“To lead him a wild-goose chase, while Cub and Tug got away with the money.”
“Where are they?” demanded the anxious Jack.
“Out of his reach,—that’s all I know. He didn’t foller us but a few rods; the old chap’s so lame he can’t run wuth a cent. The idee of your takin’ me for him!”
“Which way did they go? You know!” exclaimed Jack, who was in no mood for laughing at this odd mistake.
“Mebby we shall fall in with ’em, crossin’ the pastur’,” said Hank. “Ye needn’t be alarmed about your money, if we don’t. That’ll be safe. Better keep that hid somewheres, till you’re ready to dispose on ’t; for there’s no knowin’ what the old man may do. Leave that to me an’ Cub; I’ll look out for your interest.”
“Tug has got my hat and shoes!” said Jack, in sore perplexity.
“He’ll keep ’em safe,” replied Hank. “Needn’t worry.”
“My stockings!” exclaimed Jack.
“Has he got them too?”
“No; I wish he had!” For now it occurred to him that the stockings, which he certainly had on his feet before he jumped from the window, must have come off in his captors’ hands when he escaped!