that you don't lose your
time."

"All right, sir."

Then, free from all anxiety, the three made their way into the forest.
The way seemed blind enough to the two detectives, who were, of course,
on unfamiliar ground.

"Are you sure you can find the place?" asked one of them, doubtfully,
addressing himself to Harry.

"Sure," answered Harry, briefly.

"It seems blind."

"I know the wood well. I have played here from a boy."

"Where does this Temple live?" asked the second detective.

"In the edge of the wood."

"Near here?"

"No, on the other side of the wood."

"It is to be hoped he has not grown distrustful and removed the box."

"I don't think there is any danger of it, sir. Remember, it is only last
night that it was concealed. Besides, he wouldn't dare to attempt it in
the daytime, when he would be liable to be seen."

"Quite right. You are unusually considerate for a boy."

Harry did not disappoint his companions. He led the way to the place
where, the night previous, he had seen the tin box secreted, and
instantly pointed out the exact spot where it was concealed.

The two detectives lost no time in searching for it. They had brought no
shovel with them, lest, being seen, their object might excite suspicion;
but, by means of sticks which they sharpened into stakes with the help
of sharp jackknives, they turned up the earth, and, in due time,
revealed the box.

"There it is," said Harry, joyfully, for he was also helping, and it was
his stake that struck it first.

"So it is," exclaimed the first detective, in a tone of satisfaction.

There was no loss of time in lifting the box from its place of
concealment. Then it was thought best to replace the earth, and
carefully to cover the place with leaves, so as to hide from the
superficial observer the fact that it had been disturbed.

"Our errand is accomplished," said the second detective. "Now let us
make all haste back to our wagon."

"I will guide you," said Harry.

"Do so, or there is no knowing when we shall get back, or whether we
shall get back at all. I once lost my way in a wood, and was wandering
about four good hours, and all within a radius of two miles, before I
got out. It is difficult to keep your direction in a forest, unless you
have a compass."

So Harry, who had expected it, served as a guide on the return, and
conducted them safely to the wagon.

Reuben was paid for his service with a dollar bill, which he declared he