Meanwhile Dean had come to a conclusion as to what to do. He would visit the place where the robbery took place—his uncle had described it so accurately that there would be no mistaking it—and see whether there was anything to be learned there.
He found an opportunity the very next afternoon. He did not say anything to his aunt, for it would only have excited her unduly. Besides, he thought it very possible that he would have to return without any information, and might be laughed at.
It was a considerable walk to the place indicated, but he reached it in due time. He was afraid he would meet some one who would ask him his object, but it was a lonely spot, and only one team passed. He saw it in time to dodge into the woods, and so avoided questioning.
When the team had passed on he came out to the road. He could see the exact position of the buggy at the time it was stopped by the robber, and he found the tree under which his uncle was placed in an unconscious condition.
"I have satisfied my curiosity," he said to himself, "but that is all. I haven't got any information."
Just then his sharp eyes fell upon a small bright object on the ground about three feet from the tree. He pounced upon it eagerly and picked it up.
It was a sleeve button, apparently gold. Just in the center was a black initial letter. This letter was B!
Dean's eyes lighted up.
"This may lead to something," he said to himself quietly, as he slipped the button into his pocket.