Vernon jumped to his feet in dismay. He was convinced that his confederate had got the start of him and made a bargain with the lawyer, thus anticipating his own treachery, for he had promised Temple that he would suffer some time to elapse before communicating with anyone on the subject. “Who has been here?” he asked. “One who saw you and your confederate bury the box,” answered the lawyer, sternly. Without a word, Vernon dashed from the office, only to be seized by the two detectives, who had come provided with handcuffs. “This is an infamous conspiracy!” declared Vernon, furiously. “If Ralph Temple has betrayed me—— “Harry,” said the lawyer, “do you recognize this man?” Vernon stared in surprise at the supposed office boy. “Yes, sir.” “Where did you see him last?” “In Pegan Hill Wood, in the town of Waybridge.” “What was he doing?” “Burying a tin box in a hole which he dug for the purpose.” “Who was with him?” “A man named Ralph Temple.” “What do you say to this, Mr. Thompson?” asked the lawyer. Vernon turned to Harry. “Where were you at the time?” he asked. “In a tree just overhead,” answered Harry, undauntedly. “I was a fool not to look more carefully about me,” he said. “What is your name?” “Harry Gilbert.” “Then, Mr. Harry Gilbert, I owe you a debt which, sooner or later, I shall manage to pay.” “Take him away,” said the lawyer to the detectives, “and then come back to me for instructions.” CHAPTER XXIII — FINDING THE BOX “My boy,” said the lawyer, turning to Harry, “you have done yourself credit. A grown man could not have shown more judgment.” “Thank you, sir,” said Harry, pleased at the compliment. “But your work is not yet done. As soon as the detectives have returned, you must go back at once to Waybridge with them, and lead them to the place where the box is concealed.” “I am ready, sir,” replied Harry. “But,” he added, with a sudden thought of one of his errands, “will there be time for me to go to Wall Street first?” “Why do you want to go to Wall Street?” “I have some coupons which I am to sell for Mr. Wilkins.” “To what amount?” “Ninety dollars gold.” “I will myself give you the money for them, as that will save time. Should the search for the box be successful, I will take upon me to pay you the reward as soon as you desire it.” “Thank you, sir.” Harry might have declined the reward, but he felt, justly, that he had rendered a valuable service to the unknown owner of the bonds, and was entitled to it. Presently the detectives came back. “Well,” said the lawyer. “He is safe under lock and key,” promptly answered one of them. “How did he appear?” “Sullen and despondent. He vows vengeance against this boy.” “Probably he will not be in a position for some years to harm him. And now I have some instructions to give you.”