Previously it had been agreed between the three boys that in the event of Frischette entering the room and attempting to steal the money, no effort would be made to prevent him. Now Creel, and not Frischette, was about to commit the crime. For some unknown reason Dick felt that he could not lay there inactive. Resentment and anger suddenly burned within him. As Creel cautiously lifted up his coat, Dick found himself sitting bolt upright, and, to his amazement, heard himself shout out: “Drop that coat if you don’t wish to get in trouble. Drop it, I say!”
Creel started so quickly, dropped the coat so suddenly, that the chair overturned and crashed to the floor. There came the sound of moccasined feet pattering away! Dick had sprung from his bunk, as had also Sandy and Toma. For a time confusion and excitement reigned. Frischette appeared in the doorway, and upon his heels came Fontaine and Le Sueur, rubbing their eyes.
“What ees ze matter?” Frischette inquired in a frightened voice. “What has happen?”
“Someone came in here a moment ago,” cried Dick angrily, “and tried to steal my money. I tell you, Frischette, the thief is in this house!”
CHAPTER VI
NEW COMPLICATIONS
Not until the following morning did the boys have a chance to discuss the happenings of the previous night. Over the breakfast table, Dick was the cynosure of two hostile pair of eyes—those of Sandy and Toma. It was quite evident that Dick’s chums were not satisfied with the outcome of the night’s adventures. Sandy, in particular, could scarcely contain himself. He kept glowering at his friend over his coffee and bacon, and Dick could see that a lecture was forthcoming. However, Sandy did not get his chance until nearly an hour later, when the three boys left the dining room for a turn in the open air. Scarcely were they outside, when Sandy broke forth petulantly:
“Look here, Dick, I must say that you followed out our agreement to the letter. What did you mean by crying out like that, after it had been decided to let Frischette walk away with the money?”
“But it wasn’t Frischette,” Dick defended himself.
“Wasn’t Frischette. What do you mean? Of course, it was Frischette. I saw him with my own eyes.”
“It was Creel.”