CHAPTER XXIV
CAUGHT
Joe did not know what to do. He could not very well run away through that crowd. To do so would be such a confession of guilt that almost any officer would arrest him. And Hen Sylvester certainly would take after him, creating a scene.
On the other hand, if Joe was delayed the men would get away. And he wanted to know more about them. He looked hurriedly around but did not see them. The deacon misinterpreted this look, for he cried in angry tones.
“Look out for him, Hen! He’s trying to escape. Grab him!”
“Oh, I’ll grab him all right!” cried the constable. “He got away from me once, on the freight, but he won’t now.”
The officer made a grab for Joe and an excited crowd gathered about. Joe made up his mind quickly.
“Look here, Dad,” he said, giving his foster-parent the name he often used. “Don’t make a scene here. There’s no use using violence. I’ll go with you quietly. You’re making a big mistake, for I can explain everything.”
“You can’t explain away about my——”
“Hush,” cautioned Hen. For he liked Joe, and did not want it published to the crowd that the lad was suspected of theft.
“Gentlemen, will you come with me?” interrupted Professor Rosello, who had followed Joe to the lobby. “Come to my dressing room, where we can talk matters over quietly,” he went on. “It’s all right,” he said to the crowd and to the theatrical employees who had gathered about. “Just a mistake, that’s all. This way, gentlemen.”