But from the whimsical droop at the corner of his mouth it was evident that if the boys’ fathers waited for a bill from Mr. Stone they would wait a long time.
He hurried over to the window of the agent’s office and bought four additional tickets for Rockledge.
“Take these and distribute them among the other boys,” he said, as he handed them to Bobby. “And here’s some money to get on with until you hear from your folks,” he added, thrusting a number of bills in his hand.
“It’s awfully good of you, Mr. Stone,” replied Bobby, as he put them in his pocket. “I don’t know how to thank you enough. I’ll keep careful account and see that you get it back to the last cent.”
“Don’t worry about that,” rejoined Mr. Stone. “I’m only paying back an old debt, and even at that I still owe you a lot. Now you boys go right ahead and forget all your troubles. I’ll take full charge of the answer to your telegram and see that it gets to you all right.
“I’d like to stay with you until the train leaves,” he went on, “but as I said before, every minute is precious now if we want to have any chance to nab those villains who robbed you. I’ll hustle up the constable and I’ll let you know later how we come out.”
He gave Tommy a kiss and a hug, waved good-bye to the others in a gesture that included them all, and went out of the door. Through the window they could see him going briskly up the village street in a walk that was almost a run.
The boys, left alone, looked gleefully at each other.
“Scubbity-yow!” shouted Fred, as he threw his cap to the ceiling.
“All our troubles are over now,” exulted Pee Wee.