“Very well; but first tell me how you are going to manage to keep young Ellerton out of the way while you do all this,” replied Squire Moulton.
Ralph lowered his voice to a whisper as he replied; and turn which way he would, their listener could not hear what he said, only once he caught the words “cave” and “smuggler.” But that was sufficient to set him on the right track.
The two plotters then retired to bed, and Ronald Edgerton returned to his room, to wait until the drug which he had put into their coffee should take effect.
Two hours passed, and again donning his disguise, Ronald again made his way through the closets into the adjoining room. He left his candle just within the closet, partly closing the door, so that the light should not disturb the sleepers.
He smiled triumphantly as he heard their deep, regular breathing, while he coolly set himself about investigating their luggage.
He found nothing there that seemed satisfactory, and so turned his attention to their clothing.
He found two wallets filled with money and drafts; but these he put back again, after a careful examination of their contents, and without taking anything from them.
It was evident that money was not the object of his midnight visit.
At length he found another smaller wallet in the breast-pocket of the squire’s coat. This he took to the light and opened.
It contained a number of papers, which he carefully examined, and then laid aside with evident disappointment.