"Why, I never heard of so much happening before in one day," gasped Mrs. Prescott.
"It never happened to me, before, anyway," laughed Dick. "However, I hope I've brought home a good excuse for being out a little late."
"Dick," broke in his father solemnly, "the next time any such train of events happens you have my permission to be out until—let me see. Well, say, until quarter of ten. But don't let such things happen too often. And now, to bed with you!"
"Dick is not going to bed just yet," interposed his mother. "A boy who has been as active as he has to-night is bound to be hungry. Come with me to the pantry."
CHAPTER VIII
TWO ACCIDENTS—OR TRAPS?
Before Gridley left its breakfast tables the following morning Dick Prescott and his chums were rather famous.
For the editor of the "Blade" had played up the Dexter abduction for the big local story in the morning's issue.