So Thad knew that it was his duty to hold the attention of the man in some way or other, until his confederate could cover the little space that still separated him from his intended victim.
Once let Tom Smith make that plunge, and the chances were he would fix matters, so that Jasper would not be left in any condition to do further damage.
Above all else Thad knew that under no consideration must he allow the man to suspect that he was only trying to hold his attention for a deep purpose. And in order to make the matter stronger Thad determined to stagger Jasper by revealing his identity. Anything at all so that he could cause him to remain just where he was, and allow the other to reach him.
“Oh! I surrender, all right, so please don’t think of using your gun. It isn’t at all necessary, you see!” and as he said this the boy held up his hands, both of which were free; for he had allowed his rifle to fall to the ground at the time he seized upon the extended hands of the girl, outstretched to him.
“However did you get over here: and what’s that uniform mean?” demanded Jasper, who was apparently almost stunned with surprise.
“Why, you see, I belong to the Boy Scouts,” remarked Thad, off-hand; “and you must know they’re always interested in boats, motorcycles, aeroplanes and all such things. And it looks like a fellow would need a flying machine to cross that sink of mud around this place.”
“An aeroplane! You an air pilot?” exclaimed the man, hardly knowing whether it could be true, or that this boy might be deceiving him for a purpose. “I’d never believe it unless you showed me your machine. What were you doing holding the hands of my daughter? There’s something more about this thing than you’ve admitted! I’m beginning to suspect that you came here with some purpose!”
Only another minute, Thad expected, would be necessary; Alligator Smith was making good progress, and must soon be in position to hurl himself upon the unsuspecting Jasper, wrestling with these staggering facts.
“Well, that’s right, Mr. Jasper, I did come here for a good reason!” Thad went on to say composedly, hoping that he could manage to hold the attention of the other just a brief space of time longer.
“You know me!” gasped the man, still further amazed; “who are you, boy? I demand that you tell me, and in a hurry too, if you understand what’s good for you.” and he made a significant movement with the hand that gripped the pistol.