The other
two ponies did not, however, belong to the Pony Rider Boys, much to
the disgust of the latter.
"Just Tad's luck," growled Ned.
CHAPTER XXIV
CONCLUSION
Before the Pony Rider Boys had an opportunity to voice their
astonishment, Rose held up a hand for silence. Voices were heard
approaching.
"Hurry, hurry!" she whispered excitedly, leading the way through a
low, narrow opening into another part of the cave.
Tom Phipps's hat was knocked off by the low archway, but not realizing
the loss of it, he did not stop. As they entered the second chamber,
which was even more brightly lighted than the one they had just left,
they heard the sound of water, but were unable to locate the stream
which they knew must be near by.
The voices died away to a low murmur and the girl who had been
trembling violently, began creeping cautiously toward the opening to
reconnoitre when all at once she started back with a little cry of
alarm.
Before the eyes of the astonished boys there suddenly appeared two
men. Mr. Phipps's hat had warned the men of the presence of strangers
in their stronghold. Their faces, therefore, reflected anger instead
of surprise.
For a few seconds the newcomers stood glaring at Phipps and the Pony
Rider Boys.
"Tom Cravath!" exclaimed the assistant superintendent. "So, you are
the mystery, are you?"
"Poaching, eh?" sneered Cravath unabashed.
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