“I wouldn’t depend too much on Berry’s word,” said the merchant.
“I was at the mill that night,” exclaimed Ned. Then he related what he had seen, all about the queer light, the presence of Bill Berry, and the finding of the tools and dark lantern. He only refrained from mentioning Noddy’s name, since he did not feel justified in bringing him in, no matter what his suspicions were concerning the bully.
“Great Snakes and little fishes!” exclaimed the sheriff, when Ned had finished. “I wish I had known this at the time. I guess we’ll have to hold you, as a witness, at least, my boy.”
But Ned’s father had sufficient standing in the town to render unnecessary any formal proceedings in holding Ned, and the sheriff departed without his one-time prisoner, on Ned’s promise to give evidence when wanted.
[CHAPTER XVI.]
PLANS FOR A MOTOR-CYCLE RACE.
“Well, Ned,” said Mr. Slade when the sheriff had gone, “you came close to getting into trouble. Why didn’t you mention to me something about seeing the light in the mill.”
“I thought of it,” replied the boy, “but after I talked it over with Bob and Jerry we decided it was better not to say anything about it. Besides, I haven’t told all yet.”
“What? Is there more to tell?”