“Wa’al, by gum, young feller,” said the squire as the rural constable handed the bundle to him for inspection, “that part of yer story’s right. Now for the next.”
He adjusted his spectacles and glanced rapidly at each note, checking them off as he went along. As he concluded, he turned to Jack.
“Gimme your hand, young feller,” he said warmly, “thet’s a right smart, slick bit o’ work you done.”
“Thanks,” said Jack, “but there’s more to be said yet, your honor. That man lying yonder from whom the notes were recovered, is Adam Duke, a fugitive from justice.”
“It’s a lie!” howled Duke, beside himself with fright.
“You told me so yourself,” went on Jack calmly. “Besides, I recognized your voice.”
“What, that thar feller’s Adam Duke!” exclaimed the constable incredulously. “Why, I got ther circular hyar what describes him. Duke had a moustache, this fellow has a beard.”
“I half suspect it’s false,” declared Jack.
There was still a ruddy light from the fire and the squire decided to test this part of Jack’s story, even though he had already determined to hold the man on suspicion. Besides, in any event, there was the highway robbery charge against him.
“It’s a lie! All a lie, I tell you!” roared Duke as they examined his glossy, luxuriant beard. It did indeed seem too close to the real article for an assumed imitation.