“Perhaps,” commented Mr. Trevor. “I believe you did that to them.”
“If you boys mean business,” broke in Mr. Conyers for the first time, “and try to make something out of yourselves, I’ll see that you get uniforms. I’m tired of your deviltry.”
The rough nature of the boys did not permit a gracious response but when the three men left the young offenders the answer of every boy was shining in his eyes.
[CHAPTER XV]
GOOSETOWN’S PRODIGAL SONS
The arraignment of the six horse thieves in court the next morning was only a matter of form. To the surprise of Marshal Walter and the other court officers, the mayor called the cases, asked for witnesses and, none being present, dismissed the prisoners. A penitent sextet of boys slipped out of the court room, and the regeneration of “Hank’s gang” had begun.
The next five weeks passed rapidly. The Wolves continued their drills, scout games and outings but not once did they clash with the rival Coyotes. This patrol had been organized and completely outfitted by Mr. Conyers. Each of the Goosetowners who had suffered arrest was also at work, thanks to Mr. Trevor. It was a new era in juvenile Scottsville.
Ten days after the arrests Willie Bonner was able to leave his bed and in a few more days he was on Mr. Trevor’s pay roll, as a chauffeur and handy helper about the house and yard. With the boys, however, he was a chum and equal. One would have thought him Art’s brother.
Mr. Trevor had written to the American Aeroplane Company in Newark explaining the situation. As young Bonner had figured, the boy owed the company four hundred dollars, for which the company held a mortgage. This the restored young aviator had promised to pay as soon as he could, and the company readily accepted the terms.