Part 39 (1/2)
”In the hands of the man from whom you stole it, There, I have answered your questions, and have no more to say.”
”What do you think will be done with me?” asked Temple, anxiously.
The officer shrugged his shoulders.
”Gentlemen of your profession,” he said, ”are generally well informed on that point. If found guilty, you will be boarded at the expense of the county for a term of years.”
”Curse the luck!” uttered Temple, savagely, and then was silent.
Philip had left them, and was on his way home, glad to get out of his predicament, but more incensed than ever against Harry for the mortification he had put upon him in compelling him to beg his pardon.
”I'll get even with him, see if I don't,” he muttered.
When Harry and the officer had lodged their prisoner in jail, the latter said:
”I nearly forgot to tell you that Mr. Wheeler wishes you to call at his office to-morrow.”
”In the morning?”
”As you please.”
”I think I will go up by the morning train,” said Harry, after a little reflection.
”Then you will be likely to meet me on the train. I shall be a pa.s.senger.”
”I will look for you. I shall be glad to have company.”
”By the way, that was very creditable work of yours, ferreting out the bond robbers.”
”I was lucky, that is all,” answered Harry, modestly.
”Partly so, but you have showed excellent judgment throughout, and personal bravery.”
”Don't flatter me, Mr. Pry. You may make me conceited.”
”You ought to be one of us.”
”I don't think I should like it,” said Harry, slowly.
”Perhaps not, but you're fitted for it, for all that. Well, good-day. I shall see you to-morrow.”
”You are getting to be an important business man, Harry,” said Uncle Obed, when our hero announced that he had a summons to the city next day.
”What is it all about, Harry?” asked his mother, rather puzzled.
”Let the boy explain in his own good time, Mrs. Gilbert,” said the old man. ”I know he isn't in any mischief.”
”I may be able to tell you to-morrow evening, mother. It will be something that will surprise you.”
”I suppose it is all right, Harry, as Mr. Wilkins says so.”