h 'Phemie stood.

"Yes. I lost it. He found it. He's got it somewhere. I found him trying to
break into grandfather's desk."

"Bad, bad," muttered Harris, stepping back and allowing the professor room
to sit up. "Your interest in old desks seems to be phenomenal, Professor.
Did you expect to find Confederate notes in _this_ one?"

"Confound you--both!" snarled Spink, slowly rising.

"I don't mind it," said Harris, quietly. "But don't include Miss Bray in
your emphatic remarks. _Give me that key._"

CHAPTER XXVII

THEY LOSE A BOARDER

Harris had something beside a square and determined jaw. He had muscular
arms and he looked just then as though he were ready to use them. Spink
gave him no provocation.

He fumbled in his pocket and brought out a key.

"Is this the one, Miss 'Phemie?" asked the young fellow.

The girl stepped forward, and in the lamplight from the bedroom doorway
identified the key of the green door--with its tag attached.

"All right, then. Go to your room, Professor," said Harris. "Unless you
want him for something further, Miss 'Phemie?"

"My goodness me! No!" cried 'Phemie. "I never want to see him again."

The professor was already aiming for the stairs, and he quickly
disappeared. Harris turned to the still shaking girl.

"What's it all about, Miss 'Phemie?" he asked.

"That's what I'd really like to know myself," she replied, eagerly. "He is
after something----"

"So my father says," interposed Harris. "Father says Spink has something
hidden--or has made some discovery--up there in the rocks."

"I don't know whether he really has found what he has been looking for----"

"And that is?" suggested Harris.

"I wish we knew!" cried 'Phemie. "But we don't. At least, _I_ don't--nor
does Lyddy. But he tried to buy the farm of Aunt Jane once--only he
offered a very small price.

"He has been hanging around here for months trying to find something. He
got into the old offices to-night, and tried to break into grandfather's
desk----"

Harris nodded thoughtfully.

"We want to look into this," he said. "I hope you and your sister will
not refuse my aid. This Spink may be more of a knave than a fool. Now, go
back to bed and--and assure Miss Lyddy that I will be only too glad to
help 'thwart the villain'--if he really has some plan to better himself at
your expense."

'Phemie picked up her quilt, locked the green door, and returned to her
room. Throughout all the excitement Lyd