“And what makes the professor act so queer?” Bob wanted to know.
“Don’t stop to ask questions!” cried Jerry, vaulting from his seat. “Come on!”
The three boys advanced toward the group of men who now surrounded Uriah Snodgrass. The scientist still retained his grip of the constable with one hand, while with the other he was making cautious advances toward the coat collar of the farmer-officer.
“Let me be!” cried the constable. “Jab him, Sim an’ Jake! Jab him!”
“Keep still,” ordered Professor Snodgrass. “I’ll have him in another minute!”
“Ye’ve got me now, consarn ye!” snapped the constable, trying in vain to pull away. “If ye lay another hand on me I’ll have ye sent t’ jail fer life! Let me go, I tell ye!”
“Look out with those pitchforks!” cried Jerry, as he saw Sim advance the prongs dangerously close to the professor’s legs.
“There! I’ve got it!” suddenly exclaimed the little scientist. His hand made a descent on the farmer’s collar, and then, with something tightly clasped in his fist, Mr. Snodgrass leaped back. Sim and Jake closed up alongside of the man who had summoned them by whistle.
“What’d you take offen me?” demanded Mr. Snook suspiciously. “My badge? Ef ye have——”