ll charm for me. Whenever
I find myself there I get to shivering, and looking around, just like I
half expected to see a ghost step out, and pick up one of those miserable
coins right before my very eyes--ugh! it's horrible to feel that way, and
I used to be so fond of my den, too."

"Oh! I hope and expect you will be again, Jack, when we've settled this
little thing. You say none of them were ever taken in the night?" said
Paul, earnestly; while his knitted brows told how much he felt concerned
over the mystery.

"Certainly not. Always in broad daylight. That's the queer part of it,"
returned the other, promptly.

"Sure, seeing that they always go in the daytime, and when you're away
from home, too. Anybody else going to be there to-night?"

"To supper--oh! no. Karl went off after breakfast, to visit our uncle for
a few days before school commences. I took him to the train myself, and
then mustered up enough courage to climb up there, and once more count
the coins," went on Jack.

"Six there then, eh?" asked Paul.

"Just as last night. And I purposely left the door unlocked."

"Both door and window open in the bargain?" asked the other; at which
Jack looked puzzled.

"Of course; though that wouldn't matter at all; for any fellow could turn
the knob, and walk in," he replied.

"But the door was open, just like a plain invitation to enter, should
anybody think of going up to see--say that again, please," continued
Paul.

"Well, I do say it again, though I can't understand why you should make
that a point worth mentioning. Still, I have confidence in you, Paul. If
anybody can get at the root of my trouble it's going to be you, old
fellow."

"I hope you prove a true prophet. As for myself I'm not saying anything
just yet, one way or another," smiled Paul.

"Yes, but I really believe that you've found out something that gives you
a pointer, Paul. Your face tells me that. You're a wonder about following
a trail in the woods. And I believe you see light in this darkness around
me!" and Jack looked eagerly into the face of his chum as he said this.

"All I'm going to confess is that I believe I'm on the trail, and that
it seems to be getting warmer the further I go. Just hold your horses
a little while longer, Jack, and perhaps I may be able to tell you
something."

"The way you smile gives me new courage, old fellow. Oh! I will be so
glad if only it turns out all right. But here we are at the smithy. Shall