"Sure they did, a whole lot," replied the farmer.
"Then you want them taken in, I reckon," interrupted the officer, bracing himself, as though he might be ready to sweep the four scouts into his car without further ceremony.
"Taken in?" repeated Mr. Brady. "Well, I should say not. When I agreed with you that these lads had had considerable to do with the fire I meant that only for the grand work they did, my house would have burned to the ground!"
"Then they didn't set the blaze going?" growled the big man. "Who did, then?"
"Two men I engaged yesterday as farm hands; and from what I hear I believe they are the very scoundrels you are looking for this minute," the farmer replied.
CHAPTER XIV.
SEARCHING THE HAY BARN.
"Say that again, please!" gasped Chief Benchley, as he stared at the farmer, like a man who could hardly believe his ears.