“I don’t think there is any danger of it, sir. Remember, it is only last night that it was concealed. Besides, he wouldn’t dare to attempt it in the daytime, when he would be liable to be seen.”
“Quite right. You are unusually considerate for a boy.”
Harry did not disappoint his companions. He led the way to the place where, the night previous, he had seen the tin box secreted, and instantly pointed out the exact spot where it was concealed.
The two detectives lost no time in searching for it. They had brought no shovel with them, lest, being seen, their object might excite suspicion; but, by means of sticks which they sharpened into stakes with the help of sharp jackknives, they turned up the earth, and, in due time, revealed the box.
“There it is,” said Harry, joyfully, for he was also helping, and it was his stake that struck it first.
“So it is,” exclaimed the first detective, in a tone of satisfaction.
There was no loss of time in lifting the box from its place of concealment. Then it was thought best to replace the earth, and carefully to cover the place with leaves, so as to hide from the superficial observer the fact that it had been disturbed.
“Our errand is accomplished,” said the second detective. “Now let us make all haste back to our wagon.”
“I will guide you,” said Harry.
“Do so, or there is no knowing when we shall get back, or whether we shall get back at all. I once lost my way in a wood, and was wandering about four good hours, and all within a radius of two miles, before I got out. It is difficult to keep your direction in a forest, unless you have a compass.”