"That's the best news yet!" cried Dick, and his face showed his relief.
"Yes, it is even better than this news you sent me—that Pelter and Japson have been captured."
"Well, I am mighty glad we rounded up those rascals," said the son.
"So am I."
"Did Sam say anything about Crabtree?"
"He said Crabtree was about the same. The doctors are doing what they can for him. But he will most likely be a cripple for life."
"That's bad. But he has nobody to blame but himself."
After that Dick had to sit down and tell his father the details of all that had occurred. Then he got a late supper, and some time after that he and his parent retired. The youth was thoroughly tired out, but happy.
The next few days were as busy as those just past had been. Dick and his father ran up to where Tom lay in the hospital. They found the sufferer had come to his senses. Sam and a nurse were with him.
"Oh, I'll be all right again, in a few days!" cried Tom, with a brave attempt at a smile. "I guess I fared better than old Crabtree. They tell me he'll limp for life."