Had the thief jumped over? If so, which way had he gone, up, down, or into the woods beyond? It was a perplexing question. Perhaps if I had been in a story book I might have found some clew to direct me. But I was not that kind of a hero. I was only an everyday boy, and consequently no clew presented itself.
I stood by the fence for several minutes, my eyes and ears on the alert to catch anything worthy of notice. I judged it was near midnight, and hardly had I thought of the matter before the distant town bells tolled the hour of twelve.
As the echo of the last stroke died away, two figures came slowly up the road. As they drew nearer, I recognized Moran and Pultzer, the two Models members who had assisted at my capture.
I was astonished at their appearance. What on earth could they be doing out at this time of night?
As they drew near I thought for many reasons that it would not be advisable to show myself, and I stepped behind a tree.
"I don't care what you say," said Pultzer, "Dunc was half scared to death when we came away."
"I guess he didn't think what a serious matter it was when he asked us to go into it," returned Moran. "It's the worst affair I ever got into."
"Ditto myself," responded Pultzer.
"And if we get out without being caught, you'll never find me in another such," continued the other earnestly.
"I wonder what Dunc's father will say when he hears of it?"