Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/213

Rh these diggings any more. He just showed up with these pawn tickets, and then lit out again. And to think he was the fellow who had the stuff all the while!"

"He or Mendez," said Tom. "I'm not sure which. It's queer that Blasdell should come all the way back to hide the tickets in the shack. I heard him speak of getting something that belonged to him, but I don't know what it was."

They argued the matter, but could come to no agreement. Going back to their island camp, they found time for a little practice in the shell, Mr. Pierson coaching them. Then they waited impatiently for the return of the jeweler.

"I wonder what Mendez will think when he gets back and finds his place has been ransacked?" suggested Sid.

"He won't know it," declared Tom. "I was mighty careful, and Blasdell wasn't inside more than a few minutes. Let's take a stroll around there, and size it up."

"No, keep away," decided Frank. "It might make trouble. Let's wait until Mr. Farson comes."

It was nearly dusk when they saw a small launch approaching the island, and they recognized the jeweler as one of the occupants.

"He doesn't seem very joyous," remarked