Mr. Hallet was surprised to see his neighbor drive into his yard with the three game-wardens, who ought to have been far away on the mountain attending to business, and almost overwhelmed with amazement when he heard the story they told him while seated on the porch.
When Mr. Warren showed him the recovered securities, at the same time remarking that their mutual friend Shippen would be cleared of all suspicion the moment those papers were produced in Hammondsport, Uncle Hallet went into the hall after his hat and duster, declaring that it was a matter of the gravest importance, and must be attended to at once.
Then he added something that gave his nephew the opportunity to "kick."
"I am going over to the county-seat with Mr. Warren, and you two boys had better stay here until I return," was what he said.
"Now, just look here—" began Tom.
"I know all about it," interrupted his uncle, turning his head on one side and waving his hands up and down in the air, "and I am in too great a hurry to listen to any argument. Joe Morgan has seen one white face looking at him through his window, and if you stay up there to-night you will see two; but they will be white with anger, and not with fear. You have got yourselves in a box by your prying and meddling," added Uncle Hallet, who was delighted with the exploit the boys had performed and proud of their pluck, "and I want you to keep away from those hills after dark, I tell you."
"Well," said Tom, with a long-drawn sigh, "I suppose I shall have to submit."
"I think I would, if I were in your place," said Mr. Warren.
And as he spoke he brought so comical a look to his face that every one on the porch broke out in a hearty laugh.