Page:Boys of Columbia High on the River.djvu/173

Rh "We happen to know he ain't, that's what," growled Martin, as he looked toward his companion and nodded.

"Is there more'n one man in the place at night time?" continued the fellow.

"How should I know?" answered Frank, evasively.

"Because I reckon you've been in there more'n once. Speak up now, did you ever know more'n one man to be left in charge at night?"

Again there was a threat in the manner of the man. Joey looked as if he would like nothing better than a chance to pound the helpless lad; and hence Frank felt that it would be folly for him to enrage Martin, so that he would withdraw his protection.

"I've never seen more than one man in there at night; does that answer you?" he replied, shortly.

"What kind of safe is it, big or little?" asked Joey, eagerly.

"Oh! it comes about up to my shoulder, I guess," remarked the boy, uneasily; for he fancied that he had heard a distant halloo, and coming from the direction that engaged his attention; he hoped the men might not catch a repetition of the sound, lest they think it the part of wisdom to retire deeper into the woods.

He saw them glance hastily at each other.