"And all the rest of the Darbyville people? Of course they've got to lay it to some one."
I surmised that they must be speaking of what they had done to me. I never dreamed that they were discussing a subject much more serious.
"I'm glad Dick Blair wasn't along to-night," went on Moran. "Dick is not to be trusted any more. He kicked awfully at the idea of tying up Strong this noon."
I was gratified to hear this bit of news. I liked Dick in many respects, and now I was almost ready to look upon him as a friend.
"Strong didn't give in quite as much as Dunc thought he would. Hang it, if I didn't admire his grit."
"So did I. Wonder how he's getting along in the old tool house. We must release him first thing in the morning."
"No need of doing that, gentlemen," I put in, stepping out from behind the tree. "I am&—"
But it would have been useless for me to say more, as no one would have heard me.
At the first sound of my voice both of the Models had started in alarm, and then, led by Pultzer, they dashed up the road as fast as their feet could carry them.
At first I was amazed at their actions, and then, as the ridiculousness of the situation presented itself, I smiled. "A guilty conscience needeth no accuser," it is said, and this truth was verified to the letter.