“What is he charged with?” inquired the officer.
“Burning a barn at Princeville. Get him to the station and I’ll explain to your chief.”
There was no chance for Andy to expostulate or struggle. The officer held him tightly by one wrist, while Talbot whisked them away till they reached a police station.
Here the garage owner drew the officer in charge to one side. They held a brief consultation. Andy caught a word here and there. It was sufficient to apprise him of the fact that there was a reward offered for his arrest, and Talbot was agreeing to divide it with the officer if he would take charge of Andy till he was delivered over to the authorities at Princeville.
“You are in charge of the law now, young man,” said the officer, leading Andy back to the automobile. “I won’t shackle you, but don’t try any tricks.”
He and Andy occupied the rear seat in the automobile, while Talbot drove the machine.
“May I say something to you?” inquired Andy of the officer.
“About what?” asked the officer.
“My being arrested this way. I don’t see what right Mr. Talbot has to chase me and give orders about me like some condemned felon. I haven’t seen any warrant for my arrest.”
“You’ll see it soon enough. Meanwhile don’t say anything to incriminate yourself,” returned the officer, glibly using the pet phrase of his calling.