"That's a point worth remembering. So he's a relative, eh? I guess nobody around here knew that before. Evidently Mr. Dobson has some scheme in view, and the possession of this same locket is concerned in it. He could get plenty of boys, but there is something else beyond that."
"Hey, Frank, talk about your lawyers, you ought to be one," declared Jerry.
"But you see I want to help Jed, if I can. He is in trouble, and we must stand by him, fellows."
"And we will. Do you think the old humbug has really gone home?" asked Will.
"Perhaps he may get out a warrant to take Jed away, and bring some officer up here to serve it," suggested Jerry.
Frank did not appear alarmed, as he continued:
"Somehow, I don't seem to believe it. Dobson looked worried when I spoke about his cruel treatment of the bound boy. He knows the law would never stand back of such a thing. Then he fears your father, Bluff. Perhaps he has more reason now, than ever, for getting his hands on the boy."
Jed was wringing his hands and looking exceedingly unhappy.
"He'll get me, sooner or later, I know it. One way or another, he never gives up a thing he has set his heart on; and he wants this locket very much. Oh! won't you take it, and keep it for me, please?" he asked.
"Why, certainly I will, only not just now. How do we know but what he is watching us, even at this very minute. Pretend to put it away again, Jed, and manage to slip it to me unseen. I promise you that it will never leave my person, and when you want it again, all you have to do is to ask."