Part 37 (2/2)

”We've got you, Prescott!” roared a voice. ”And you? Of all the thundering big surprises. But we've got you! Stop all nonsense and get in line to come along with us.”

It was the chief of police, backed by three of his men, whom d.i.c.k now faced. They had thrown their lights on, too, so that there was now plenty of illumination.

Nor was this Chief Coy, one of d.i.c.k's old time friends, but Chief Simmons, a new man appointed only a few months before.

Chief Simmons was almost frantically anxious to catch the burglar or burglars, for their continued operations reflected upon his abilities as the new police chief.

All in a flash young Prescott took in the horrifying idea that Chief Simmons believed him to be the real burglar.

”But I-----” began d.i.c.k chokingly.

”Yes, you will!” retorted Chief Simmons. ”You can't put up any fight, and you can't make any denial.”

”I-----”

”Take him, you men, and handcuff him.” roared the chief. ”Then we'll go through the rest of the store, and see what we can learn.”

d.i.c.k drew back, with a shudder, as two of the officers came toward him, intent on carrying out their chief's order.

”You'd better submit, Prescott,” warned the chief sternly. ”We're not in a mood to stand any fooling.”

”But won't you listen-----” began d.i.c.k, gasping.

”I'm not the trial judge,” jeered Simmons. ”Still, I'll listen to you all you want, later in the night. Now, stand forward!”

d.i.c.k realized the folly and the uselessness of defying the police.

He moved nearer to the chief, as ordered. And Prescott began to understand how black the whole affair looked for him.

But how had it happened?

He would have given worlds to know.

”Hold your hands forward, and together,” commanded Chief Simmons.

Quivering, flus.h.i.+ng with the shame of the thing, young Prescott obeyed. The officer who fitted the handcuffs to the boy's wrists felt ashamed of his work, for he had always been one of d.i.c.k's friends.

The click of the steel ratchets brought Prescott back to a realization of things.

”I'm not much of a catch, chief,” muttered the boy. ”You'd better not be content with me alone. Leave me under watch and then the rest of you had better spread through this place. I think there are others here---the men you seek.”

”You've confederates here, have you?” demanded Simmons, fixing his suspicious gaze on the boy. ”Judkins, you watch Prescott---and mind you don't let him give you the slip. The rest of us will keep on going through this store. You say you think there are others here, Prescott?”

”I think so,” replied the boy.

Chief Simmons raised his voice.

”If there's anyone here-----” he called.

”There is!” came back in a tone that made d.i.c.k Prescott start and throb with alarm.

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