They wanted to remain at the drug-store until the capture was effected, but the keeper ordered them home to bed, and they reluctantly obeyed, listening every step of the way for the sound of shots. But nothing occurred to mar the stillness of the night, and they wondered if the desperadoes had after all escaped. So anxious were they, and so nervous over their unusual experience that it seemed as if sleep would never come to close their eyes, as they lay once more in their bed at the Eagles' Nest; and they were astonished to find themselves waking up the next morning at the sound of someone knocking at their door.
"Who is it?" called Billiard, vaguely wondering if he could have dreamed all that had transpired during the past twelve hours.
"Susie," answered a voice from the hall. "The sheriff wants to see you."
"The sheriff?"
"Yes. Hurry up! The bank robbers have been caught and you have to go to the justice of the peace's office."
"Then it's really so," sighed Billiard in relief.
"Course it is!" retorted Toady, now thoroughly awake. "But what do you s'pose the sheriff wants us for?"
"Dunno. Quickest way to find out is to go down and see."
Susie and the twins were waiting for them when they emerged from their room, and ecstatically announced, "We're all going, too. They want you to be witnesses, and Tabitha to take notes. No one else in town writes shorthand."
"But what is it all about?" demanded Billiard. "Ain't the robbers in jail?"