"What will Vinnie say?" thought he, with a thrill of anticipation. And it must be confessed that he felt no little pride at the prospect of showing his prisoner to Lord Betterson and the boys.
Descending the long declivity, the fellow was strangely silent, for one so rattle-brained, until the "castle" appeared in sight through an opening of the woods. "He's plotting mischief," Jack thought. And when suddenly the rogue made a movement with his arms, Jack started, ready for a grapple.
"Don't be excited; I'm only putting on my coat."
"All right," said Jack; and the garment was put on. "Anything else I can do for you?"
"I'm dying with thirst; they had nothing to drink at that tavern where you found me."
"May be we can get some water at this house," Jack said.
"Are you acquainted here?" the prisoner inquired, with a curious, sober face.
"Yes, well enough to ask for a glass of water." And Jack drove into the yard.
The rogue kept on his sober face, but seemed to be laughing prodigiously inside.
As Jack reined up to the door, Lill came out, clapped her hands with sudden surprise, and screamed, "O mother!" Then Vinnie appeared, her face radiant on seeing Jack, but changing suddenly at sight of his companion. Mrs. Betterson followed, and, perceiving the faces in the buggy, uttered a cry, tottered, and clung to Vinnie's shoulder.