and cranny about the old
cabin where it seemed possible an article like the missing golden cup
could be secreted. Still nothing rewarded the efforts of the
constable.

"It shore ain't here, Mr. Dennison!" remarked the perspiring officer,
as he dropped the empty clothes bag belonging to Jerry; "and I guess
we'll have to give the hunt up, sir."

"Wait!" snapped Mr. Dennison, his eyes sparkling afresh, as though a
sudden and brilliant thought had flashed across his mind. "It stands
to reason that a thief would be apt to hide his plunder in some place
where he believed it could not be easily found. Of course it was not
among their clothes. But perhaps there may be other secret hiding
places."

He seemed to glance around at the bare walls. Then Frank saw him drop
his gaze toward the floor.

"That's a loose board there, Mr. Jeems," the hermit said excitedly;
"see if you can raise it. I should think a cavity under that board
would offer a safe hiding place for anything that had been stolen.
Lift it up, Mr. Jeems, and let us see."

"I will help him do it!" exclaimed Bluff, eagerly, and leaning forward
he inserted his fingers in the crack, and secured a good hold of the
loose plank.

The constable, also, had by this time taken a firm grip on the board.

"All together, son; there she be!" Mr. Jeems called out, as he
strained himself at his task; and in another second the plank was
placed to one side.

Mr. Dennison leaned eagerly over. Then, uttering a cry of mingled
delight and savage satisfaction, he snatched an object from the gaping
hole, and hurriedly held it up so that every one could see plainly
what it was.

Frank and his three chums held their breath in astonishment, for they
found themselves looking on a loving cup made of gold, upon which were
fashioned various beautifully executed designs especially interesting
to those who were devoted to play upon the golf links.

CHAPTER XIX

REPAYING HIS DEBT

"Gee whiz!"

Of course it was Jerry Wallington giving vent to the feeling of utter
amazement that very nearly overcame him. His words accurately
expressed the feelings that filled the heart and soul of the other
three chums as well.

Meanwhile Mr. Dennison was holding that wonderful trophy aloft, and
laughing to himself. He acted as though wild with delight over its
recovery. Frank was watching him closely, and could see no sign of
"make-believe" in his actions.

"What did I tell you, Mr. Jeems?