“I can explain it all now,” the man went on.
“About kidnaping these boys?” demanded Mr. Wilding.
“I didn’t kidnap ’em,” spoke Captain Needham, “they came aboard and were glad enough to. I had to hold ’em a while, and sorry enough I was to do it.”
“You’ll be sorrier before we’re through with you,” remarked the chief.
“Gentlemen, perhaps I had better explain,” said the man whom the boys had seen wearing the gilt crown.
“We’ll give you a chance,” said Mr. Wilding.
“In the first place we owe you boys an apology,” the man went on. “We’ll make it a substantial one too, as you will see, but first let me introduce myself. My name is Patrick Ricka, and I am interested in oil wells.”
“Oil wells!” exclaimed Mr. Wilding. “There aren’t any around here.”
“There wasn’t but there will be very soon,” Mr. Ricka added. “My companions are William Hendershot,” and he indicated the man with the white beard, “Joseph Gampfer,” who was the tramp, “and Andrew Maddox. They are associated with me in this enterprise. Captain Needham, I believe, you boys know,” and he smiled.
“Are you crazy or is it a joke about the King of Paprica?” asked Mr. Wilding, not inclined to let up on the men.