"Which I hope you may, Ike. But what is that noise up the hill?" asked Mr. Willett, his attention attracted by the prolonged cheering in that direction.
They had not long to wonder, for soon Collins came dashing down the hill, his eyes glowing and a flush of triumph on his manly face.
"What's up, pard?" asked Si Brill.
"They've got at the truth!" shouted Collins.
"What truth?"
"The truth about the murder."
"Then you showed them the receipt?" said Mr. Willett, again taking Sam's hand.
"Yes; I did all that, and even then some of 'em wanted to doubt; but something has happened to settle 'em."
"What's that?" asked Hank.
"The landlord has lit out——"