narrow to admit of Big Bob ascending to the upper portion of
the house.

Andy simply rested. There was no further call on the telephone. Finally
he arose abruptly to his feet.

The sound of wagon wheels came from the front of the house. A minute
later footsteps echoed on the steps. A key grated in the front door
lock. The door swung open.

"Hi--Hello! Who are you?" sang out a brusque, challenging voice.

The minute the newcomer entered the hall his eyes fell on Andy. They
became filled with dark suspicion. He was a powerfully-built,
intellectual-looking man. Andy believed he was the proprietor of the
premises, although he did not resemble a farmer.

This man kicked the door shut behind him. He made a pounce on Andy and
grabbed his arm.

"Let me explain "--began Andy.

"How did you get in here?" retorted the man, his brow darkening.

"By an open window--I was waiting--"

"Let's have a closer look at you," interrupted the newcomer.

Dragging Andy with him, the speaker threw open the parlor door. That
room was lighter, but as he crossed its threshold he uttered a
wild shout.

He stood spellbound, staring about the apartment. Andy stared, too.

The room was in dire disorder. A cabinet had all its drawers out. The
floor was littered with their former contents.

A stout tin box was overturned, its fastenings were all wrenched apart.

"Robbed!" gasped the man. "Ha, I see--you are a burglar," he continued,
turning fiercely on the astonished youth.

"Not me," dissented Andy vigorously.

"Yes, you are. All my coins and curios gone! Why, you young thief--"

"Hold on," interrupted Andy, resisting the savage jerk of his captor.
"Don't you abuse me till you know who I am. Yes, your place has been
burglarized--I see that, now."

"Oh, do you?" sneered the man. "Thanks."

"Yes, sir. I saw two men come out of the cellar here an hour ago. I
didn't understand then, but I do now."

"From the cellar? Well, we'll investigate the cellar."

"Better not," advised Andy. "At least, not just yet."

"Well, you're a cool one! Why not?"

"Because there's a bear down there."

"A what?" cried the man, incredulously.

"A bear escaped from the circus. Say, I just thought of it. Have the
burglars taken much?"

"Oh, you're innocent aren't you?" flared out the man.

"I certainly am," answered Andy calmly.

"Did they take much? My hobby is rare coins. With the missing curios, I
guess they've got about two thousand dollars'