“Beware of a dark stranger,” laughed Bud. “That’s all right, Mrs. Zecatacas, I’ll watch for him. Now, I’ll show you around a bit and then I guess you’d better be going.”
For a few minutes, Bud explained, as well as he could, the general features of the aeroplane. In the midst of this, he heard animated talk just outside the canvas door, and, as it was quickly thrown aside, the Scottsville Chief of Police, Matthew Marsh, or Mat Marsh, as he was universally known, stepped inside the tent.
“Hello, Bud,” he began. “Heard you was in charge here. An’ got company, too. Don’t want to make no disturbance, but I’m lookin’ fur your friend.” He looked at Madame Zecatacas, and motioned her toward him. “I want you,” he added officially. “I got a warrant for you.”
The old woman gazed at him in astonishment, and then appealingly at Bud.
“Got a warrant for her!” exclaimed the boy. “What for?”
“Assault and battery,” answered Chief Marsh laconically.
“Who’s she assaulted?”
“Judge Pennington issued it on complaint o’ his boy.”
“Lafe?”
“Yep. Lafe says the old lady jumped on him las’ night and assaulted him. Guess it’s right. He’s home in bed.”