"Then it is more than likely he was the guilty party," remarked Spud.
"But hold on a minute!" broke in Sam. "You got the money at Knoxbury, and this attack took place on the road above here, which is at least seven miles from that place. Now, if the man who did the deed was at the bank when you drew the money, how did he get here in time to hold you up?"
"I don't know about that, Sam; but I didn't leave Knoxbury immediately after getting the money. I had an errand to do for Minnie. She wanted me to pick out a—er—a necktie for my birthday, and I—well, I looked around two or three stores, trying to find something nice to take back to her. I bought two books of poetry, but I don't know where they are now."
"We found them on the road, and they are out in the cutter," answered Sam. "Spud, you might bring them in and give them to Songbird."
"The errands kept me in town for about half an hour after I was at the bank," continued the youth who had been attacked.
"And where had you left Mr. Sanderson's cutter in the meantime?"
"Right in front of the bank building, the horse tied to a post."
"That would give the man time to get another turnout in which to follow you," said Sam.
"But if he did that, I don't see how he got ahead of you."
"Well, maybe he didn't, and maybe it was some one else who did the deed," returned Sam.