"Very queer," responded the squire, briefly. "I think you had better have him held until we can investigate further. Remember, we have not heard from the other parties who went out yet."
"Yes, we'll have to hold you, Nelson," said Mr. Hooker. "It's too bad, if you are innocent, but it can't be helped."
"Do you mean to say you will lock me up?" exclaimed Ralph, in horror.
"We'll have to—for a while—unless you can furnish satisfactory bail."
"How much bail do you wish?" asked the boy, faintly.
A consultation was held between the postmaster and Squire Paget, and finally bail was fixed at three hundred dollars.
"That will hold him tight enough," whispered the squire. "No one will go bail to that amount for him."
But Squire Paget was mistaken. While Ralph was being taken to the village lockup, a gentleman stepped up. In him Ralph recognized Mr. Leander Carrington, Julia Carrington's father.
"I will go that boy's bail," said the rich man.