Part 35 (1/2)

”There, you can amuse yourself now as much as you like,” said Temple, with a humor that Philip did not by any means appreciate. ”You'll have a nice, easy time, with nothing to do.”

He turned and left the hut, relieving Philip of his presence, which was one comfort, but did not go very far.

As my readers will conclude, Philip began to work his wrists up and down, vainly endeavoring to unloose the rope, but only succeeded in hurting himself. Next he tried his feet, but they, also, were securely confined.

It was a righteous retribution for the trick he had played on Harry Gilbert. He was being paid off in his own coin. Though his conscience was not particularly sensitive, it did occur to him that he was in precisely the same condition as the boy whom he and Congreve had left alone in the dark wood, fully expecting that he would have to remain all night.

But even then he could not be said to feel deep regret for his unworthy act. He was sensible of the inconvenience to which he was subjected by his constrained position, and began to chafe and fret under it.

”I wonder how long he's going to leave me here?” thought Philip, though, in truth, he hardly knew whether he wanted Temple to return or not.

”Just as soon as I get away, I'll ask pa to have him arrested. I wouldn't mind seeing him hung.”

An hour pa.s.sed--about the longest hour Philip had ever known. At length his eager ears discerned steps outside the hut. It might be a friend! At any rate, he would call, and perhaps the call would bring rescue.

”h.e.l.lo, there!” he called out. ”Come in; I need help!”

CHAPTER XXVI

PHILIP IS FORCED TO APOLOGIZE

There were two persons outside, one of whom was our hero, Harry Gilbert.

The other, though dressed in citizen's clothes, was an officer, who had been sent to arrest Temple, on a charge of being implicated with Vernon in the robbery of the tin box.

Harry at once recognized the voice of Philip, and it is needless to say that he was filled with genuine surprise.

”That must be Philip Ross,” he said, in a low voice, to the officer.

”Who is Philip Ross?”

Harry gave a few words of explanation. He did not, however, mention the mean trick which Philip had played on him.

”He is not a friend of Temple?” asked the officer.

”Oh, no! He must have got into some trouble with Temple. Please stay here, and let me go in and see what is the matter. I have a reason for wis.h.i.+ng him to think I am alone, just at first.”

”Just as you say,” returned the officer. ”I take it for granted Temple isn't here, or the boy wouldn't have called. Suppose the man comes back?”

”Let him come in, and you can follow. Between us, I guess we can make him a prisoner.”

”You have plenty of courage,” said the officer. ”Are you not afraid to have him come in upon you?”

”Not while you are near to help me,” answered Harry. ”In that cabin we could pen him up.”

”That's true. Well, go in to your friend.”

”A queer sort of a friend Philip is,” thought Harry, but he did not object to the t.i.tle.