“I wouldn’t shed any bitter tears myself,” admitted Joe. “There’s going to be a meeting of the Board of Health to consider the subject soon, and I’ll give you fellows the tip the minute I hear anything definite about what they decide to do.”
“In the meantime, suppose you fellows drop around this evening for a little while,” suggested Bob. “I want to try out some long distance receiving and listen in on Chicago.”
All agreed to be there at about eight o’clock.
The Laytons had barely finished dinner that night when the door bell rang. Bob answered the bell.
He was surprised to find that the callers were Mr. Looker and his son Buck. Both had dark and angry looks on their faces.
“I want to know,” said Mr. Looker abruptly, “what you and your companions mean by burning down my cottage!”
[CHAPTER VI—THE BURNED COTTAGE]
“Nonsense!” exclaimed Bob. “What makes you think we’d do a trick like that?”
“Never mind about that!” exclaimed the elder Looker, furiously. “I supposed you’d deny it. I want to see your father, young man.”
“Here he is,” and Mr. Layton, who had been attracted to the door by Mr. Looker’s loud and angry tones, emerged on to the porch. “What can I do for you, Mr. Looker?”