"But what am I to do?"

"Walk 'round 'till you run across Skip, an' then make friends with the
feller what's with him."

"Is Skip here?" Fred asked in surprise.

"Of course, else how could we find the boy? I gave him money last night,
an' reckon he come over on the first train."

"Did he say where he'd be?"

"No, but you'll sure run across him. Then hang 'round till it's time to
meet me. It don't stand to reason well find out anything to-day, but
we'll get our pipes laid."

Bill turned away as if fearing to prolong the interview lest he be seen
by the boy whom he fancied knew something about the case, and Fred
walked aimlessly to and fro for nearly an hour, when he was accosted by
Skip.

"When did you come?" the latter asked, as if in surprise as he glanced
meaningly toward a rather disreputable looking boy at his side.

Fred told the exact truth, and added that he was "laying off" from work
for a day or two because of an invitation of Bill Thomas' to see the
sights in Blacktown.

Skip's friend at once proposed that Fred spend the day with them, and
the two strangers in the village were soon pretending to enjoy the
lavish hospitality of the fellow who was known by the name of Gus
Dobson.

Only once, before it was time to meet Bill did Skip have a chance to
speak privately with Fred. Their host had left them while he talked in
whispers for several moments with a friend of about the same age and
general appearance, and Skip said:

"I'd like mighty well to help Sam out of his scrape, 'cause it would
kinder square off what I did to hurt you an' him."

"Do you think this fellow knows anything about the money?"

"He ain't givin' himself away; but jest see how much cash he's got. As
many as three dollars were spent yesterday at Farley's, and he's still
slingin' it out."

"Perhaps this is some he's been saving."

"Gus Dobson hasn't worked any to speak of since the Regulators was
started, an' I know he hadn't a cent at the time of the fuss over to
Farley's."

"Has he said anything about Sam?"

"Yesterday he asked a good many questions."

"I don't see how we're going to find out where the money comes from
unless he wants to tell us," Fred said, with a sigh, and then Gus,
looking considerably disturbed, joined them.

"When are you fellers goin' home?" he asked, abruptly.

"I'll start pretty soon," Skip replied, "but Fred don't have to leave
till Bill Thomas gives the word. What's up?"

"Nothin' much