Then maybe Dick Prescott will pitch dynamite again for me to bat at!" Teall gained the thicket that concealed the other clothing.

Just as he was about to cast Martin's belongings after the other wardrobes, he was disturbed by a sound close at hand.
With a start Ted looked up.

Then he felt uneasy; frightened, in fact.

At his side stood a shabbily dressed man of middle age.
The man's cheeks were sunken, though they burned with an unhealthy glow.

There was, in the eyes, also a light that made Ted creepy.
"S-s-say, wh-what do you want ?" stammered Teall.
"So you are a thief, and at work ?" inquired the man, who had rested a thin but rather strong hand on Ted's shoulder.
"A thief ?" Teall repeated indignantly.