“You can’t guess where he is,” blurted out Zeke.
“He isn’t in any trouble, is he?” asked Frank quickly.
“No; he’s safe enough. But you needn’t expect to see him tonight.”
“Why not?” demanded Frank, not yet guessing what was likely to detain his friend.
“Because he’s at our house,” chuckled Zeke. “Dad and Squire Pope have carried him to the poorhouse, and he’s goin’ to stay there for good.”
This was a surprise. In his astonishment, Frank nearly let go his rod. He was eager now to question Zeke further.
“You don’t mean to say Phil has been carried to the poorhouse against his will?” he exclaimed.
“I reckon he was anxious to go,” said Zeke.
“Where was he when your father and Squire Pope committed this outrage?” said Frank indignantly.
“I thought you’d be mad,” said Zeke, with the same unpleasant chuckle.