"See if my bearskin's safe," drawled Dave.

He propped his flaring torch between two stones and sank wearily down, while Bob and Dick entered the cave.

A moment later, Dick Travers poked his head outside the opening, and, in a voice that trembled with excitement, made this startling announcement:

"Hello, Dave Brandon—it's gone!"


[CHAPTER XX]

BOB'S WILDCAT

"Gone? It can't be!" gasped Dave. He rose slowly to his feet. "You're joking, Dick."

"Not a bit of it. Sure as you're bigger than a grasshopper, somebody's swiped it, eh, Bob?"

Bob nodded.