"He's easy enough to handle," Frank heard Jem tell Dan.
"Maybe that's all put on," suggested the other. "Don't take any risks. You'd better leave him with me when you get to the creek, and hurry on to Middletown and get the horse and wagon."
Frank knew that Middletown was a small village not far from Bellwood. After they had proceeded a little farther there was a halt. Dan made our hero sit down on the grass and kept hold of his arm. The man Jem seemed to go away somewhere.
It must have been nearly half an hour when Frank caught the echo of rumbling wheels. Then there was a whistle as an approaching vehicle halted.
"Come on," said Dan, helping him to his feet. "We'll take a little ride."
"Anything for a change," laughed Frank. "What are you fellows up to, anyhow?"
"You're pretty cheerful for a boy in the dark," observed Dan.
"Oh, that's all right—I'm thinking of that good pay you were talking about."
"You're a sensible young fellow," commented Dan. "Don't you worry a bit. You'll fare all right if you last through as you've begun. But if
