“Where’s Dick?” asked Phil.
“He went gallivanting off on something he said was important business nearly two hours ago, and hasn’t come back yet. My goodness, for boys like you, you seem to have a lot to do in the dead o’ the night; but I guess it’s all right, it’s in a good cause,” remarked Aunt Abbie in a doubtful tone. “My, these last few nights I’ve been staying up till all hours. Such excitement!”
She had no sooner finished speaking when there was a knock at the door, and she went to open and admitted Dick.
The chums greeted each other heartily, and quizzed each other as to developments during their respective missions.
Dick’s news was received with astonishment by all present, and he was warmly congratulated for his part in the successful night, although he modestly disclaimed having done such a great deal.
“I certainly am glad to see that Green again under lock and key,” said Mr. Everett. “I can’t help but think he is the one who is at the bottom of my misfortune; that is the threatening letters and then the burning down of my house. That leaves very few of that gang at large, now, doesn’t it?”
“Just Jean LeBlanc, and he hasn’t much farther to go,” said Phil.
“You forget one other, Phil,” put in Dick, “and that reminds me to tell you that I think I know who did the rattlesnake trick. I developed and printed the picture that was caught by the camera trap, and found that it was Jean’s brother, Baptiste.”
“I’d forgotten all about him, to tell you the truth,” said Phil. “Well, if we can get one, the other cannot be far away. Now let’s off to bed. With the wetting and this uncomfortable ankle, I am pretty tired.”
“Yes, it’s way beyond bedtime. All we can do now is wait for the morrow and pray that good news will come with it,” said Mr. Everett.