Finally, his dark features livid with rage, he joined ’Squire Hardy, giving expression to words unfit to repeat here.
“He must have got word of our coming and run away,” declared the ’squire. “But, if so, we can and must find him, Stanyan.”
“You can bet your bottom dollar I will find him if I have to move heaven and earth to do it,” replied the sheriff. “More than that, I will take the boy here with us, and if he doesn’t get a place to hang his hat for the next ten years I’ll resign my office.”
Then the party prepared to drive away, with Little Hickory a prisoner among them.
Seeing what was being done, Mrs. Bayne rushed out of the house, crying, in her despair:
“Oh, sir! do not take my boy. He has done nothing but what is right. His father had rather——”
“Stop, mother!” cried Little Hickory, sternly. “Say nothing you may repent of later. I go without resistance, and you must keep up good courage here until I get back.”
’Squire Hardy looked back with a mocking laugh at the weeping spectators they were leaving behind.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE SKELETON IN THE CELLAR.
Mrs. Bayne was wild with grief, as she saw Rob taken away in this heartless way.