After a wait of what seemed hours to Phil, one of the watchers stirred himself.
“Well, fellows, we might as well go home. The brute’s settled down for the night, I reckon.”
“What time is it?”
“Half past two,” announced the first speaker.
“Well, well, I should say it was time to go. Not going to stay with him, are you, sheriff?”
“Not necessary. He can’t get out.”
After listening at the closed door, the one whom Phil judged to be an officer joined his companions and all walked leisurely down the road.
The lad remained in the fence corner for sometime, but he stood up after they had gone. He did not dare move about much, fearing that Emperor might hear and know him and raise a great tumult.
Phil waited all of half an hour; then he climbed the fence and slipped cautiously to the door of the shop.
It was securely locked.