"We were certainly fortunate to get out of that alive," declared Uncle Ben, solemnly.
"Indeed we were," agreed Captain Long. "If Bob hadn't hit on that ring just when he did, we'd all been past help by this time." Then, turning to the officers, he asked, "How are you fellows feeling now?"
All declared that they were all right, with the exception of Ed, who was still pretty weak.
"All right then, one of you take him to the patrol and the rest of us will go back to that house and see if we can find those fellows this time."
CHAPTER XVI.
BUT THE BIRDS HAD FLOWN.
As they were on the way back to the house, Jack turned to Bob, who was walking beside him and said:
"I hope to goodness that our adventures for today are about through. I tell you what, coming so near to death twice in one day is a bit too strenuous to suit me."
They soon reached the house and entered by the front door, which they found unlocked, with drawn revolvers. The room smelled strongly of gas, but they quickly opened the windows, and it was soon nearly all driven out. They searched the house as before, but with no success and finally came to the laboratory. Here the gas was pretty bad, but one of the officers soon found where it was turned on and shut it off. They were, however, unable to find the secret hiding place of the counterfeiters, although they searched for some time. At last the captain said:
"Well, I guess we'll have to give it up for now, but I'm going to leave two of you men here to keep watch, and I'll send some one to relieve you as soon as I get back to the station." Then, turning to Mr. Golden, "We might as well be going now, I'm not going to have that stuff down there removed till tomorrow."
On their way back Bob said that they must take the night train for home, as their parents would be anxious to see them, but Uncle Ben said: