“I’ve caught you!” cried the man. “Maybe you’ll stop next time I yell at you! You exceeded the speed limits, and you’re under arrest!”
“Who are you?” asked Jerry.
“I’m Constable Hedden of Analomick township, and you fellers was running nigh onto forty miles an hour. I can tell, because I’ve got a cyclometer that registers the truth. You’re under arrest, and you’ll have to come before Squire Nashfell,” and the constable threw back his coat, to display a large star on his vest. “That’s my authority,” he added, proudly.
“Are you sure we were going too fast?” asked Jerry mildly, and his chums were surprised at his manner.
“Of course I am. Can’t I tell by my register?”
“But we are out of your territory,” put in Ned. “You have no right to arrest us in this township.”
“That’s all right,” said Constable Hedden. “You violated the speed law in Analomick township, and I can arrest you wherever I catch you; and I have you now!”
“Guess you didn’t think of that, Jerry,” remarked Bob in a low voice.
“Yes, I did,” answered the tall lad, in a whisper. “Just keep still, and say nothing. You and Ned remain in the car. I’ll settle with this fellow.” Then, addressing the constable, Jerry went on: “Well, what are you going to do with us? We can’t walk back to the office of the Squire with you, and leave our car here on the road. Can’t you trust us to come back?”
“Not much! I got bit once, an’ I ain’t goin’ to again. I’ll ride back with you to the Squire’s office, an’ prefer a charge against you.”