So, armed with an old Winchester, Constable Jotham Heald left the house followed by the rest of the party—Billy also armed with his trusty rifle. Hearing the exciting story, one neighbour after another joined the posse in the quest.
“Say, Jotham!” bawled an old salt just back from Rockland, “Bet’cher them fellers air the same es is wanted fer other things than lobsters!”
“That’s right, Jotham! I heared tell thar war a launch stolen down Camden way—thar’s a reward out fer news of the thieves and the launch—shoulden’ wonder but what this is it!” added another hearty fisherman, as they passed the thieves’ craft.
The hope of reward added to the zest of the pursuit and before they left the shore every active or able member of the settlement had joined the posse and had spent that reward!
Meantime, the thieves had reached a remote part of the wooded shore and fearing capture had hidden in a natural cave. Here, they collected a heap of stones to use for ammunition and provided heavy clubs in case of attack.
They had not anticipated such an army, however, but had intended “rushing” the boys, figuring that the single rifle of the offensives could be rendered useless by the sudden surprise.
The trail grew clearer to the “home defenders” as they neared the granite cave; even Paul could see that cobble-stones had recently been removed from the ground.
The two fugitives, hearing a babel of many voices, peered from the gloom of the cave. When they saw the crowd headed by a constable (as was distinctly shown by the badge of office shining resplendent from his flowered suspenders) with a gun, they looked at each other in fear.
“In the name of the law, surrender!” bawled Captain Jotham, aiming his Winchester at the dark opening of the cave.
With the actual cowardliness of the unarmed criminal, the two men sneaked out holding up their trembling hands in token of submission.