t,
came over. He's got a telephone and he says that the Midlandville
op'rator asked him if any strangers had been round lately. Bill told 'em
he hadn't seen any, but that two fellers had stopped here, for I'd told
him that when we met up after puttin' up some marsh hay yon way,"
jerking a thumb southward. "We often puts up wild grass together.

"Well, later they 'phones ag'in. Asks Bill to see me right away and find
out all he could 'bout them strangers. If it was what they thought, them
fellers was wanted right away."

Feeney pointed towards the shed-room, as he continued: "We mustn't let
go of that chap, whatever happens, until we knows more."

"I should say not," put in Worth, who quickly related what these
strangers had done to him. Then Phil briefly described the subsequent
proceedings, including their finding the man senseless under the
overturned car, and with the pistol wound, finally showing the bullet
that had been found in his hair, which had glanced from the skull, as we
have described. Feeney looked at the bullet.

"Smith & Wesson pistol sure!" He thought a moment. "I think I saw that
pistol when the man that is missing changed some of his things, as I was
passing their door. After thinking it all over, I sent Dan and Nan on
horseback, soon after you all left, but I didn't say nothing, for I
didn't really know nothing. We needed more coffee, and that was a good
excuse. But I told the kids to be sure and see the operator of the
telephone booth and try to find out what was the matter. I reckon we'll
know if they ever get back."

Mrs. Feeney now appeared in the doorway and excitedly pointed westward.

"Nan and Dan's a-comin'. I can see 'em out at the kitchen back door.
There's nobody with 'em as I can see."

Just then Paul came in to say:

"That chap's come to again. Looks like he's worrying some. What ought
Dave and I to do? He seems to want Dippy, as he calls that mate of his."

Phil accompanied Paul back, while Worth remained with Pat to wait for
the arrival of the girl and boy. Their horses seemed tired, and stood
with drooping heads while they dismounted, delivered the coffee to their
mother and glanced shyly at Billy as the father explained briefly what
had happened.

The children brought news that as soon as a telegram could reach
Midlandville, two officers would start at once for Feeney's place. Might
get there some time in the night.

"Well, here's a pretty to-do!" exclaimed Mrs. Feeney.