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Rh "The police in Munroe promised to try and trace him. I'm going to have circulars printed, too, and sent to other cities, asking for news of this pawnbroker."

"Say, this is tough, to almost get the stuff and then lose it!" remarked Phil. "It's a good thing we didn't tell the Boxer Hall lads."

"That's what," declared Tom.

"Fellows, I've got an idea!" exclaimed Sid.

"Chain it so it doesn't get away," advised Frank.

"I say let's go to that Mexican's shack, and see if we can get anything out of him," went on Sid. "We got on the trail there, and he must be mixed up in it some way. Come on, Mr. Farson, you've got a right to question him."

"I believe I will!" decided the jeweler, and he followed the lads toward the shack, through the lengthening shadows.

"I guess he isn't home," remarked Tom, as they saw no light in the place.

"Knock and see," suggested Phil. A tap on the door brought no response. Tom peered a bit closer.

"The place isn't closed," he exclaimed. He pushed open the door. Someone struck a match. Then came an exclamation of surprise from all.

For there was evidence that Mendez had hastily fled. The room was in confusion, things being