His chum lost no time in following, and for a few moments, at least, they were comparatively safe.
“Now, Blake,” said Joe, when they felt that they could slacken their pace to get their breath, “I want you to tell me that secret!”
CHAPTER XVII
AFTER THE WRECKERS
Blake Stewart was at a loss. He did not know what to do, and, though he had been expecting to hear this request at almost any time, he was no more prepared for it now than he would have been had it been made directly after Blake learned of Mr. Duncan’s flight.
“Well?” asked Joe, suggestively, when his chum did not answer. “Aren’t you going to tell me?”
“What makes you think I have a secret, Joe?” Thus Blake tried to temporize, so that he might think what was best to do.
“Oh, I’m sure you have,” declared Joe, “and you might as well tell me now as any time, for I’m bound to find it out. I don’t believe there’s any more danger now,” and he paused to look back along the almost hidden path they had followed. “I can’t see anything of that man,” he added. “We gave him the slip, all right.