Jet hesitated.

He had believed it would be possible for him to give such information
to the inspector as would result in the arrest of the murderers, and
was not willing to tell these officers the whole story.

"I didn't know the money was bad," he said, after a brief time of
reflection. "Is that the only reason why you are going to keep me
here?"

"Before the business is ended you'll find that to be serious enough."

"But is it all?"

"Yes."

"Then will you send word to the inspector in New York that District
Messenger No. 48 is here, and wants to see him right away?"

"So? You're the boy who is wanted so badly in New York, eh?"

"I don't know anything about that; but I must see the inspector mighty
soon or it'll be too late."

"Too late for what?"

"That's jest what I can't tell you."

"It may be possible I shall make you."

"You can try; but it won't be any use, for I won't say a word to
anybody but him."

"He has nothing to do with this case of passing counterfeit money."

"I know it; but there's somethin' else of a good deal more importance
that he's got a finger in. It don't make any difference to me, about
the money, for I've done nothin' wrong, however you try to fix it."

Jet spoke in such a tone of independence that the sergeant would have
made him feel the weight of his authority but for the fact that word
had been sent out from the New York Police Headquarters in such a
peculiar manner as to leave no doubt of the boy's being an important
prisoner or witness, and he could not well decline to grant the request.

"You may think to get out of the scrape by playing this game, but I
promise you'll be in a worse box than ever if the inspector don't like
your message."

"I'll run the risk," Jet replied, calmly, feeling that his arrest would
be a matter of but little moment if through it he should be able to
communicate with the inspector before the men in the woods would have
time to get away.

"It would be much better if you confided in me, for just at present you
are in a disagreeable position, and I could do considerable toward
helping you."

"We'll let things go as they are, providin' you let the inspector know
I've got to see him right away," Jet replied, and the sergeant could
not well continue the conversation.

The small prisoner was confined in one of the cells; but due care was
taken in regard to his comfort, for by this time all in the station had
begun to look upon him