Nt for, Paul?" "We'd better put it up to Scissors," replied the other,
quickly. "Then you suggest waiting for him as he comes out, and telling
him we know all about his fishing for my coins?" asked Jack. "Come
along. He might be satisfied with just one to-day. You see it's getting
harder, with so few left in the box," and Paul led the way downstairs
again. "But what's he got on the end of that pole?" demanded his chum.
"I think it must be a lump of rather soft tar, or pitch," came Paul's
answer, readily enough. "I found a little on one of the coins left the
last time we examined them; and you said that the fourth stuck to the
side of the box. Yes, that's what it is. Now, let's wait over by the
front door, for that's the way he goes in." Five minutes later the front
door of the empty house opened, and a tall boy, with spindly legs, came
slily out. He stopped to turn a key in the lock. Then, as he wheeled, it
was to find himself facing two fellows who were probably the very last
boys in Stanhope he expected to see. "Just in time to explain how you
came to think of that clever little fishing dodge of yours, Scissors,"
remarked Paul; "and to give back all those old coins you've been raking
in so smartly. Thought it lots of fun, didn't you? And meant to twist my
chum up so he'd think one of his own crowd had been taking them?" "Yes,"
Jack said, in turn, looking as angry as he could; "and if you don't turn
every blessed copper piece over to me right away, there's going to be
trouble at your house, understand that, Scissors?" The guilty one turned
red in the face. Then he laughed as though he wante
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