“Exit Karl Schmidt, alias Charles Smith, German propagandist, bridge destroyer, et cetera!� said Black Mayo, looking around at his companions.
There was a chorus of surprised exclamations.
“Where has he gone?� thundered Andrews, turning to Albert.
“I do not know, I do not want to know. I have nothing to tell you about my uncle,� the boy answered in a low, firm voice.
“You’d better—�
“Stop that!� Black Mayo checked Andrews’ blustering, and put a protecting hand on Albert’s shoulder. “But what are you to do, my boy?�
Albert’s lip quivered. “My uncle said I might go to our cousin in New York. But I do not want that. I like it here. I like to study and war-garden and help liberty. I want to be American.�
“Well, you can make plans later,� Mr. Osborne said kindly. “Now get your horse and come home with me and let’s have our breakfast.�
Albert went to the stable, watched suspiciously by Jake Andrews, who began a mumbling which Black Mayo interrupted. “Oh, I forgot! Mr. Andrews has a warrant to serve against me. Shall we——�
Andrews, turning fiery red, jerked out his warrant and tore it in two. “And I let that man make a fool of me!�