“Here’s your man,” Mr. Parker said as the policemen tramped into the living room.
Turning the revolver over to one of the officers, he disclosed exactly what had occurred. Blake was immediately placed under arrest. He was granted ten minutes to change into street clothing and prepare for his long sojourn in jail.
“I am being persecuted,” he whined as he was led away. “This is all a trick to build up circulation for the Star. If there is such an organization as the Black Hoods, Clem Davis is the man who heads it!”
Penny and Mr. Parker felt very grateful to the fugitive who had come to their aid at such a timely moment. They wished to help him if they could, but they knew he could not escape arrest. Clem Davis realized it too, for he made no protest when told that Sheriff Daniels must be called.
“I’m ready to give myself up,” he repeated. “I was a member of the Hoods, but I never went along with them once I learned that they meant to defraud the truck farmers. I hope I can prove my innocence.”
Within a few minutes Sheriff Daniels arrived to assume charge of his prisoner. Entertaining no sympathy for the man, he told Penny and her father that in all likelihood Davis must serve a long sentence.
“He’s wanted for setting fire to the Preston barn,” the sheriff insisted. “Unless he can prove an alibi for himself, he hasn’t a chance.”
“Can’t you tell where you were at the time of the fire?” Mr. Parker asked the man.
“I was at a place called Toni’s.”
“Why, that’s right, Dad!” Penny cried. “Don’t you remember? We saw Davis leave the place, and he was followed by two men—probably members of the Hood organization.”