CHAPTER IV 

A TRAIL IS FOUND AND LOST 

By this time several carriages had come up, also a number of folks on bicycles and on foot, and to all of these the situation had to be explained. Among the last to put in an appearance was Captain Putnam, and he was at once all attention, and desired to know how seriously Dick and Frank were injured. 

"It was an outrageous piece of work," he said. 

"Still, to be fair, we must admit that the broken brake is largely responsible for what happened, after the start down hill was made." 

"But I couldn't help the brake breaking," pleaded the general utility man. "I did my best, and was thrown out--" 

"I am not finding fault with you, Snugger," cut in the captain, shortly. "Let it pass, and leave the stage to be taken care of by the Cedarville blacksmith. But I wish we might lay hands on the rascal who is responsible for the start of the mishap." 

"They have found a coin such as we used when as we were in Africa," said Dick. "I think that furnishes a clew." 

"In what way, Rover?" 

"Those coins were also used by Dan Baxter and Josiah Crabtree." 

"And you think one or the other, or both, are in this neighborhood again?" 

"It looks plausible, doesn't it?" 

"Yes, but--it would be very strange. I should think they would give this locality a wide berth." 

"Hardly. Josiah Crabtree isn't done with the Stanhopes, to my mind, and Baxter will get square with us if he can." 
Who was last to arrive at the accident?
the last to put in an appearance was Captain Putnam