As soon as this had been done Mr. Halsey advanced to the piano box and lifting the cover thrust his hand into the meal.
The boys were unable to see the expression which came over his face, but in their imagination they were both confident they knew how startling his appearance was. They were still able to see Rufus in his seat in the cart and the alarm which he quickly manifested was connected directly with the failure of his employer to find the object for which he was seeking.
“Where’s that box?” demanded Mr. Halsey, turning and approaching the cart.
“I don’t know nothing about the box,” grumbled Rufus. “All I do is take your boxes over to Mackinac or down to Western Duck Island. You promised to give me ten dollars a day and I’ve spent ten days for you this summer and you have paid me just twelve dollars and a half.”
“If you’ll find this box for me I will give you fifty dollars,” declared Mr. Halsey. His excitement was plainly manifest in his voice and John trembled slightly as he assured himself that the box he had found was still safely in his possession.
“Rufus,” said Mr. Halsey sharply, “have you got that box?”
“No.”
“Do you know where it is?”
“No.”
“Do you know what is in it?”