"Meet me to-morrow at ten in the morning just back of the place where you were sitting when I took you on board the boat, and I will tell you all. In the name of Mr. Wainwright I will agree to pay you a hundred dollars, if by your help I recover the bonds." "It's a bargain!" said the boy, his eyes sparkling. CHAPTER XXXIII. SUCCESS! "Who is that boy?" asked Bowman carelessly, as he re-entered the boat. "I don't know. He asked me to take him for a little row, and I was glad to have him for company." "I have been taking a stroll through the woods. In fact, I was brought up in the woods," said Bowman with a laugh. Fred understood that he was trying to give a plausible explanation of his absence. "I like the woods myself," he rejoined. "Do they extend far?" "Not very far. I enjoyed my stroll in among the trees, even barren as they are now of leaves, very much. It brought back to my mind my schoolboy days." Bowman seemed in quite good spirits. Evidently he had found that his secret hiding-place had not been discovered. "How much longer are you going to stay in St. Victor?" he asked after a pause. "I don't know," answered Fred slowly. "I may take a fancy to go away any day." "I wish I could go too. I am tired of this place." "I suppose you are waiting for Mr. Sinclair to recover." "Yes," answered Bowman, but there was hesitation in his tone. A sudden suspicion entered Fred's mind. Was Bowman meditating giving his confederate the slip, and deserting him, taking the bonds with him? Had he perhaps taken the package from its hiding-place and got it concealed about his person? A careful scrutiny satisfied Fred that this was not the case. But it was quite possible that he would make another visit the next day, and remove the bonds then. "I must lose no time," he thought, "or I shall lose my opportunity." They reached the hotel in time for dinner. "What are you going to do this afternoon?" asked Bowman. "I haven't thought particularly," answered Fred indifferently. "Suppose we play poker? The landlord has a pack of cards." "I don't know the game." "It won't take long to learn. I will show you how it is played." "I don't care for cards. I may call on Mr. Sinclair." Bowman shrugged his shoulders. "You must enjoy his society," he said. "I don't go there for enjoyment. My visit may cheer the poor man." "All right! I'll see if the landlord isn't going to drive somewhere." "I hope he is," thought Fred. "It will get Bowman out of the way." About half-past two Bowman entered the public room where Fred was reading. "I'm going for a drive," he announced. "I'll see you at supper." "Very well!"