Cavanaugh did not hear the rest. His eyes were fixed on the welcome and familiar face of the County Sheriff, who had stepped out into the road followed by several deputies. There were others in the second car, and a few moments later the boy was hastily explaining the situation to a group of keen-eyed, competent looking men gathered about him.
“The car’s the first thing,” stated Sheriff Mardon crisply. “They’ll try to get away in that. Scatter along the road, fellows. It’s likely run into the bushes a ways. Hustle, now!”
There were plenty of lanterns and flashlights, and by their aid the search began. It was quickly over. Cavvy had lingered behind to have a word with the other two scouts when, from a point a hundred yards or so ahead there came a sudden bedlam of voices and the sounds of a scuffle. The scouts dashed forward at a run, but when they reached the spot the brief excitement was over.
Along one side of the road, its hood just protruding from the bushes, stood a small car with all lights out. In front of it were two hatless figures with hands upraised, who glared malevolently at the circle of officers surrounding them.
“These your men?” asked the sheriff curtly as Cavvy came up.
The latter nodded and the sheriff turned to a deputy beside him.
“Take ’em in charge, George,” he said. “Three or four of you men had better stay with him. Don’t take any chances of their slipping off. Now, son, suppose you show us where this plant is.”
Five minutes later they were standing in the upper room of the deserted house, which showed every sign of a hurried flight. The sheriff viewed what remained of the wireless outfit with a grim smile.
“Caught with the goods,” he said in a tone of satisfaction. “It’s a case for the Department of Justice, all right. I’ll leave a couple of deputies ’till their man can take charge.” He turned to Cavanaugh. “You kids have done a mighty good day’s work, son,” he stated. “I want to hear all about how you came to think it out. Suppose you drop in at my office to-morrow and—” He broke off, his eyes widening. “Why, you’re the boy scout who sold me Liberty Bonds, ain’t you?”
Cavvy nodded, his eyes twinkling.