Fortunately when the detectives arrived, she was out in the back yard, working in her little garden. But what could Ted do? To argue with these men would only arouse her attention, bring her hurrying to the front porch to see what was the matter. For she seemed to live in daily fear of trouble between her husband and the law.
"But you have no evidence to arrest me," Ted objected, quietly, in answer to the man's brusque statement.
"You are wrong there! We have evidence. The gasoline agent, who sold you gas for the plane. The description fits you perfectly—a great big fellow, with red hair. Besides, you were caught in the very place where the other thief escaped."
"But I had nothing to do with it! I can prove it!"
"How?"
"By other men in the company——"
"Are they here?" interrupted the detective, with a hard, sneering look.
"No—but——"
"Then you will come with us until such time as you prove your innocence. One of us will go inside with you while you get whatever things you want."