CHAPTER IX
Failure
AT Bob’s words of surprise, Joe burst out laughing. Mr. Holton could not help joining him, although he tried to restrain himself.
“That was about the craziest thing you ever did, Son,” Mr. Holton said, as soon as he could get his breath. “I’m afraid friend policeman will never forgive you.”
Bob grinned.
“I——Wait. He’s coming to.” The youth bent over the prone man.
“W-w-what happened, boy?” he demanded, sitting up and rubbing his jaw. “World come to an end?”
His friends laughed still harder.
“You—you tell—him, Dad,” pleaded Bob, as soon as he could manage to utter the words.
Mr. Holton sobered himself as best he could.
“There’s been a mistake,” he said, keeping his face straight with difficulty, “a terrible mistake. It seems that Bob here mistook you for the thief, He was the one that knocked you out.”