"Let's see the papers, Pete," said Merton. "If they're worth anything to me I'll pay you for them."
"Dar dey is, boss," and Pete triumphantly drew the roll from the breast of his ragged "hickory" shirt.
Merton grabbed the roll eagerly, slipped off the rubber band and began examining every sheet. While his friends breathlessly watched, Merton jammed the papers into his pocket, sprang to his feet and paced back and forth across the room.
"What is it, Ollie?"
"Found out anything important?"
"Do those papers really belong to Motor Matt?"
"Tell us about it, can't you?"
"Shut up a minute," growled Merton. "I'm framing up a plan."
For a little while longer Merton continued to pace the floor; then, at last, he halted in front of Pete.
"There's five dollars for you, Pete," said Merton, taking a banknote from his pocket and handing it to the boy.