HKB
CONCLUSION
"Did he see you?" inquired John, who was now as keenly excited as his friend.
"I don't know. The only thing we can do is to wait and see what happens."
The slide had been left open an inch or more and through the open space both boys in their excitement watched the little Japanese as he drew near. The Great Danes were romping about the place evidently enjoying their freedom. They were still free when the Japanese turned and entered the house. When he had closed the door behind him the three dogs, for now the one that had not accompanied the Japanese joined his mates, ran about the place as full of life and kindness in their somewhat awkward activities as a clumsy puppy.
Relieved that the Japanese had not come at once to the barn the two boys were still anxious, for they were aware that Mr. Button was yet in the house. Indeed, as the time slowly passed, the excitement of the boys steadily increased.
"There comes Rufus," whispered John at last.
"It's time for us to leave," said Fred, after he had convinced himself that the peculiar helper of Mr. Halsey was indeed coming to the barn. "It's time for us to go above."
Instantly Fred ran to the low ladder and swiftly made his way to the loft, an example which John speedily followed. John still held the box which he had discovered in the meal and when both boys had found a hiding place in the loft they peered through a knot hole in the floor and watched Rufus as he seated himself in the little cart.
The interest of the boys became still more intense when after a few minutes had passed Mr. Halsey himself came into the barn and closed the door after he had entered.
"You're right on time to-day, Rufus," said Mr. Halsey.
"Be I?" replied Rufus, apparently not strongly elated by the compliment.
"Yes, you are, and I'm going to give you that box to take to Mackinac."
"What else are you going to give me?"
"You'll get all you deserve, Rufus, if you'll do just what I tell you."
"That's what I've heard you say before."
"Well, you hear me say it now," said Mr. Halsey sternly. "You do your part and you need not fear that I shall not do mine."
"What is it you want me to do?"
"I have told you. I want you to take your motor-boat and carry that little box to Mackinac. You mustn't let anybody see it, for it is valuable and much of what you will get from me depends upon how successful you are in keeping everybody away from that box, and delivering it safely just where I tell you. I'm writing out the directions," he added, as drawing a blank card from his pocket he hastily wrote upon the back and then handed it to the ungainly man who apparently was still not strongly impressed by the words he had heard.
As soon as this had been done Mr. Halsey advanced to the piano box and lifting the cover thrust his hand into the meal.
The boys were unable to see the expression which came over his face, but in their imagination they were both confident they knew how startling his appearance was. They were still able to see Rufus in his seat in the cart and the alarm which he quickly manifested was connected directly with the failure of his employer to find the object for which he was seeking.
"Where's that box?" demanded Mr. Halsey, turning and approaching the cart.