"Well, Merwell, so they have caught you; have they?" began Mr. Wadsworth, as he stepped up in front of the youth. "I thought we would get you sooner or later."
"I—I can't talk to you no-now," faltered the prisoner.
"I don't think it will be necessary to do much talking, Merwell," went on the jewelry manufacturer. "We can do our talking later—possibly in the police court."
"All right, have your own way about it," growled the prisoner. "You've got me and I'm down and out, so you can do your worst." And with this he rolled over on the hammock once more and again closed his eyes.
"Talk about nerve!" whispered Ben. "Doesn't that take the cake!"
"I'd like to know whether he is really hurt so much, or only shamming," added Phil. "He always was a sly one."
"Tell me how you came to capture him," said Mr. Wadsworth.
Thereupon Dave and Phil related how they had gone up the brook to the vicinity of the cliff, and there heard the words between Link and the so-called wild man.
"O dear! is that awful creature around here again?" cried Jessie.
"Yes," answered Dave. "And I wish he would keep away."