Page:Fairview Boys and their Rivals.djvu/97



"!" echoed Mr. Bouncer, in great surprise.

"Yes, of nearly everything of value it contained."

"You amaze me," said Bob's father.

"My brother just notified me," went on Mr. Haven. "I wish you would come down to the store with me."

"Certainly, at once," replied Mr. Bouncer.

Bob was greatly excited at the news. He ran for his clothes and got them on in a hurry. Then he bounded down the stairs. By this time his father had joined Mr. Haven, and the two gentlemen were hurrying down the street towards the center of the village.

Bob started to run after them, when he saw Frank just leaving the yard of his own house. He waited till Frank came up, all in a flurry, buttoning up his coat as if he had put it on in haste.

"Frank, the store has been robbed, I heard your father say."

"Yes," replied Frank. "He's terribly worried about it. You know, he borrowed a lot of money to buy it out and start my uncle in business."

"Yes, I heard so."

"It would about ruin him if the thieves took much."

"Your father says they did."

"Oh, I hope not—my uncle may be mistaken."

As the boys, following their fathers, turned into the main