CHAPTER XXI
A PUZZLING AFFAIR
The mysterious stranger with the white mustache and dark hair who had caused so much speculation among the Hilltop boys had not been seen since the second attempt to rob the Riverton bank and none of those most interested knew where he was.
His confederate, badly wounded at the time, was in jail and likely to remain there for some time, but of his principal nothing was known.
He had made his escape and had probably left the region for good and all, being satisfied that a third attempt to get at the money of the bank would be fatal.
The Hilltop boys were anxious to know what relation he bore to Jack Sheldon, who, it will be remembered, had been visibly agitated when he was first mentioned but as the boy did not seem inclined to enlighten them they did not ask him any more questions.
Herring avoided Jack after the stirring scene in the barn but neglected no opportunity to speak ill or slightingly of the boy to his cronies and to Jack’s friends when he dared.
There were not many of these occasions, however, for the first time that he spoke slurringly of Jack to Billy Manners, that fun-loving young gentleman said hotly:
“Look here, Herring, I’ll pickle you if I hear you talk that way of Jack Sheldon again. A word to the wise is sufficient.”
Billy was not as big nor as strong as Jack but there was a determination in his look which Herring did not care to see there nor to provoke and he laughed carelessly and retorted: