“I guess this whole thing was engineered when the men who were associated with Blythe found I wouldn’t do business with them,” whispered Tom. “I don’t believe Blythe had anything to do with the plot. He just saw a good chance to make money, and he would have dealt honestly, I’m sure. But the others aren’t of that type.” “Of course that accusation against my father about the Liberty Bonds has nothing to do with the theft of your box, Tom,” put in Ned. “But it shows that Fawn is in with criminals, and that’s enough to make me suspect him. I shouldn’t be surprised but what he stole the bonds himself.” “Maybe he did,” agreed Tom. “And if they’re in that machine we are going to get them back.” “How?” asked Ned. “I’ll show you,” was the answer. “Wait until it gets a little later and they go to sleep, as I think they will.” Not knowing how long they would have to remain at their vigil and feeling somewhat chilly in spite of the fact that Tom had said the nights were warm, they decided to send Koku back for the blankets left in the auto. With these wrapped about them they were in better condition to remain on guard. As the young inventor had suggested, the robbers were not particular to maintain a guard. The two friends watched the fellows cooking their evening meal and rather envied them as the odor of a savory stew came to their noses, for all Tom, Ned and Koku had were cold victuals. Finally the camp of the robbers grew quiet, though for a time an occasional figure could be seen moving about the tent. At last even this did not occur, and Tom guessed that all were asleep. “I’m going to slip over there and fix things so they can’t get away,” Tom whispered to Ned. “Once we make sure they can’t move the aeroplane and my chest, we can go back and get the police to round them up. You and Koku stay here.” “What you do, Master?” inquired the giant, in as low a voice as possible, when he saw Tom stealing out of the bushes where they were hiding. “I’m going to put them on the blink, Koku,” was the answer. “You kill ’um while ’um sleep?” the giant asked, not understanding Tom’s slang. “Let Koku kill! ’Um tie Koku up—now Koku kill!” The giant was eager to wreak vengeance on those who had so mistreated him. But Tom said: “Hold yourself in, you blood-thirsty man-mountain! There’s going to be no killing! Anyway, I want to catch those fellows. Mr. Newton’s vindication may depend on getting them alive.” Losing interest when he found he could not attack the men with his fists, Koku sank back beside Ned while Tom, as cautious as an Indian, made his way toward the camp of the scoundrels. His object was to disable the aeroplane, rendering it incapable of rising in case the men tried to make a sudden flight.