Mr. Hatfield locked the money box into the rear compartment of his car.
“Oh, by the way, boys, just a word of caution,” he said as he prepared to drive away. “Until I’ve had a chance to report to the police, it’s just as well that no one learns about the money. So I’m depending upon you to keep our discovery a secret.”
CHAPTER 3
Jack, the Runaway
Although only a misty rain now fell, street gutters raced with water which could not be quickly carried off.
In Mr. Hatfield’s car, Fred, Dan and Brad watched the slow-moving traffic ahead. Even taxi-cabs crept along, wary of surface water on the pavement.
“It’s hard to see the road ahead,” Mr. Hatfield complained. “What a night!”
“You don’t need to take Dan and me home,” Brad said quickly. “We walked to the church and we don’t mind walking back.”
“It’s no trouble,” the Cub leader returned. He snapped on the windshield wiper again as a few drops of rain splattered the glass. “Fact is, I’m glad to have company.”
Mr. Hatfield fell silent, paying close attention to his driving. From the slight frown which settled over his face, the three boys guessed that he was worrying about the money box.
“It’s certainly queer how it came to be in the coal bin,” Dan remarked. “I nearly fell over when my shovel turned it up.”