“Seems like it,” assented the other, cautiously.
“Well, would you be satisfied to have his pockets searched by some person present who would act fair and square to both parties?”
“That sounds all right, Hennery!” called out someone.
“You’ve got to take him up on that offer, Cooper!” said another.
“Get Major Anson here to do the searching; we all know him like a book!” a third man advised.
“Oh, I’m agreeable!” admitted the loser of the missing property.
Hugh turned to Andy.
“Are you willing to let Major Anson look through your pockets, Andy?” he asked.
“Sure I am, Hugh, and I’ll be only to glad of it, because I know right well he won’t find anything on me. I’d be a fool to do such a mean thing when I’m wearing a scout’s uniform. I’d jump in Rainbow Lake first. Do you think I’ve forgotten that my dad told me if I ever went back to my old ways again he’d kick me out of the house? Let him search me and welcome!”
Major Anson was a veteran of the Civil War. He delighted to wear his beloved blue uniform, and his slouch hat with its gold-threaded cord. Everybody knew him, and had the greatest respect for his honesty. He now stepped forward, for like most men the old fellow liked to find himself in the limelight once in a while.