CHAPTER XIII 

THE WESTERN EXPRESS 

The old miser was very much excited and began to pace the floor of his cottage. 

"Yes, I better tell the police, that's what I better do," he muttered. 

"There won't be any necessity to tell the police--if it was really my brother who did it," said Sam. 

"Why not, I'd like to know?" challenged Hiram Duff. "He ain't no better'n other folks." 

"If he took the box, I and my family will see to it that you are repaid for your loss, Mr. Duff," answered the youngest Rover. 

"Humph! Do you guarantee that?" demanded the old miser, suspiciously. 

"Yes." 

"And you can take his word for it, sir," added Songbird. "The Rovers are well-known and wealthy, and they will do exactly as they promise. 

"I've heard that name before. Didn't you have some trouble with the railroad company?" asked Hiram Duff. "About a busted-up flying machine?" 

"Yes," replied Sam. 

"And got the best of that skinflint lawyer, Belright Fogg?" 

"We made Mr. Fogg pay for the biplane, yes." 

"I know all about it," chuckled Hiram Duff. "Served Fogg right. And he lost his job with the railroad company, too." The old man pursed up his lips. "Well, if you'll give me your word that you will settle with me I won't go to the police. But I want every cent that is coming to me, understand that." 

"You'll get it--if my brother took the box," answered Sam. "But listen to me. First of all I want to find my brother. I think he ought to be under a doctor's care." 
Does Sam ask the old man to call the cops?
"There won't be any necessity to tell the police--if it was really my brother who did it," said Sam. 