It was getting along toward sunset when finally Ralph, as if unable to longer hold in, introduced the subject himself.
Perhaps the fact that he and Rob chanced to be alone at the time had something to do with it. They were looking over the flashlight apparatus, which the owner had been explaining to Ralph, who agreed that the manipulation of the little “trick” was simplicity itself, and could be easily managed by any one with a fair degree of intelligence.
“It begins to look to me as though Peleg knows he must be under suspicion, and doesn’t mean to come back to work here, much as I hate to believe that, Rob,” was what he said, watching the face of his companion so as to read his opinion even before the other made any sort of reply.
“Oh! I wouldn’t say that until you know more about his actions,” Rob told him. “You yourself said he had a queer and powerful affection for his brothers and sisters. His going out there today proves that, too. Now as a scout I’ve been taught never to believe wrong of any one unless the proof is overwhelming; and even then to try and think the best you can of him, perhaps by your influence causing him to repent and make restitution.”
“I understand what you mean, Rob,” muttered the other, “and if Peleg really showed any sign of being sorry for what he has done, I’d forgive him, and keep his secret. I’m not one of the hard kind to hold a thing against any chap, because I know we’re not all alike. Peleg, being tempted, would mean ten times the strain on his honesty that the same thing would to me. Yes, I’ve already made up my mind to go easy with him.”
Rob was glad to hear this. At the same time he still hoped there would be no occasion to exercise this clemency on the part of his friend. It was pleasant for him to know Ralph was that sort of boy; and he believed the other would make a model member of the new scout troop, when it was organized in Wyoming.
“There’s just one more thing I want to say, Rob,” the other remarked when they were about to pass out again to the open air, and join the rest of the fellows on the shady porch. “Meeting you has been a revelation to me, and given me a lot of new ideas. And let me tell you I’ve never known any one who had such faith in finding a streak of good in every boy that lives!”
“Oh!” said Rob with a laugh, “that’s easy enough when you figure out your own struggles between right and wrong. All boys pass through the same, more or less.”
Chapter XXIV
The Answer to the Puzzle
After supper that night Ralph and Rob went off to set the flashlight trap in the mink enclosure. A fresh fish would be the bait to attract one of the timid little fur-bearing animals to the place; and the arrangement was such that when he attempted to possess himself of the tempting morsel, the pull upon a cord would cause the flashlight to snap off his picture before he could move.