A portion of the roadway leading into Haven Point was being repaired and was closed off; so, in order to get down into the town, they had to make something of a detour in the direction of Colby Hall.
"Oh, Jack, hadn't we better ask him to take us to the Hall first?" whispered Fred to his cousin. "Maybe Colonel Colby can fix this up for us."
"I might ask him," returned Jack, in a low tone.
"I ain't a-goin' to Colby Hall," snarled Elias Lacy, after the question had been put to him. "I'm a-goin' to take you to the lock-up."
The journey towards the town was continued, and presently those in the wagon came within sight of a rural free delivery turnout.
"Hello there, Pete! Got any letters for us?" sang out the farm hand.
"One fur Mr. Lacy," replied the post carrier, and, driving closer, he handed it over.
"I ain't got no time to read letters now," announced Elias Lacy, as he thrust the communication into his pocket. "I've got other business to 'tend to."
"Givin' a couple of the Colby cadets a ride, eh?" ventured the carrier.
"I'm a-takin' 'em to the lock-up, Pete. They went an' shot two o' my cows."