The other boys laughed. Josiah’s ability as a detective was a joke about town.
“Well, them other fellers haven’t caught the scoundrels, either,” snarled Somes. “I guess there ain’t no medals on Polk, if he is a deputy!”
“Wish you luck,” said Dan, good naturedly.
“Never you mind about them bank robbers. I ain’t here looking for them,” said the constable. “I want you.”
“What!” cried Dan. “Are you going to arrest me again, Mr. Somes?”
“I want to know who gave you permission to dig that hole, and clutter up this place with them contraptions.”
Dan and Billy looked meaningly at each other. Both boys knew at once that Chance Avery had set Josiah Somes after them—and the constable was only too willing to do them an ill turn.
“Come on!” the man snarled. “Hop into my buggy, Dan Speedwell. I’m going to take you before the ’Squire and see what he’s got to say about this.”
CHAPTER VII
THE HAND IN THE DARK