"That man who ran out of the barn must have been the same
one who was in the factory," whispered Ned to his chum. "He
probably saw us coming this way and ran on ahead to have the
farmer all primed in readiness. Maybe he knew you had
planned to ram the barn."
"Maybe he did. I've had it in mind for some time, and
spoken to some of my men about it."
"More traitors in camp, then, I'm afraid, Tom. We'll have
to do some more detective work. But let's get this thing
settled. He only wants to hold your tank, and that will give
the man, into whose hands he's playing, a chance to inspect
her."
"I believe you. But if I have to leave her here I'll leave
some men on guard inside. It won't be any worse than being
stalled in No Man's Land. In fact, it won't be so bad. But
I'll do that rather than be gouged."
"No, Tom, you won't. If you did leave some one on guard,
there'd be too much chance of their getting the best of him.
You must take your tank away with you."
"But how can I? I can't put up three thousand dollars in
cash, and he says he won't take a check for fear I'll stop
payment.
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