The Tin Box Part 25

"He'd better not try it," said Philip, but he seemed uneasy at the thought.

On their way back they pa.s.sed, unconsciously, near the place where the tin box was concealed.

Hovering near the spot was Ralph Temple, uneasy for the safety of the buried treasure.

He eyed the two young fellows with suspicion. They had no guns in their hands, and he could not understand what object they had in coming to this out-of-the-way place so early in the morning.

"What are you about here?" he demanded, roughly.

Philip was frightened and turned pale; but James Congreve only surveyed the man curiously, and said:

"Is that any business of yours, my friend?"

"You'll find out whether it's any business of mine," returned Temple, angrily.

"That's precisely what I would like to find out," said Congreve, coolly.

"You accost us as if you were the owner of the wood, which, I take it, you are not."

"Do you want me to wring your neck, young man?" said Temple, with a growl.

"Oh, don't make him angry, James!" begged Philip, nervously, laying his hand on Congreve's arm.

James--who certainly was not a coward--surveyed his companion contemptuously.

"Much obliged to you for your kind offer," said he, addressing Temple, "but I must decline it."

"You've got too long a tongue, young man!" said Temple, provoked by the other's coolness. "I've a mind to teach you a lesson."

"When I want one I will let you know," said Congreve, changing his tone and manner and regarding the other scornfully.

"Meanwhile, my man, I advise you not to drink so early in the morning.

It doesn't improve your naturally bad manners."

With a muttered exclamation Ralph Temple sprang forward, prepared to handle Congreve roughly, as he was quite able to do, being much his superior in size and strength, but, with his hand nearly touching the shoulder of the young man, recoiled, as Congreve drew out a revolver and pointed it at him.

"One step further and I fire!" he said, in a calm, collected tone, while Philip stood by, as pale as a sheet.

"Confusion!" exclaimed the ruffian, in mingled amazement and dismay.

"Who are you, anyway?"

"My name is James Congreve, at your service," said the owner of that name, bowing. "I regret that I haven't a card about me."

"You're a cool customer!" muttered Temple, surveying Congreve curiously.

"So people tell me. You'll find me at the hotel in the village, if you have any further business with me."

Congreve nodded carelessly and left the spot--Phil, in a very nervous condition, keeping himself somewhat in advance.

"He's a cool chap," muttered the ruffian. "But it's clear he knows nothing of our affair. I was a fool to make a fuss. It might lead to suspicion."

"What a dreadful man!" said Philip, as the two were walking away.

"Do you know him?"

"His name is Ralph Temple. He's a kind of tramp."

"He's an impertinent fellow, at any rate. It's well I had my revolver with me."

They walked back to the village, momentarily expecting to see or hear something of Harry Gilbert; but neither then nor later in the day was their curiosity gratified.

CHAPTER XX

ON THE WAY TO NEW YORK

Harry stepped on board the train without seeing any one whom he knew, and took a seat on the right-hand side. Just in front of him was an elderly farmer, with a face well browned by exposure to the sun and wind. He had a kindly face, and looked sociable. It was not long before he addressed our young hero.

"Going to New York?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Are you acquainted there?"

"No, sir; not much."

"Nor I. I was thinking you might be able to direct me to a place where I could get money for some cowpons."

"Government coupons?" inquired Harry, becoming interested.

"Yes. You see, my wife's uncle died not long ago, and left Sarah a government bond of a thousand dollars, drawing six per cent interest.

There's thirty dollars due the first of this month, and I told Sarah that I'd go and collect it for her."

"I've got some business of that same kind," said Harry. "I was told there were brokers' offices in Wall Street, where I could collect the money without any trouble."

"I'll go with you," said the farmer, in a tone of satisfaction. "If he'll buy yours, he'll buy mine."

"I shall be glad to have your company," said Harry, politely.

It flattered his vanity that a man old enough to be his grandfather was disposed to be guided by him in a matter of such importance.

Just then a smooth voice was heard from the seat behind.

"Gentlemen," said a young man, showily dressed and with a profusion of rings on his fingers, "excuse my interrupting you, but I may be able to save you some trouble."

They naturally waited for an explanation of these words.

"I overheard you saying that you had some coupons to dispose of."