Tony was not the only witness of the spectacle. Casting his eyes toward the window, he was startled by seeing a dark, sinister face pressed against the pane, almost devouring the old man and his gold.
It was the face of Rudolph, the tramp!
CHAPTER X
RUDOLPH’S UNEXPECTED DEFEAT
“Has Rudolph tracked me, or is it only accident that has brought him here?”
This was the thought which naturally suggested itself to our hero, as in a very disturbed state of mind he stared at Rudolph through the uncertain light.
Tony felt the difficulties of the position. Not only would the gold be taken, but, he, too, would fall into the power of the tramp.
Old Ben had not yet discovered the sinister face at the window. He was too busily occupied with his pleasant employment of counting over his gold.
But he was speedily aroused by the noise of the window being raised from the outside.
Then he turned with a startled look, which quickly deepened into astonishment and dismay, as he caught the lowering look fixed upon him. There was more than this. There was recognition besides.