The four chums were visibly affected by his emotion, but Jerry started some of his pranks in order to hide his feelings, and soon the whole company were in a cheerful mood.
When night came the boys had another fine fish spread, for Frank, with Jerry had been tempted to make a second expedition out on the lake, and the bass took the gaudy artificial lure quite as eagerly as on the former occasion. They brought in a dozen fine husky fellows, each of which had given them the time of their lives while the excitement lasted.
There did not seem to be a single member of the little company who could not join heartily in the pleasure of the evening. Thaddeus was feeling much easier, and the prospect of his early vindication and freedom went far toward making him forget all the tortures he had endured while an innocent victim to circumstantial evidence.
So they laughed and sang, after which the sheriff told many remarkable stories connected with his experiences as an officer of the law.
"I'll never forget this camping trip, boys," he said. "Eh, Bill?"
"The time of my life," declared that worthy, who was a man of few words.
"And we've certainly had the time of ours," declared Frank, "in saying which I know I voice the sentiments of my chums."
"Hear! hear!" came from Bluff, as he waved his hat.
"We'll be sorry to see you go, Mr. Dodd," declared Will; "and before that event casts a wet blanket on our spirits, remember that you must pose for me with all the fellows around you, and Mr. Lasher, in the bargain."
"Thank you, my boy! That's the first breath of freedom! With heaven's help, I shall soon be Mr. Lasher again, and not No. 772," said the wounded man gladly.