It seemed that they could never reach the water tower. They dashed along the cinder path with all the speed at their command, but the tower still seemed a long distance away.

“If only we have stumbled on the secret after all, Joe!”

“It’ll clear Mr. Robinson⁠—”

“We’ll get the reward⁠—”

“Dad’ll be proud of us.”

These thoughts gave them new strength and their hopes were high as they neared the tower.