ht pass it not knowing where it is, and yet be within a few rods of
where it is--or was. It's a woodsy neighborhood, and seems to me that I
heard it had burned down but I won't be sure. Anyhow, that's the only
place I've learned of beyond here, eastward, that in the least is like
what you been asking about. What might you kids be wanting such a place
for? Looks like I'd ruther pass it not knowing there was such a thing
near as a ghost tavern."

Phil replied evasively, for it was decided to say nothing at present as
to what the boys were up to. At least to say nothing that might make
others think that anything out of the common was embodied in their
present purposes.

Before the car started, however, the innkeeper, still scratching his
grizzled head, looked up again, saying:

"Seems like I heard 'way back yonder that there was a tavern near where
a big railroad robbery took place. But I ain't sure. Old folks like me
find that we forgit easier than we remember. However, I wish ye all good
luck. Keep your eyes open, boys, and don't go it blind--at least no
blinder 'n you can help. So long!"

All this strengthened their confidence in the sincerity of Coster's last
bequest to P. Jones, Esq., who plumed himself accordingly, after his
customary manner. He pinched Dave's arm as he said:

"Bet your life, Dave, there was more in what Coster gave me than you
thought! You're driving. You watch the road. Me and Phil and Billy will
keep up a lookout that will not miss that old tavern, ghost or no
ghost."

"S'pose the old rookery has been burned or made way with?" Dave
propounded this while curving his course round a steep embankment that
made the roadway barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass. Before
Paul had time to retort a rumble ahead broke in on their ears. Dave
instantly turned towards the bluff on his right, for the shelving
embankment sloped steeply to the left.

"That's right, Mac!" interposed Paul, his attention being thus diverted
from a witticism at MacLester's expense. "Jam her close to the bluff and
let the other fellow do the worrying."

Just then, round the further end of the curve came a farm wagon loaded
with hay, one man driving as he sat cramped against the dashboard, while
on the load behind was a boy and a girl, both somewhere along their
teens in age. When the farm team saw the purring car they balked, tried
to shy dangerously towards the slope, but the man behind reined them up
so sharply that t