I shall feel
sufficiently repaid for the small interruption. But come on, we can't
afford to linger here while he is carrying off the plunder."

"I don't know how I can repay you, Mr. Woods," said Rodney gratefully.

"You can buy a lot of me when you get rich enough."

"I will certainly do so, though I am afraid it will be a long time
first."

"You don't know what good fortune may be in store for you. Did you
notice, madam, in which direction the thief went?"

"Yes, I was looking out of the window. He went over the road to the
left."

"That leads to the village. You will see, Mr. Ropes, that I was right
about his plans."

"Don't call me Mr. Ropes. Call me Rodney."

"I will. It don't seem natural to dub a boy Mr. Now, Rodney, follow me."

The two passengers set out on the road that led to the village. They
could see the latter easily, for it was not more than a mile away.

"He will be surprised to think we have 'struck his trail' so quick,"
said the agent.

"Where shall we go first?"

"To the hotel if there is one."

"The village seems small."

"Yes, there are only a few hundred inhabitant probably. It is not a
place where a traveler would be likely to interrupt his journey unless
he had a special object in doing so, like our dishonest friend. However,
I think we shall be able to balk his little game."

Ten minutes' walk brought them to the village. Looking about they saw a
small hotel just across the way from a neat white chapel.

"Follow me," said the agent.

They went into the public room in which there was a small office.

The book of arrivals was open, and Adin Woods went forward and examined
it. Silently he pointed to a name evidently just written, for the ink
was scarcely dry. This was the name: Louis Wheeler, Philadelphia.

"This may or may not be his real name," said Mr. Woods in a low voice.

"Do you wish to register, gentlemen?" asked the clerk.

"We will take dinner, and if we decide to stay will register later. By
the way, I recognize this name, but it may not be the man I suppose."

"Yes, the gentleman just registered."

"Would you mind describing him?"

"He was a tall, dark man as near as I can remember."

"And he carried a small casket in his hand?"

"Yes, and a gripsack."

"Oh yes," said the agent his face lighting up with satisfaction. "It is
the man I mean--where is he now?"

"In his room."

"Did he say how long he intended to stay?"

"No, sir. He said nothing ab