The three other boys were not a little alarmed by the constable’s word and manner; but Dan did not show any fear.
“Just pack the earth and stones well around the post, Billy,” he said to his brother, cheerfully, “while I go back to town with Mr. Somes, and get this matter straightened out.”
Dan knew a little something himself about the town ordinances; he was aware that a permit was necessary for the opening of an excavation in a public road. But it was a rule often ignored in such small matters as this. Chance Avery had set the officious constable at this work, and Somes was just mean enough to delight in making the Speedwells trouble.
And on the way to the house of ’Squire English they would pass the office of the council clerk. Dan knew this gentlemen very well, and as Somes pulled up his horse to speak to a friend, the boy hopped out upon the sidewalk.
“Hey! where you going?” demanded the constable.
“I’ll be right back,” said Dan, dodging into the building and leaving the constable fussing in the carriage.
The boy found Mr. Parker at his desk and explained quickly what he and Billy were doing down there beside the river road.
“Digging a hole to set a post? Well, go ahead! I reckon nobody will object,” said the clerk. “You’ll fill it in all right, Dan?”
“But somebody has objected,” explained the boy. And he told Mr. Parker of the difficulty.
“Pshaw! Josiah ought to be in better business,” declared the clerk, and he hastily filled out a permit, headed “Highway Department” and gave it to the youth. “Show that to Justice English,” he advised.