"Not much custom from you lately, sir," said Billy, mockingly. "Anything in my line to-day."
"Didn't I tell you never to come near me again, you foul villain? Go this instant, or I'll call Carter;" and, opening the window, he prepared to put his threat into execution.
"Ho, ho, ho! Better look at summat I've got first." It was a printed notice to the following effect--
"FIVE POUNDS REWARD.
"WHEREAS some evil-disposed persons stole some pigeons on the evening of April 6th from the Rev. H. Gordon's premises; the above reward will be given for any such information as may lead to the apprehension of the offenders."
Soon after the seizure of the pigeons there had been a rumor that Gordon had offered a reward of this kind, but the matter had been forgotten, and the boys had long fancied their secret secure, though at first they had been terribly alarmed.
"What do you show me that for?" he asked, reddening and then growing pale again.
Billy's only answer was to pass his finger slowly along the words "Five pounds reward!"
"Well?"
"I thinks I knows who took them pigeons."