“You don’t think I’d lie about it, do you?”
“We can’t very well contradict you. I don’t mind telling you that we’re going to turn this over to the police. This man has disappeared, and by the appearance of this cap he has met with foul play. If you know anything about it you’d better speak up now.”
“He doesn’t know anything about it,” shrilled the woman angrily. “Go away and don’t bother us. Didn’t he tell you he found the cap on the road? Why should he know anythin’ more about it than that?”
“We’re going to take the cap with us.”
“Take it,” snapped Redhead. “I don’t want it.”
The boys turned away. Nothing further was to be gained by questioning the trio in the yard, and at any rate the lads had gained possession of the cap.
“We’d better go,” said Frank in a low voice.
They went back toward the lane. As they entered it they cast a last glance back at the yard.
The woman and the two men were standing just where they had left them. The woman was motionless, her hands on her hips. Redhead was standing with his arms folded and the swarthy man was leaning on the axe.
All three were gazing intently and silently after the departing boys.