CHAPTER XXX
A BURGLAR’S FAILURE
If Tom Burns had been more prudent, he would have made good his escape with the money and gold watch he had already secured. But he was too greedy for gain.
He pictured to himself the store with its goodly stock of money taken in during the day, and he felt an irresistible craving for it. There might be one or two hundred dollars, and no one in charge but a boy whom he could easily overpower.
Apart from the pecuniary gain he felt that he should enjoy getting the best of Ernest, who had already foiled him at Oak Forks.
“This time he will come out second best,” chuckled Burns to himself.
Then he laughed when he remembered how his appearance had puzzled Ernest.
“It was a good idea growin’ a beard,” he said to himself. “Seems to have disguised me pretty well. The boy thought he had seen me before, but he couldn’t make out where. The next time he’ll know me, I reckon.
“I must keep out of the way till night,” he said to himself. “It won’t do for me to be seen prowlin’ round the settlement.”