"I reckon Captain Rodney will know how to throw 'em off the scent," returned Crabtree.
"We were lucky to find that automobile at the tavern," went on Pelter. Some more talk followed and then Japson exclaimed:
"Why can't we make Rover sign those papers now? Maybe we can scare him into it."
"We might try," answered his partner, slowly.
The men arose and Japson lit a lantern, for he knew it was dark in the garret Then, one behind the other, they filed out into the hallway and went upstairs.
"They are going to find out something pretty soon!" chuckled Tom.
"Come on, let us follow 'em, Tom," answered his brother. "I've got a new idea."
"What is it?"
"Perhaps we can lock 'em in that garret until help arrives."
"Just the cheese, Dick! I remember there was a lock on the door,—and maybe we can fasten it in some other way, too so they can't break out."
"They can't get out by the windows they are too high from the ground."
By this time the three men were mounting the garret stairs. They had to pass around a
