Afterwards Ralph Marshall could see that he went about from one of the men to the other, talking, and that in most cases the men shook their heads. But he could not hear either what Billy said, or his companion answered, when they were speaking directly to each other. It was due to the fact that Billy had been addressing the group and that he had been lifted up in the air, that had made his words audible to Ralph.
Whatever conclusion was finally reached Ralph eventually realized that the younger boy was intending to leave for home. For he solemnly went about and shook hands with each of the men, as if he were a personal friend. And, although some of them received the attention awkwardly, none of them refused it.
A little later Billy passed Ralph without observing him. He mounted his pony and began riding slowly toward Sunrise camp.
In about five minutes Ralph followed, but he allowed about twenty to elapse before he rode up alongside the younger boy.
When he did and Billy discovered his identity, he nodded in his impersonal but friendly fashion.
“Have you been on the lookout for me?” he inquired. “I had half an idea Tante would try to discover what I was doing, when I refused to tell her.
“She isn’t accustomed not to having her own way. Well, I am glad you did not run across me today. After this, perhaps, it won’t make much difference if I do give up my daily disappearances and remain at camp. I don’t think I can have any more influence as I have said all I have to say.”
CHAPTER XIX
The Arrest
Three days later Billy Webster was arrested.
Ralph Marshall was spending the afternoon at Sunrise camp when the officers arrived. With them came the man with whom he had once held a conversation concerning Billy—evidently the man who had thrown suspicion upon him.