THE MYSTERY BOYS AND THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN SUN
CHAPTER I
THE MAN WHO COULD SMELL MONEY
“That fellow is watching us again!” whispered Tom Carroll to his companions, Nicky and Cliff, as he adjusted a pack strap on the Mexican burro behind which he sheltered his face as he spoke.
“If he keeps on, I’m going over and ask him what’s next!” Nicky said, “I’ll find out what he means by it or know the reason why.”
Nicky was impulsive and quick: he preferred action to reasoning, and was usually more willing to meet trouble than to avoid it. Tom, who was generally as cool and as level headed as Cliff, the oldest of the trio, seemed inclined to agree with the youngest chum; but Cliff, cinching up his pony’s saddle, shook his head at Nicky.
“We came out here to try to learn something about Tom’s sister, not to court trouble,” he urged. “I guess that chap is simply curious about us and is watching to see that we saddle up properly.”
“Is it any of his business?” demanded Nicky. “He’s just one of the miners having his lunch. What business is it of his what we do or how we do it?”
“He looks pretty mean,” Cliff admitted.
Tom, having taken a moment to consider, as he generally did, came to a conclusion. “I’m not so sure that he is mean,” he told his two friends. “That scar across his face, and his bleary eyes, make him look pretty fierce; but he may be perfectly innocent of any wrong thoughts. As long as he only watches, he isn’t breaking any law or hurting us. Are you fellows ready?”
“All set!” answered Cliff, patting his pony’s flank.