Frank, together with Molly Manners, and another boy who had become winded and was unable to continue the chase over field and hill, accompanied Chief Hogg and his man when they walked the two prisoners into town.
Of course the police had taken the bonds off the men, and substituted shining steel bracelets that were more apt to appear business-like.
Martin and Joey were hardened characters. They doubtless felt keenly their condition, yet tried to appear utterly indifferent, sneering as they bandied words with their guards.
And in this way they drew into the outskirts of Columbia. People flocked out of houses to stare, and make all manner of comments.
The presence of Frank with his bicycle seemed to be taken as evidence that he must have had something to do with the capture of the men. Everybody jumped at the proper conclusion with regard to the identity of the prisoners; for the recent robbery at Fordham had been a matter of universal knowledge; as was also the meeting on the highway between the robbers and two of the town boys.
"Hello! Frank, what you been doing now?" called one admiring student of the high school, as he stared at the little procession.
"What's all this mean?" asked a voice Frank knew full well, since it belonged to his own father, who came out of the drug store at the corner, and surveyed the crowd with astonishment.
Frank immediately turned aside.
"See you later, Chief; and if you want me as a witness about anything, you know where to find me," he said, in a low tone, and accompanying his words with a smile.
"Mr. Allen, you'll have to look after that boy of yours!" called the officer, as he halted a minute and nodded to the merchant.