Fred was privately of opinion that it was rather a serious fault.
"He's a smart fellow," Bowman continued, "and he led the police a long chase before they nabbed him. I've often urged him to turn over a new leaf and lead an honest life or he'd fetch up in prison, but he only laughed, and that was all the good it did. I wish Teddy would find his way up here."
"Do you think he will be able to elude recapture?"
"Well, he's sharp enough for almost anything."
"I suppose there are a good many men of his kind in Canada," said Fred innocently.
"Yes," replied Bowman, adding in a jocular tone. "I didn't know but that might have brought you here."
"Oh, no!" laughed Fred. "I'm as straight and honorable as you are."
"Good joke!" exclaimed Bowman, slapping his thigh. "Shake!"
Bowman extended his hand, and Fred shook it, though it was not clear to him what the joke was or why he should shake hands with his companion because they both happened to be straight and honorable.
The hunt was now begun, for Fred caught sight of a jack rabbit skimming across the snow. He lifted his gun, and was fortunate enough to bring his game down. This fired Bowman with the spirit of emulation, and putting the papers back in his pocket, he started off in search of a companion trophy to that of his young friend.