But perhaps those fellows will think they've
got hold of some remarkable design. They might crack their brains
trying to make it out, and then not learn a single thing. When
a fellow laughs last, he's going to laugh best, believe me."
"Well, next time be more careful, that's all," advised Ralph. "You
can't always count on being so lucky. An inventor ought to keep his
secrets locked up, and not let them lie around loose. You'll find
that there are plenty of sly thieves ready to steal ideas, as well
as money and jewels. An idea that's worth a fortune can be cribbed
a heap easier than the coin itself."
"Only a part of the morning's gone," announced Hugh. "How shall we
put in the rest of the day?"
"Oh! I'll be pretty busy making repairs to my model," Bud replied.
"You two fellows can find plenty to interest you both. Only don't
roam too far afield in looking up interesting things. With that
mysterious pair hanging out around here, I won't feel any too easy
in my mind. My idea may be worth a cool million, you know."
While Bud was working diligently, the other two amused themselves
first of all by closely examining the ground just before the door of
the cabin.
"Here you can see several imprints of that fine pair of shoes," Ralph
said almost immediately; "and that makes it look as though the man
who wore them really did slip inside while we were away.
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