“And if we could only find them!” cried Billy.
“That is the idea,” said Mr. Baird. “If you find them, bring about their arrest. The bank will back you up in it, no matter how much it costs, in time, trouble, or money. And, boys, you will lose nothing yourselves if you bring about the arrest of the thieves.”
The Speedwells went forth considerably excited. “I tell you, Dan!” Billy whispered, “wouldn’t it be great if we came across those three rascals?”
“It would give me a whole lot of satisfaction to see them put where the dogs wouldn’t bite them!” agreed the older boy. “But I’d like to have their car.”
“Do you suppose it is a Postlethwaite, like Mr. Briggs’?” asked Billy.
“It’s a six-cylinder car without doubt, and looks enough like Mr. Briggs’ to be own sister to it. Hullo! Here’s Burton Poole and his car,” Dan added.
“Come along!” said Billy, shortly. “Chance Avery is with him. I could give that fellow a piece of my mind.”
“It wouldn’t do any good,” admonished Dan. “We don’t know that he chopped down our derrick.”
“Well, I’m pretty sure. Who else would be mean enough? We haven’t many enemies, I hope.”
“No. Hullo, Burton!”