“Oh, I understand it’s a big thing to stand in with some one in the neighborhood,” remarked Avery. “It helped me considerable in Baltimore. But this plan was so roundabout.” “That was because things happened as they did,” replied Mr. Norton. “If I hadn’t fallen in with Stone out West everything would have been different.” “Well, we’ve got the stones, and now the thing is to get out of the neighborhood as quickly as possible,” said Avery. “You are known, and I suppose we will be soon.” “Yes.” Mr. Norton paused. “Come, let us examine the diamonds, and divide them as evenly as possible.” “All right. There are just fifteen of them, not counting the one that was lost in the mill when you drugged the boy,” said Yates. “Who is to lose that?” “I drugged the boy for the good of the party,” explained Mr. Norton; “it was better and handier than tying him. I am sure he doesn’t know a thing of what happened that night.” “Don’t be too sure of that,” I muttered. In the meanwhile the diamonds were carefully examined, and after many comments divided into three little heaps. Then Mr. Norton got out some strips of paper, and they drew lots. I motioned for Ford to follow me to a spot some distance away. “What shall we do?” he asked, as soon as we were out of hearing. “They are getting ready to leave,” I said. “One of us ought to let the police know. It is impossible for us to capture the three of them.” “One of us ought to stay here,” said my companion. “Suppose I do that?” I suggested. “You can take the Mary and run over to Bayport, and return as quickly as possible.” “But if they leave in the meanwhile?” “Then I will follow them, and leave directions on a slip of paper pinned to this tree, so that you can follow.” “That’s a good idea. But aren’t you afraid to stay alone?” “No.” “Don’t let them discover you. Remember, a boy can’t stand much show against three men.” “I’ll be careful, Dan. Of course you know enough to come back as soon as possible.” “Trust me for that, even if I have to come alone. I won’t be gone more than an hour and a half.” “All right. Now you had better start without delay.” A moment later Ford was gone. For an instant my heart sank as I realized that I was alone. Then I pulled myself together, and resolved that come what might I would do all in my power to capture the three lawless men. I tiptoed my way back to the spot where the trio were sitting, discussing the best plan for leaving Rock Island. “It will be risky business to use the Catch Me,” observed Mr. Norton. “Somebody might be on the lookout for that craft, and the moment we were spotted that would be the end of the whole matter.” “One thing is certain,” put in Yates, “we must leave before daylight if possible. To remain longer, when all the police are on our track, is foolish. The question is, are we going together, or are we going to separate?” “I move we separate,” said Avery. “It will lessen the chances of capture. We can come together in Philadelphia.”