“I tried to tell him that it was mighty risky,” said Peaches, “but he wouldn’t see it. He said that if any one had learned of his presence in the old home town they’d have been after him before this. Well, maybe that’s so, too. But, just the same, he’s taking a chance.” “I’ll bet the police have forgotten all about him,” said Barry. “It’s almost a year, isn’t it?” “Don’t you believe it! The big squeeze, Martin――he’s the chief, or whatever they call it here――was sort of peeved when Davy gave him the slip, and I guess he’d be awfully glad to get him.” “Well, if he doesn’t show himself,” said Barry, “no one’s going to suspect he’s around. How is Mr. Benjy to-day?” “Great! The doctor says he’s going to get well fast. I guess Davy was good medicine for him.” “I guess so. That was a bright idea of yours, Peaches――fetching him back, I mean. You do have an occasional clever thought, don’t you?” “Glad you realize it. I had another one, too, which was to get the interest on the mortgage paid. Come to think of it, I don’t see what the community would do without me!” “Have you paid it, though?” “Not yet, because I haven’t heard from home. But I’ll get the wherewithal to-morrow. Would you mind getting a move on? I’m pretty near starved!” There was a large and enthusiastic mass meeting that evening. After it was over the fellows formed outside and a wildly cheering procession made the round of the buildings, and finally, after Doctor Clode had responded to demands for a speech, ended up in front of the Banks residence and cheered the Major until he appeared and acknowledged the applause. Neither Barry nor Peaches attended the meeting, but sounds of the ensuing demonstration took them over to the campus and they shouted and sang as loudly as any. Returning home, shortly before ten, Peaches clutched Barry’s arm just short of the house. “Look ahead,” he said softly. “Beyond the light there. See anything?” Barry looked and finally assented. “Some one standing in the shadow,” he whispered. “Who is it? What’s he want?” “Don’t know,” answered Peaches. “Let’s see what he does.” They went on toward the gate, and as they did so the figure retreated, finally disappearing utterly in the pocket of darkness beyond the nearest lamp. “Thought so,” muttered Peaches. “I’ll bet that taxicab guy spilled the beans. Gosh! I wish Davy had beat it when he had the chance!” CHAPTER XIX THE NEW TYPEWRITER Peaches went toward the back of the house, while Barry ascended the stairs. It was fully five minutes later when the murmur of voices in the dining-room ceased and Peaches came up. The two boys went into his darkened room and peered cautiously from the window that overlooked the road in the direction of town. Once they were certain they discerned the watching form about thirty yards away, where the gloom was deepest, but when they looked again it had either disappeared or merged with the shadows.