hink we can come to terms. I have reason to doubt whether you can carry
out your promise and deliver the property."

"I suppose this is a bluff game, intended to deceive me," said Vernon,
showing symptoms of anger. "I can assure you that it will do you no
good."

"I may find out elsewhere the location of the box."

"Impossible! I, and I alone--that is, outside of the men who employ
me--can give you this information. They will follow my advice, whatever
it is, and I shall advise them not to surrender the box until they
receive an adequate reward."

"Such as the sum you name?"

"Yes."

"Wouldn't two thousand dollars tempt you?" asked the lawyer.

"I think not. Still, I will consult them. I might advise them to accept
that sum."

"My dear sir, I don't want to deceive you. I attach very little
importance to your information, or your power in this matter. In fact, I
have a theory as to the place where the box is concealed."

"Indeed, sir," said Vernon, with a sneer. "May I ask what is your
theory?"

"Certainly. I think it is concealed near some country town, in a
secluded spot in a wood."

Vernon jumped to his feet in dismay. He was convinced that his
confederate had got the start of him and made a bargain with the lawyer,
thus anticipating his own treachery, for he had promised Temple that he
would suffer some time to elapse before communicating with anyone on the
subject.

"Who has been here?" he asked.

"One who saw you and your confederate bury the box," answered the
lawyer, sternly.

Without a word, Vernon dashed from the office, only to be seized by the
two detectives, who had come provided with handcuffs.

"This is an infamous conspiracy!" declared Vernon, furiously. "If Ralph
Temple has betrayed me----

"Harry," said the lawyer, "do you recognize this man?"

Vernon stared in surprise at the supposed office boy.

"Yes, sir."

"Where did you see him last?"

"In Pegan Hill Wood, in the town of Waybridge."

"What was he doing?"

"Burying a tin box in a hole which he dug for the purpose."

"Who was with him?"

"A man named Ralph Temple."

"What do you say to this, Mr. Thompson?" asked the lawyer.

Vernon turned to Harry.

"Where were you at the time?" he asked.

"In a tree just overhead," answered Harry, undauntedly.

"I was a fool not to look more carefully about me," he said. "What is
your name?"

"Harry Gilbert."

"Then, Mr. Harry Gilbert, I owe you a debt which, sooner or la