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 back to search for my baby! There be freedom!" He pointed toward the open door. "Take it!"

Jerry and Sally looked at him almost unbelievingly for a second; then the boy sprang toward the entrance like a bird whose cage door has been opened unexpectedly by a friendly hand. But upon the threshold he was stayed by Uzal Ball's tall figure. Face to face, the two glared at each other until Uzal put out a restraining hand.

"The prisoner!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Here be thy prisoner, Squire!" Then, as only silence answered him, he peered in puzzled surprise over Jerry's shoulder. "An ye do not wish to take charge, neighbor," he said dryly, "I shall take pleasure i' reporting his capture and delivering him to headquarters."

Sally glanced quickly at Master Todd. "Nay, let him not take charge o' Master Lawrence!" she implored. "Surely 'twould be better, an he must be arrested, for ye to report his arrest. Master Todd!"

"I want naught to do wi' it," answered that worn-out man impatiently. "Come, Moll," he turned toward his wife, "let us put wee Mary to bed!"

But Sally placed her hand beseechingly upon his arm. "He found Mary!" she reminded the father softly.

Master Todd hesitated, looked toward Uzal Ball at last. "I will report his arrest, Uzal," he said