Squire Bates descended from the buggy, and then walked to the very tree under which Adin Dunham had, according to his own account, found himself lying unconscious. Then he walked in different directions around it, peering carefully at the ground, as if in search of something.
"He's looking for the button!" thought Dean in growing excitement.
Then, as if distrusting his eyes, Squire Bates put on a pair of glasses, and once more resumed his search. But it proved unavailing.
"I must have dropped it somewhere else," Dean heard him mutter.
"That settles it!" thought our hero. "He means the sleeve button without doubt. My uncle is right after all, but," he added after a pause, "no one would believe the story, I must wait for additional proof. I wonder what the squire would say if he should find me here. Would he look guilty?"
Upon the impulse of the moment, not stopping to consider whether he was acting wisely or not, Dean determined to let the squire know that he was present. He did not care to arouse his suspicion, however, by letting him think that he had been watched. He therefore glided swiftly a short distance to the right, and then, showing himself openly, advanced towards the squire, whistling carelessly.
Squire Bates turned quickly at the sound, and looked annoyed when he saw who it was that intruded upon him.
"You here, Dean Dunham?" he exclaimed.
"Oh, it's Squire Bates," said Dean, as if surprised. "Yes, it is I."