r this particular man as he could without exposing himself
too freely, and during the pauses between the songs he was fortunate
enough to overhear the following conversation between the fellow in
whom he was interested and a brother constable:

"You've been away quite a while, eh, Jabe?"

"Only three weeks."

"Where was you?"

"'Tendin' to some private business."

"I thought when a man was elected constable he'd got to stay 'round in
case he might be needed."

"I didn't ask for the office, an' don't intend to loaf here when
there's a chance of makin' a dollar outside."

"What have you been up to?"

"That's my own business."

"Of course it is, Jabe; but I know you're makin' money somehow, an' it
seems as if you might give me a show."

"Well, I can't. I had a good thing for a while, but it's busted now."

If Jet had had any doubts as to the identity of the man they would have
been dispelled by this last remark, and he listened eagerly for a
continuation of the conversation.

"Got company up to your house, ain't you?" the inquisitive party asked.

"How'd you know that?"

"Some of the folks said you brought some friends back."

"It seems as if the people in this town had nothin' better to do than
watch their neighbors."

"Then it is true?"

"I've got an old friend visitin' me for a spell, but he's sick now, an'
we don't want folks 'round to disturb him."

"That must be Bob," Jet said to himself. "Perhaps he was wounded, and
has come here to stay till he gets better. Now, how can I send word to
Mr. Harvey?"

This was the one important thing to do in view of what he had learned,
but it would be necessary that none of the townspeople should see the
letter, and the manager of the company was so angry with him that it
was a question if he would attend to the matter.

He seated himself in one corner of the room, where his face could not
be seen plainly, and waited for this particular constable to leave the
building.

In about an hour the prisoners tired of giving a free concert, and,
finding they were not likely to be amused any longer, the visitors took
their departure.

From one of his companions Jet begged a few leaves out of a note-book,
from another he borrowed a pencil, and thus equipped he sat down to
detail what he thought was important news.

"Sending for money to pay your fine, Jet?" one of the party asked
jokingly, and this caused the others to think of what they might do.

"I reckon