ed Fred, and all had to smile over
the German youth's words.

"I reckon I know what you intend to do," said Tom to the government
official. "You want to take the old man's job away from him."

"Yes--for the time being. But I don't expect to get paid for it."
James Monday turned to Cashaw. "Will you stay with the boys until I
return?"

"Well, now--"

"I want you to stay."

"That means as how I'm to stay whether I want to or not, eh?"

"You can put it that way if you wish. I want to make no trouble for you."

"Sack Todd will make trouble if he hears of this," returned the old
man dubiously.

"Then you had better keep out of sight."

"Will you return my horses and wagon?"

"Either that, or pay for the turnout."

"Then maybe I'd better go to town. I can say I stopped off at a tavern
an' sumbuddy drove off with my rig."

"Very well," returned the detective. "But, mind you, if you dare to
play me foul--"

"I won't! I won't!"

"Then you can go. But wait. Boys, let him stay here an hour. Then he
can go."

So it was arranged, and a few minutes later James Monday was on the
seat of the wagon and driving off in the style of the old man.

"He is certainly a good actor," murmured Tom, gazing after the
government official. "I declare, the two look like two peas!"

"That's a mighty risky thing to do," observed Songbird. "If Sack Todd
and his cronies discover the trick they'll stop at nothing to get
square."

"Trust Mr. Monday to take care of himself," responded Tom. "I am only
hoping he will be able to aid Sam and Dick."

"Oh, we all hope that, Tom."

The boys sat down on some partly dried rocks and began to ask the
old man about himself. But Bill Cashaw was too much disturbed mentally
to give them much satisfaction.

"Well, by hemlock!" he burst out presently.

"What's up now?" queried Tom, and all of the others looked equally
interested.

"If I didn't go an' forgit all about it."

"Forget what?"

"This letter I had fer Sack. An' that was o' prime importance, too,
so the trainman said."

As the old man spoke, he brought forth a letter which he had had
stowed away in a pocket of his shirt.

"What's in the letter?" asked Fred.

"I don't know. It's sealed up."

"I think we'd be justified in breaking it open," put in Songbird.
"Those rascals are outlaws!"

"No! no! don't break it open!" burst out Tom, and snatched the
communication from the old man's hand. "I've got a better plan."

"What plan