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"He's got nothing against me!" cried Code passionately. "But he

is working for the man who has. Do you think that stupid ox would

have sense enough to work a scheme like this? Never! Nat Burns is

behind this, and I'll bet my schooner on it!"

Schofield dumped the bait-tub over the deck and rolled it around,

examining it. Suddenly he stopped and peered closely.

"Look here!" he cried. "Here's proof!"

With a splitting knife that he snatched out of a cleat he pried

loose a tiny plug in one of the bottom boards that had been

replaced so carefully that it almost defied detection.

"The whole thing is simple enough. He turned the tub upside down,

cut out this plug, and inserted the acid. Then he refitted the

plug and set it right side up again. It's as plain as the nose on

your face."

"By thunder, I believe you're right, skipper!" said Ellinwood

solemnly. "The dirty dog! Cookee, run that tub up to the truck

again. We'll have to call the men in on this."