CHAPTER XXVI.

NODDY NIXON CORNERED.

As late as it was Jerry found his two chums anxiously waiting for him.

“Well?” asked Ned.

“Here is something,” replied Jerry, showing the box which he had concealed under his coat. He told how he had found it and the three chums examined the contents curiously.

“What had we better do?” asked Bob.

“I’ll tell you what I think,” spoke Ned. “We ought to tell father. He will know what to do.”

Mr. Slade was plainly surprised at some of the disclosures made, for, though he knew most of the circumstances, he was not acquainted with all of them. The boys had forgotten many details in their previous recitals, and, of course, the finding of the box was the latest occurrence.

“I must say you boys have sifted this thing out pretty well,” said Mr. Slade. “You have a great deal more information than have the police.”

“What had we better do about it?” asked Jerry. “You see we are at a sort of stand-still now.”

Mr. Slade thought for a few minutes.

“Here is what I would do,” he said at length. “I would contrive to have a talk with Noddy Nixon, all three of you. I understand he is a sort of bully, but if the three of you are together there is nothing to fear from him.

“Once you get him alone somewhere you can tell him just what you know, and show him how everything points to him as the person who robbed the