"Why, how did he get Tom's coat?" Nell asked in surprise.
"No one seemed to know for sure. But people think that he knocked Tom down and took his coat, thinking there might be money in it."
"Where did this happen, Nan?"
"On the main road, according to Billy and Tom. They said that they were walking quietly along when they were set upon by Mr. Handyman, and knocked down with a big stick. I don't believe it, do you?"
But Nell did not answer. She stood in the middle of the room gazing thoughtfully out of the window which faced the main highway.
"Come with me, Nan," she at length ordered. "Let us go for a short walk."
Somewhat surprised, but asking no questions, Nan accompanied her sister out of the house, through the garden and along the road leading to the highway. Nell kept a careful watch on both sides of the road, and when they at last came to the spot where the fight had taken place, she espied two hats lying in the ditch. Near by were two stout cudgels.
"This is where the fight took place," Nell quietly remarked, as she pointed to the hats and the sticks. "They belong to Tom and Billy, if I am not much mistaken."
"But they said it was on the main road where they were attacked," Nan replied.
"Then they must be lying. There is the proof where the fight took place. And why was it here?" she asked.