"The police can protect you," declared the chief.
"Have you ever had policemen enough yet to prevent boys from fighting in Gridley?" challenged Dick, though his tone was respectful. "Besides, the thrashings wouldn't be anything to the scorn and contempt that we'd meet everywhere."
"You ought to tell us," insisted the chief of police. "You're helping to defeat the ends of justice."
"Aren't men clever enough to catch a few boy offenders, without demanding that other boys 'queer' themselves with every fellow in town?" insisted Dick.
"Justice Lee will make you tell, then," promised the chief, with a shake of his head.
"He can't!" spoke Dick with spirit. "I'll go to prison, and stay there, before I'll turn blab. So will my friends."
"That's just what we'll do," nodded Dave, his eyes flashing.
The chief chewed his moustache thoughtfully. At last he spoke.
"You boys can go now. I know where to find you when I want you."
Dick & Co. lost no time in getting away from this uncomfortable examination.