“That makes a hundred and two,” he said in a tone of satisfaction.
He was preparing to replace the box in its place of concealment when something unexpected happened.
An ill-looking fellow, a tramp in appearance, who had crept up without being observed either by Mr. Winter or the boys, suddenly sprang out from behind a large tree, and throwing himself upon the old farmer tried to pull the box from him.
“Gimme that money, old man!” he cried in a hoarse voice, “or I’ll kill ye!”
Jacob Winter uttered a cry of dismay, but he clung to the box.
“Go away!” he gasped. “It’s my money. I’ll have yer arrested.”
“Go ahead and do it, but I’ll take the money first.”
The fellow’s fierce face was distinctly seen by the boys. He was a man of about thirty, with a coarse sensual look and blotched skin, the result, doubtless, of intemperate habits.
An ill-looking fellow suddenly sprang out from behind a tree and throwing himself upon the old farmer, tried to pull the box from him.—Page [22].