“I’ve got to begin all over again,” the young reporter said with a rueful smile. “My hopes are all shattered. But I can at least have a story out of it.”
“It wasn’t your fault at all,” said Mr. Meldron, as he walked away at Larry’s side, when they had bidden the troupe of actors good-by. “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions so quick-like. I’m wuss than a kid, I guess.”
“No, I think you were justified,” spoke Larry. “It certainly did look suspicious. I hope you won’t mind being written up in the paper—you and the others.”
“Not a bit of it! It’s the least we can do for you after fooling you on a fake kidnapping,” said the constable.
“And to think them fellers was acting all the while!” murmured one farmer. “Gosh, but they fooled us!”
CHAPTER XV
A NEW CLEW
“Well, I wonder what I’m going to do next?” said Larry aloud as he walked over the fields beside Mr. Meldron. The other farmers were straggled out, talking excitedly over what had happened.
“I know one thing you’re goin’ t’ do fust!” said the man who was responsible for the whole affair.
“What?” asked Larry curiously.