en in custody, and I warn
you that it is a serious matter to try to rescue a prisoner."

This short speech had a decidedly good effect upon the majority of the
crowd, who fell back at once; but Joe's friends had not yet despaired
of success.

They faced the officers boldly, trying to force their way between the
prisoner and Jet, and in a twinkling two of them were seized by the
strangers, who clasped bracelets on their wrists without delay.

"If there are any more who want to try the same, we've got plenty of
time to attend to them, for all we ask is a chance to pick out this
fellow's pals."

The street was now cleared, each member of the throng endeavoring to be
the first to escape suspicion, and the officers called to Jet:

"Start your man along lively. We'll lead you to a magistrate, and then
come back for a few of those who were shouting the loudest."

Ten minutes later Jet's work was accomplished. The prisoners were
confined in the village lock-up, and a message sent to the inspector,
detailing what had been done.

Before Jet had finished the meal he was so much in need of, an answer
came.

It read as follows:

"Have sent for the tall man by train which is just leaving. Report the
result of Harvey's injuries as soon as possible."

"That will be when we come back from the woods," one of the officers
said, as he read the telegram which Jet handed him. "You had better
lie down an hour or so, and then we'll start."

"I'd rather go now. If we can hire a horse with which to bring Mr.
Harvey here, I'll be able to ride part of the way."

One of the officers went out to attend to this portion of the work, and
when he returned it was with the information that he had secured just
the kind of an animal they required.

"He's too old to be afraid of anything, and there's no danger of his
running away after Harvey mounts."

Both the men insisted that Jet should ride the entire distance, and
when he objected they reminded him that by so doing it would be
possible to arrive at the desired place just so much sooner.

The strain of caring for his prisoner had fatigued him quite as much as
the tramp, and it is doubtful if he could have covered the distance
again in less than three or four hours.

The officers walked on either side of the horse, and during the journey
he had ample opportunity to explain why he had not met them at the
arrival of the train.

"We knew from the station agent that a boy had se