This, then, after all, was the quirk in Peakslow's head. The boys grinned. Jack was astounded.
"Peakslow," he exclaimed indignantly, "you know that's an absurd claim! You didn't find my horse and deliver him to me; I found him in your hands, and you even refused to give him up! The truckman has a better claim for the reward than you have, for he had him first; and then I don't see but the thief himself has a prior claim to either."
"You talk like a fool!" said Peakslow.
"You act like a fool and a knave!" Jack retorted, in a sudden blaze. "I won't have any more words with you. Sue for the reward, if you think you can get it. I'm just going to take my horse!"
"Not till the reward is paid, if I live!" said Peakslow, his black eyes sparkling. "Zeph, step and hand out the old gun!"
CHAPTER XXII.
THE WOODLAND SPRING.
Very pale, with the bridle dangling from his arm, and Lion walking dejectedly by his side (the sympathetic dog always knew when his master was in trouble), Jack returned to the "castle."
Lord Betterson, meeting him in the door-yard, touched his hat and bowed.