“I guess so, too,” replied Tim. “We may as well say good-by to the money.” “Sure!” “And we’re paupers?” “It looks so.” “I’m bound to have money, I’m bound to leave the country. That fellow Mercer is free, and he certainly knows our plots. Perhaps he has already gone to the police with his story.” “That’s so,” muttered Daley uneasily. “So I say, we must get money and leave the country.” “That’s easily said.” “And easily done.” “How?” “I have a plan.” “To get money?” “Lots of it.” “Tell it to me. You’re a keen ’un, Tim,” Tim’s eyes glowed cunningly. “Will you help me?” he asked. “Certainly.” “And do as I say?” “Yes.” “I shall scheme to get ten thousand dollars.” “That’s a heap.” “I intend to get it.” “Who from?” “Colonel Darringford.” Daley started. “Rodney’s father?” “Yes.” “How?” “I’ll tell you,” replied Tim with a mysterious chuckle. CHAPTER XXXV. STARTLING ADVENTURES. Tim Downey was full of schemes, and his present confident manner indicated that he had one that promised more than ordinary results, to his way of thinking. “I’ve got a good one,” he said. “I’ve thought it all out.” “What is it?” queried the eager Daley. “I go quietly to Springfield.” “Alone?” “Yes.” “Necessary?” “Particularly so. I keep very shady, for that Mercer may have the police looking for me; so I dare not venture to Millville. In the first place, I must have a quiet and safe room for a day or two.” “Take mine.” “At Boyer’s Hotel?” “Yes.” “Got the key?” “Here it is, and rent paid ahead for a month.” “Good! That just suits me. What’s the matter?” Daley looked somewhat troubled, as, after producing the key, he continued to grope in his pockets. “I’ve lost something,” he muttered. “What?” “My little change-wallet. In the cave, I guess.” “Much in it?” “No; a few dollars. Go on.” “Well, I get the room and write a letter to Colonel Darringford, at Millville, or to the steamer, in Springfield.” “Yes, yes!” “I tell him if he is wise and wishes to save trouble he will come at once to Boyer’s Hotel.” “Will he do it?” “I’ll give him a hint that will make him.” “And Spofford and I?” “Stay here.” “And Rodney?” “Keep him with you, at all hazards. If he gets restive and wants to leave, tie him up; but keep him, for his being here is a part of my plot.” “I see.” “Tell him that I’ve gone to get some money you had in bank in the city.” “All right.” “When Colonel Darringford comes to my room I tell him that I’m in trouble, all on account of him; make up a great story about Rodney being a forger and the like, and say that unless I can get money to leave the country, I shall go to the police and turn State’s evidence, and swear that he hired me to burn the _Spray_, and that Rodney stole the eight thousand dollars.” “Capital!” cried Daley enthusiastically. “Then I shall demand----” “How much?” “Ten thousand dollars.” “Will he pay it?” “If he don’t, I’ll tell him that a villain----” “Meaning me?” grinned Daley.