"Where is Scott?" asked the officer.
"Dead," was the reply.
"Holy smoke!" cried the policeman. "Then I've arrested a couple of murderers!"
"If you'll hurry us to headquarters," Ned replied, "and the man who made this report is still there, I'll help you to arrest a real murderer. Here comes the wagon."
"Drive fast," ordered the policeman as the three entered the patrol wagon and the driver turned to inspect the boys. "I've got the fellows we're after," he added.
"Great luck!" the driver replied. "There'll be a big reward."
"Oh, I guess I know my business!" said the policeman, with a boastful chuckle.
The station was soon reached, and, without the least ceremony, the boys were pushed along to the cell block and locked up. Ned's demand that they be taken before the chief was not heeded.
"This is fine!" Jimmie said, from the next cell to the one occupied by
Ned. "I like this."
Before Ned could reply, the chief of police made his appearance in the corridor outside, a great ring of keys in one hand. He unlocked the cell doors without speaking a word and motioned the boys out into the corridor.