“He seems to be in bad shape,” he said. “Go for a doctor, and tell him to hurry.”

While Ken was carrying out the order, the other Scouts dressed Stony’s wound. He made no further attempt to talk, but now and then managed to grin at them in a feeble way.

Jack and Willie made a fast tour of the motel grounds. However, it did not surprise them that they found no trace of the man who had so brutally attacked the cabin dweller.

“Whoever he is, he’ll be a mile from here by now,” Jack remarked as they walked back. “No question about it, theft was the motive.”

“The old man’s gold and map?”

“Right.”

“You think there is any gold?” Willie asked skeptically.

“Last night I didn’t,” Jack replied thoughtfully. “Now I’m not so sure. Old Stony certainly acted as if he had something valuable hidden in the cabin, and apparently it’s still there.”

“The thief was probably frightened away before he finished his search.”

“Either that, or he was scared, Willie. He may have hit Old Stony harder than he intended.”

Back in the cabin the boys found that Jarrett Walz had come from his nearby home to check on the activity. Informed by Mr. Livingston as to what had happened, he made no attempt to hide his annoyance.

“Now I suppose Stony will insist on lying in bed for a week!” he snapped.

“That’s for the doctor to decide,” Mr. Livingston rejoined.

“You’ve sent for a doctor?” the motel owner fairly screamed.

“We have.”

“And I’m to pay the bill?”

“It would be a humanitarian thing to do. Stony needs a doctor. No question about that.”

For the first time, Mr. Walz seemed concerned about his worker’s condition. He went over to the bed, peering intently at the colorless face. After a moment, he turned away and made no further protest about the doctor.

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