"Really?" and the former bully of the Hall put as much of a sneer as possible into the word.
"We do, and you have got to tell us."
"I don't see why."
"You will if you are honest," said Sam. "You know as well as I do that Tad Sobber's uncle is a rascal and ought to be in prison."
"Tad says it isn't so—that his uncle didn't take those bonds—that they were placed in his care to be sold at a profit, if possible."
"When did Tad tell you that?"
"Only a couple of days ago—I mean he told me, and that's enough."
"Then he told you while you were on the steamer," put in Tom.
"Yes, if you must know." Peter Slade's face took on a cunning look. "I guess Mr. Merrick and Tad will trim you good and proper soon."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, I know a thing or two."
"Did they tell you what had brought them down here?"
"Maybe they did."
"Who was with them?"
"You had better ask them."
"Where are they?"
"That's for you to find out"
"See here, Slade, this is no way to talk," went
