Fudge smiled, a trifle embarrassed.
“And,” continued Mr. Addicks, “I can’t much blame you. That reward sounded pretty good, I’ll warrant!”
“R-r-reward!” blurted Fudge. “Gee, you don’t suppose we were looking for that reward when we came here and warned you s-s-s-so you could get away!”
“That’s true, Shaw. I beg your pardon. You acted like a good pal there, and I thank you. You too, Hull. You both of you acted white. By the way, is everything quite cleared up? Any little things you’d like explained?”
“N-no, sir, I guess not,” replied Fudge. “Still about that policeman——”
“Oh, Lafferty? Well, Lafferty’s rather a friend of mine and sometimes drops in for a smoke. That’s all.” Mr. Addicks chuckled. “Lafferty would be interested if he knew! But I shan’t tell him. Will you come around again and see me later?”
“Yes, sir, thank you,” replied Perry. “And Fudge isn’t really sorry you’re not the train-robber, Mr. Addicks; are you, Fudge?”
“Of course not!” Fudge grinned. “Anyway, it was a lot of fun while it lasted!”
“That’s all right, then,” said their host heartily. “Glad you don’t hold it against me. I know that a civil engineer isn’t as interesting as a desperado, fellows, but you drop in now and then and maybe we can scare up some excitement, eh? And if you ever want a nice job of surveying done, why, you let me know, and it won’t cost you a cent.”