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The Secret of the Caves

to take you out to the road and see that you're turned over to the authorities."

"Don't do that," whined Schaum. "Honest, I never had anything to do with stealing them cars. Let me go."

"You were in the gang, and if they've been punished, it isn't fair that you should get off," insisted Frank. "You escaped from the jail and if you are innocent you had nothing to fear. You'd better get up and come with us."

He prodded the prisoner firmly with the toe of his heavy tramping shoe, and Schaum struggled to his feet. He made many whining pleas for mercy, but the Hardy boys were determined that he should be sent back to Bayport to answer for his participation in the Shore Road automobile thefts.

"I've reformed," sniveled Schaum. "I've gone straight ever since I got out of jail."

"Yes, you have!" laughed Frank. "How about stealing my motorcycle while we were in swimming?"

Schaum looked confused.

"I didn't know it was your motorcycle."

"It doesn't matter whose motorcycle it was. You meant to steal it. That doesn't look as if you've reformed very much. No, you must come along with us."

Unwillingly, Carl Schaum stumbled along the beach with his two captors.

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