"I have an idea—" began Andy. "No, let me explain first. Please listen, sir. You will think differently about me when I tell you my story."
"Go ahead," growled his captor.
Andy recited his chase of the bear and its denouement. Then he added:
"If those two men were the burglars, they got in by way of the cellar. They came out through the cellar window. I theorize they came down into the cellar with their plunder. They disturbed the bear, and Big Bob went for them. When I saw them they were empty-handed. I'll bet they dropped their booty in their wild rush for escape."
"Eh? I hope so. Let's find out."
The man appeared to believe Andy. He released his hold on him. Just as they came out on the front porch Andy spoke up:
"There are the circus people. They'll soon fix Mr. Bear."
A boxed wagon had driven from the road into the yard. It held six men. The chief animal trainer jumped down from the vehicle, followed by the head hostler. Four subordinates followed, carrying ropes, muzzles, pikes, and one of them a stick having on its end a big round cork filled with fine needles.
"I'm glad you've come," said Andy, running forward to meet them. "Big
Bob is in there," he explained to the trainer, pointing to the cellar.
"You're a good one, Wildwood," commended the trainer in an approving tone. "How did you ever work it?"