"Yes; I heard. He kept them in a tin box—very much like that," and the tramp indicated the box in the wagon.
"Well, suppose he did?" said Gerald, eyeing his companion closely.
The tramp laughed.
"Only that you've got the box in this here wagon, and the gold, too."
"Now for it!" thought Gerald. "The crisis is near at hand!"
"You might be mistaken," he answered, trying not to show the excitement he felt.
"And then again I mightn't. You're taking the gold to the bank in Fairfield."
"Who told you so?"
"Ah, the cat's out of the bag!" said the tramp, triumphantly.
"Well," said Gerald, with apparent frankness, "as you seem to know I may as well own up that you are right. I am glad to have you with me, as some one might try to rob me, and I can rely on your assistance."