“No, I didn’t,” whispered Johnny. “But you keep it dark. It’s a dead secret.”
The roaring crowd came in with laughter and shouts. As they found seats and the tumult quieted Johnny addressed the judge.
“Shall I take the stand now, Your Honor, or wait till after dinner? It’s late, I know—but you’d believe me better right now—”
“Wait a minute, Andy!”
A man rose in the crowd—a tall old man with a melancholy face—the same who had summoned Hobby Lull to the door.
“Why, hello, Pete! I didn’t see you come!” said the judge.
“That’s funny, too. I have been here half an hour. You’re getting old, Andy—getting old!”
“Oh, you go to thunder! Say, can you straighten up this mess?”
“I can help, at least—or so I believe. I was with the search party.”