The officer himself looked surprised at this. Andy, however, did not tell them that this represented the prize he had won at the aviation meet, treasured proudly in its entirety.
“Wonder if that’s some of the money I’ve found short in my business?” insinuated Talbot.
“If there is any shortage in your receipts,” retorted Andy indignantly, “you had better ask your son about it.”
The shot told. The garage owner flushed up.
“What’s that?” he covered his evident confusion by asking, as the officer unfolded a slip of printed paper.
It was the advertisement about the lost leather pocketbook, that Andy had preserved. Glancing over the shoulder of the officer and taking in its purport, Talbot gave a start. Then he eyed Andy in an eager, speculative way, but was silent.
“What are you going to do with me?” Andy asked of the officer.
“Lock you up, of course.”
“Won’t I be allowed to send word to my friends?”
“Who are they?” demanded the officer.