“Then I’ll hold ye fer th’ proper authorities.”
“Are you going to keep us in this place all night?” demanded the professor. “If you do you will be liable for severe penalties.”
“I ain’t aimin’ t’ keep ye here over night,” went on Mr. Muggins. “I’m goin’ t’ put ye in th’ harness room right away.”
A little later the transfer was made, and, closely guarded, our friends were shifted to somewhat better quarters, though seemingly none the less secure. They were locked in a small room where hung many old, and some new harnesses, the apartment being partitioned off from the carriage house. The door was locked, and they were left alone, some blankets having been provided for beds, and the assurance given that they would soon have supper.
The day passed miserably and slowly. They could not see their airship from where they now were, and they feared lest something happen to it. Talk lagged among the boys, but the professor did not seem to mind his imprisonment, for he had light now to see to work on his notes, and he managed to capture several small bugs, which he put in his boxes that he had carried into his prison with him.
Supper was brought to them about dusk, and Jerry took the opportunity to demand of Mr. Muggins that they either be taken at once before a magistrate, or released on payment of one hundred and fifty dollars, which, he said was all it would cost to repair the barn.
But Mr. Muggins was obstinate, and would not listen to reason. He departed, locking the harness room door securely after him.
“Well, we might as well make up our minds to spend the night here,” said Bob gloomily. “Anyhow, I’m not hungry—at least for the present.”
“That’s a comfort,” observed Jerry somewhat sarcastically. He was walking idly about the room when his foot happened to knock against a board near the floor.