I doubt if they could get possession of the property, even if you and your mother did sign. You see, it belongs to you, your mother, and the other children jointly. It would be necessary for you all to sign, and, as you and the other children are not of age, your signatures would be of no value. The courts would have to be appealed to to appoint a guardian for you. But the gang evidently think that if they get your signature, and that of your mother, they can pass the deed off for genuine on some unsuspecting purchaser, without waiting for the other names.”
“Have you any idea about why they are so anxious to get the land?” asked Larry.
“Nothing, except I am sure there is some big move afoot in that part of town. It concerns the city, but what it is I can’t learn, though I’ve tried in all the ways I know. I’m only afraid some other paper will find out before I do, and get a beat on me as well as spoiling our chance to get the deed back. But that’s one of the risks you take in this business.”
“Then the only thing to do is to wait?” asked Larry.