Part 33 (1/2)

”How did you get out? Did he let you out?”

”No, sir, I went and pushed up the outside door.”

”Well, why did you wait an hour and a half before you did that?”

responded Mr. Sanders with a laugh.

”I'm sure I don't know,” said Fred blankly. ”I guess it was because I didn't think of it or try it.”

”Very likely he meant it for a joke. Now, when I had my talk with him he recognized me, although at first I didn't recognize him. He did say some things about scaring you boys away from the old place.”

”Did he say anything about the way we left last night?” inquired George mischievously.

”Why, how did you leave last night?” inquired Mr. Sanders.

”We left in a big hurry,” declared George.

”What made you in such a hurry?”

”We were trying to keep up with the man who was with us and was leading the way,” said George demurely.

Mr. Sanders joined in the laugh that followed and then said quickly, ”Our lost car will be brought back to-day.”

”How do you know?” demanded George quickly.

”I don't think I shall explain all of that to you, my boy,” said Mr.

Sanders quietly. ”It ought to be enough to know that it will be there.”

”But suppose the tramp doesn't bring it back?” suggested Grant.

”I am not supposing anything about the tramp, or about any failure,”

replied Mr. Sanders, again smiling quietly. ”All I say to you is that I am confident that the car will be brought back.”

”Did you find out who stole the car?” inquired John.

”I don't think it was 'stolen.' You might call it 'borrowed.'”