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Rh him, to ask him wot he wanted, but he jumped the orchard fence and got away. I thought he might be a tramp, although he wasn't dressed like one."

"Why didn't you report him?" demanded Dick.

"Oh, everybody was a-havin' seech a good time I didn't want to bother you. I watched the fellow until he was away down the road."

"How was he dressed and how did he look in the face?"

As well as he was able the hired man described the individual he had seen. The clothing counted for nothing, but the face and manner of the per son tallied with that of Tad Sobber.

"I guess it was Sobber right enough," was Tom's comment. "We ought to let dad know about this."

"We will let him know—first thing tomorrow morning," answered Dick.

All waited impatiently for some word for Mr. Rover, but none came in until eight o'clock the next morning. Then the telegram was very brief, reading as follows:

"'Bad mix-up, money all gone. Better come on and help in investigation.'"

"Too bad!" groaned Dick. "I am going to start for Cedarville by the first train."