University of Virginia Library

25. CHAPTER XXV
NODDY'S QUEER ACTIONS

For a few moments after Jerry had spoken neither Ned nor Bob knew what to say. Events had happened so rapidly, and they seemed on the verge of such a discovery, that they were startled. Jerry alone kept cool.

"What do you think Noddy will do?" asked Ned.

"I might make a dozen guesses and not hit it," Jerry replied. "We can only wait and watch."

"Shall we do it together?" inquired Bob.

"Hardly that," spoke Jerry. "If he saw three of us on his trail he would probably suspect something. I have a plan."

"What is it?" asked Ned.

"You know there are only three ways Noddy can take after he leaves his house," said Jerry. "He can go up town, down town or he can take the road that leads out to the old wind mill."

"That's so," came from Bob.

"Now my idea is that we all three ought to keep watch," went on Jerry. "If he goes up town Ned can follow him. If he goes down town Bob can take up the trail and if he goes out to the old mill I will go after him."

"All right," Jerry said. "That settles it. Now for home."

Little talk was indulged in. Each of the three chums felt that something of importance was to happen and their thoughts were too busy for conversation. In due time the boys separated, had their dinners and suppers, and shortly before six o'clock met by appointment in the post office, which was a block from Noddy's residence.

"Now remember," said Jerry. "If he goes up town you are to follow, Ned. Bob, it's your turn if he goes down, and if he takes the road to the old mill I'll follow."

They had long waits, for it was nearly nine o'clock before Noddy crept quietly from the rear door in the darkness of the night. He did not know that three pairs of sharp eyes watched his every movement. Peering on every side of him the bully quickly made his way to the street. Then, after a moment's hesitation he started rapidly off in the direction of the old mill.

"Here goes!" said Jerry, who was on the lookout.

Like a shadow he glided from his hiding place and was after Noddy. He kept a sufficient distance in the rear so that he would not betray himself by the sound of his footsteps. It was quite dark, for there was no moon, but the stars were bright.

"I wonder what he wants out here?" thought Jerry. "Is he going to meet some one?"

To his surprise he saw Noddy, having halted in front of the deserted mill, enter the dark and uninviting place without hesitation.

"Ugh! I wouldn't care to go in there alone," thought Jerry. "It looks spooky!"

He dared go no closer than the dilapidated fence that surrounded the structure. Crouching there in the shadow, he looked toward the mill, to discern what went on. No one seemed to be waiting for Noddy, nor did the bully show by his actions that he expected any one. Shortly after he had entered the place Noddy struck a light, as Jerry could see. It flickered and moved about some, but seemed to be kept in one room. Then, in a few minutes, the light went out, and Jerry heard footsteps approaching down the gravel walk that led to the main entrance of the mill.

"He either went there to get something or hide something," Jerry reasoned. "If it was to hide something I may discover what it was. If it was to take something I have very little chance of success."

Still hiding in the shadow of the fence Jerry waited until Noddy had passed some distance down the road.

"I don't fancy going into that place very much," observed the boy, "but it's got to be done."

Considerably against his inclinations, Jerry took the dark path leading to the old mill. He started at every sound, and when an Owl hooted in a nearby tree the boy jumped as if some one had yelled at him.

With beating heart he made his way into the deserted place. It was as dark as a pocket and the boy struck a light.

"If I only had a candle," he wished.

Hardly had he formed the thought when, glancing down, he saw a short wax end on the floor. He picked it up.

"This is the light Noddy had," reflected Jerry.

He lighted the wick, and the illumination somewhat dispelled the gloom. With eager eyes he scanned the place. Moving about he held the candle up where it would give a good light. But nothing rewarded his search. From side to side he went. Then he held the light close to the floor. He had gone over almost every foot of surface and found nothing.

"I guess it's a wild-goose chase," thought Jerry. "But I'm sure Noddy did not go out of this room. I watched the light. Hello! What's that?"

He had suddenly struck his foot against a board that projected somewhat above the others in the floor.

"Queer I didn't notice that before," said Jerry. He lowered the candle carefully. "Looks as if it had been moved lately," he went on.

Thrusting his fingers beneath the edge of the board Jerry gave a strong pull. The plank did not budge. He tried again without success. At the third attempt, however, his strength availed, and he felt the piece of flooring suddenly yield. So quickly did it come from its place in fact that Jerry fell backward, knocking out his candle and leaving himself in utter darkness.

Quickly searching in his pocket the boy found his matches, struck a light and ignited the candle end. Then, with swiftly beating heart he peered down into the hole he had disclosed. He was rewarded by seeing a small wooden box, half covered with dirt and rubbish. With trembling fingers Jerry drew it forth and held it close to the light. It was a square wooden receptacle with a hinged cover.

"It's the box that was stolen from the mill with the thousand dollars in it!" exclaimed Jerry.

He raised the cover. If he had had any doubts about his find they were dispelled when he saw the contents of the box. It was half tilled with papers, seemingly of no value, but bearing the name of Amos Judson. There were receipts, notes, bills and memoranda. But there was no trace of the money.

"I'll take this away," said the boy. "and have a talk with Ned and Bob about it. I think—"

There came a sudden sound that startled the lad. It was as if some one had stepped on the platform outside of the mill. Jerry quickly blew out his candle. Then, as he heard an owl hoot, he knew it was the bird that had made the noise, and breathed easier.

Not stopping to relight the candle, but replacing, as best he could in the darkness the plank, so the hole would not be noticed on a casual inspection, Jerry hurried from the mill and made a quick trip to Ned's house. He felt that matters were now at a crisis.