The road which Carlos took was the same which led to Elm Grove; so that, in making his journey, he was obliged to pass the residence of his uncle.
Carlos drove swiftly along until he came near Elm Grove, when he brought his horse to a walk. He noticed an express-wagon in front of the gate, and two men carrying a small but heavy box in between them. He looked curiously at this, and the driver of the wagon, who remained on his seat, holding the horse said:
“Prob’ly you don’t know what’s in that box, bein’ a stranger in town?”
“No,” answered Carlos; “I certainly do not know what it contains.”
“Ha, ha! Thought so. Well, I’ll tell you. It’s gold.”
“Gold!”
“Yes. Colonel Conrad owns a mine out West, and about three times a year they send him a box full of gold. You saw, didn’t you, how strong the box was ironed together?”
“Yes, I noticed it.”
“There’s about thirty thousand dollars in it, I’m told.”
“Indeed!” laughed Carlos. “That’s more than one man deserves, I should think.”