Skip was not so excited but that he could eat a hearty meal, and when it was finished the two boys returned to Mr. Hunter's office just as that gentleman entered, accompanied by a constable.
The official questioned Skip very minutely as to Tim's whereabouts, and when the boy had explained the situation to the best of his ability, the former said:
"I reckon we won't have to walk all the way. By riding up the valley road eight or ten miles it is possible to cut off a good bit of the distance."
"Very well, adopt any method which will insure your return to-morrow noon, for the trial is to come off at twelve o'clock. Go with him, Skip, and see to it that there is no loitering by the way."
"Are you intending to hire a team?" Fred asked the constable.
"Then I'll go with you to the stables."
The constable walked rapidly ahead leaving the boys to follow more leisurely, and Fred had time for a brief conversation.
"You've been a good friend, Skip, and none of us will ever forget what you've done."
"I don't want you to remember what happened while I was boss of the regulators."