Page:Fairview Boys and their Rivals.djvu/130

126 "Well, supposing I tell?"

"It will be the easier for you."

"I didn't break into the jewelry store."

"Who did?"

"My partner."

"Very well, tell us where he is, and about those satchels, and we'll make it as light for you as we can."

"Is that a bargain?"

"It is."

"All right," said the man with the green shade over his eye. "I dropped them under the pump platform into the schoolhouse well."

"Mr. Ward," said Bob, quickly, to the marshal, "send for a well-cleaner, and see if he is telling the truth."

"Say, Bob, the whole town is talking about you," spoke Frank Haven.

"Are they?"

"Yes."

"I should think they would!" cried Sammy Brown. "Why, you've done the biggest thing ever done in Fairview."

"Oh, pshaw!" said Bob, flushing up, "you're making too much of nothing."

"Nothing?" echoed Frank. "Do you call it nothing saving my father from ruin, Bob Bouncer?"

"Have I done that?"

"Father says so, and he sent us down to bring you right up to the house."

"What for?" asked Bob.

"He wants to pay you that reward."

"Well," replied Bob, "he simply can't do it. Do you suppose I'd let the father of my best chum pay me for what any boy would be glad to do? I guess not, Frank Haven!"