CHAPTER VI

WAITING FOR NEWS

It took Randolph Rover several minutes to comprehend the various statements made by the boys. That he had really been swindled by such nicely-spoken men as he had met at the Carwell hotel seemed extraordinary to him.

"I understand the bonds were not registered," said Dick.

"That is true," groaned his uncle.

"Then anybody could use them."

"Yes, although I have the numbers,--on a sheet in my desk at home."

"Well, that will make it more difficult for the rascals to dispose of them," said Sam.

"I'd like to catch that Merrick and that Pike, and punch their heads for them," commented Tom. It angered him exceedingly to see how readily his open-minded relative had fallen into the swindlers' trap.

"But there may be some mistake," said Randolph Rover, in a forlorn tone. "Would that Merrick dare to impersonate Mr. Jardell?"

"Swindlers will do anything," answered Sam.

"We can make sure of that point by sending word to the traction company offices," answered Dick. "You are sure Mr. Jardell is the treasurer?"

"Yes--Mr. Andrew D. Jardell."

"Let us go back to town and see if we can catch him by long distance 'phone or by telegraph."

Shaking his head sadly, Randolph Rover turned his buggy around and followed the boys to the central office of the telephone company. Here all was activity on account of the broken-down wires, but communications were being gradually resumed. They looked into the telephone book, and at last got a connection which, a few minutes later, put them into communication with Andrew D. Jardell's private residence in the city.

1. What was Andrews job?
2. Who was trying to contact him?
3. Why
4. Did Merrick work alone?
5. Who was his partner in crime?
6. Who was Tom?
7. Was something stolen?
8. what did Tom want to do to the men?
9. what were the numbers for?
10. who was Randolph behind?
11. where did they go?
12. was he happy?
13. how did they find the phone number?
14. were they ever able to connect with Jardell?
15. how many men were present
16. Where were the bonds numbers kept?

Provide a numbered list of answers.
1. treasurer
2. Dick
3. To be sure that Merrick impersonated Mr. Jardell
4. No
5. Pike
6. Randolph Rover's relative
7. unknown
8. punch their heads
9. For the bonds
10. the boys
11. to the central office of the telephone company
12. No
13. They looked into the telephone book
14. Yes
15. four
16. on Randolph Rover's desk