"What's the matter with me?"
"Yes. Your collar is half off, your clothes are dirty and there is blood on your shoe. What is the matter?"
"Well, nothing much," replied Uncle John in great confusion, "you see, I had—I had a—"
"And were Hal and Chester with you?" asked Mrs. Paine.
"Yes, that is no. I mean—" stuttered Uncle John.
"Come now, John, no fibbing," said Mrs. Crawford. "You were in trouble, and Hal and Chester were with you. Where are they now?"
"Well, to tell the truth, I don't know where they are," said Uncle John.
"I supposed they would be here by this time."
In a few words he explained what had transpired.
"They left the house without being hurt?" asked Mrs. Paine.
"Yes, ma'am."