The keen eyes of the sheriff made this discovery, and Frank realized that Hodge’s wheel should have been concealed.
“Oh, the other fellow has just stepped aside to look at the big trees,” he explained. “This is the first time we have ever seen trees like these. They are wonders, sir. Do you have them all over the State? How tall are they? Can you give us the dimensions of the largest tree discovered in this State? We desire some information concerning them.”
“I see ye do,” said Higgins, with sarcasm, “an’ I desire a little information myself. You’ll answer my questions.”
Frank feared his ruse would fail, but he suavely said:
“Oh, certainly—of course, sir. We shall be pleased to answer your questions. Do these trees make good timber for building purposes? Are they difficult to work up? How thick is the bark? And how——”
“That’ll do!” roared the sheriff, fiercely. “I’m no bureau of information. Whar is the other feller?”
Frank assumed a dignified and injured air.
“As you do not seem inclined to answer my questions, I must decline to answer yours,” he said, coldly. “If you will drive along, it will be agreeable to us.”
Higgins showed his yellow teeth through his grizzled beard.
“Oh-ho!” he grated. “So that’s the trick. Wa-al, I know t’other chap is near, an’ I’m goin’ ter see him. That is settled.”