Part 19 (2/2)
Quickly Nancy whispered to Joe Swenson, ”Don't worry. We'll stick by you.”
The officers had jumped out. They strode up to the convertible.
”We've had a call to pick up this car,” said one, while the other thrust his face through the open rear-door window and peered intently at Mr. Swenson.
”This is the man!” he declared.
”What do you mean?” Nancy demanded coolly, with as much conviction as she could muster.
”Are you Joe Swenson?” the trooper barked, ignoring Nancy's question.
”Yes.”
”You are wanted by the Mapleton police for deliberately setting the Raybolt house on fire.”
At this accusation the girls gasped and Joe Swenson blanched. Then a flush of anger mounted to his cheeks.
”What nonsense is this? You haven't a shred of proof. I don't know anything about the fire. You have the wrong man.”
”Well, you can explain that at headquarters. You'll have to come along with us. The less trouble you make, the better it will go for you.”
One of the troopers flipped a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. Joe Swenson shrank back.
”Don't put them on, please! I'll come without any trouble.”
”O.K. But don't try any funny stunts. Climb out and be quick about it!”
”Just a minute, Officer,” Nancy interposed. ”Aren't you making a mistake? I feel sure Mr. Swenson isn't the man you're after. Please let him go free. I'll be responsible for his appearance in court.”
Joe Swenson added, ”I started working at Baylor Weston's factory just recently. I don't mind answering your questions, but if I'm detained in jail, I'll lose my job.”
Protest was useless. Joe Swenson gave Nancy a courageous, apologetic smile, and alighted.
”You girls will have to come along too!” the officer announced. ”Drive on ahead, and not too fast! You have some explaining to do too. Don't try to get away!”
CHAPTER XV.
Nancy Is Accused
”THIS is an outrage!” Bess gasped. ”You mean we actually must go to police headquarters?”
”I'm sorry I involved you girls in this,” Joe Swenson murmured. He turned pleadingly to the officers. ”It wasn't their fault. They merely offered me a ride.”
”They'll all have to come to headquarters for questioning,” the officer insisted.
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