Then we came away
and locked the door. It was only a bit of fun, to pay you back for
putting me on the freight car."
"One of you came back and took the things. I couldn't see who it was,
for the pillow was still over my head."
"I didn't come back--I give you my word of honor. Shocker must have done
it! Oh, the rascal!" And now Nat's face showed his concern.
"Who was that man?" asked the senator's son.
"A fellow I met in Crumville a few days ago. He appeared to be straight
enough." And then Nat told his story from beginning to end. He said that
he had hung around the depot waiting for Tom Shocker to come, but that
the fellow had failed to show himself.
"It's as plain as day," said Phil. "If Nat's story is true, this Shocker
went back and robbed Dave."
"Yes, but if he did, Nat is partly responsible, for he left me tied up,"
said Dave.
"Of course he is responsible," came from Roger.
"I don't see how," grumbled the money-lender's son, but his uneasiness
showed that he thought as did the others.
"You'll see how, if that Shocker doesn't show up with my things," said
Dave, sternly. "I'll hold you and your father responsible for every
dollar's worth."
This threat almost caused Nat to collapse, and he felt even worse when
Dave added that the scarfpin and the watch and chain were worth about
one hundred dollars.
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