all go around by way of the ford. You can't do anything alone anyway."
"But I might make sure if it was the machine," insisted Sam.
"Never mind; we want to get over there anyway to continue the search if that isn't the machine."
Again Peter Marley led the way, along a trail that ran past the old mill. The boys came close at his heels, and as they advanced Tom questioned the farmer concerning the place.
"It belongs to a lumber company, but it's been closed up fer years," said Peter Marley. "Once in a while tramps hang out there, but thet's all."
Presently they found themselves close to the mill, which was almost ready to fall down from disuse and neglect. As they rode up Tom chanced to glance towards a side window and was surprised to catch sight of a man looking curiously at them. As soon as he saw that he was discovered the man stepped out of sight.
"Well, I never!" gasped Tom. "Did you see him?"
"See who?" asked his brothers.
"That man at the window of the mill! Unless I am greatly mistaken it was Josiah Crabtree!"
