The night was spent near a small water course in the valley, and at three o'clock all hands entered the company's store at Farley's.
Both Mr. Wright and the cashier were in the building, and they listened in undisguised astonishment as Joe told the story of the capture.
"Here is the money, except what they have spent," Fred said when Joe concluded the recital, and he handed the package to the superintendent.
An examination showed that but fifty-three dollars were missing, and then Mr. Wright turned to Gus, who was wearing a look of mingled indignation and innocence.
"How did you get this money from Thorpe?"
"Who is he, sir?"
"The boy who was bringing it from the bank."
"I never saw him."
"Then how did you get these notes?"