CHAPTER VIII
A CLUE IN THE DITCH
Judge Colon looked keenly at Fred as he made this suggestion.
"I don't suppose now, my boy," the gentleman remarked, "you have any reason to suppose that what you say is the actual fact; that is, proof positive?"
"No sir, I haven't," replied Fred. "It is only an idea that came into my mind."
"Based upon what, might I ask?" the judge continued.
"Well, I've known that a good many Mechanicsburg boys have been down here lately, curious to see what sort of a showing Riverport would make in the meet."
"Yes, quite natural that they should want to know; because these must be anxious and trying times for the young people of the three towns," the judge remarked.
"And," Fred went on, "of course they've heard a lot about our sprinter; for Riverport boys are like all other boys, and like to brag, especially when they've really got a phenomenon of a runner, like our Colon, to boast about."
The judge smiled at that; for was not that same wonder a member of his family—a Colon?