“I’ve got the warrants fer the arrest, boys,” said Constable Hickson, somewhat importantly.
“Mr. Sparr, I’d like a word with you,” said Dave, as calmly as he could speak under the circumstances.
“I ain’t got no more to say than I’ve said,” returned Jason Sparr, stubbornly. “You done it, and I can prove it! The constable is going to do his duty and arrest you!”
“Dave, I—I won’t stand for it!” whispered Phil, hoarsely. “It’s terrible! I—I can’t stand it!” And he began to back away.
“Hi, there! stop!” yelled the hotel man. “Stop him, Hickson! Don’t let him get away!”
“You sha’n’t arrest me for nothing!” cried the 172 shipowner’s son, and like a flash he turned around and started off on a run.
“Come back here, Phil!” called out Dave. “Come back! You are making a mistake by running away!”
But Phil did not hear, nor did Ben and Buster, who had also taken to their heels. Roger ran a few steps, then halted, and came back to our hero’s side.
“You are right, Dave,” he said. “It’s best to face the music.”
Phil, Ben, and Buster had turned towards Oak Hall. Phil was in the lead, but the others soon caught up to him.