“I’ll take it,” said Mr. Sackett reluctantly, “but th’ calf was wuth forty dollars ef it was a cent.”
“Nonsense!” declared the professor, as he paid over the money. “Haul the carcass out of the way, and we’ll be getting on, boys.”
“It’s a regular case of hold-up,” muttered Ned, as he dragged the calf farther out of the path of the auto.
The farmer pocketed the money with a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. Noddy Nixon, looking disappointed, perhaps because the motor boys had not been arrested, started back to his machine, followed by his crony, and soon they were chugging away down the road. Our friends and the professor entered their car.
“Whew! That was a hot time while it lasted!” remarked Bob, when they had gone on some distance.
“Yes, and all Noddy Nixon’s fault,” added Ned.
“Talk about highway robbers,” declared Jerry, “Mr. Sackett comes pretty nearly being one.”
They were filled with righteous anger against Mr. Sackett, and this was added to when they learned something about him when they stopped a little later at a country hotel for dinner.
While they were waiting for the meal to be prepared they got talking to the hotel clerk. They mentioned their experience with Mr. Sackett, and told of paying for the calf.