"Well, your fire is out and if you've got a hammer and some nails we'll fix the fence for you and then we might as well go home," volunteered one of the boys. "We can't do any more here. But you mustn't forget to let us know about our joining the Scouts."
Having followed more slowly, the constable now approached the boys.
"Well," he growled, "if you fellows are ready, you might come along back with me and visit the station. But I warn you, no more speedin'!" Then examining the group more closely he cried:
"Hello, Pete, what you doin' here? You git home!"
"Hello, Dad!" replied Pete. "I'm ready to go now."
"How'd you get here, anyhow?" inquired the constable, who proved to be none other than the father of the lad known as Pete.
Explanations of the day's adventures so far as Pete was concerned were given, wherein Jimmie and his chums received full credit from the now friendly Pete and his comrades. They dwelt at some length on Jimmie's courage and ability as well as his spirit of fairness.
"Well, all I've got to say," decided the constable at the conclusion of the tale, "is that I rode with you fellers and I didn't see no speedin'! If you'll give me a ride back to town, I'll be much obliged. Anybody that can lick that boy of mine can't get arrested for speedin' in this town while I'm constable!"
"Thank you," replied Ned. "We won't exceed the limit in your town unless we know it is necessary. Just now, I'm great puzzled about the identity of the fire-bug and his reason for burning the hangar."
"Maybe it's some anarchist who's sore because he hasn't got an airship of his own," ventured Jack. "Some folks play 'dog in the manger,' especially if they're down on their luck a little!"