"I should say not," put in Worth, who quickly related what these strangers had done to him. Then Phil briefly described the subsequent proceedings, including their finding the man senseless under the overturned car, and with the pistol wound, finally showing the bullet that had been found in his hair, which had glanced from the skull, as we have described. Feeney looked at the bullet. "Smith & Wesson pistol sure!" He thought a moment. "I think I saw that pistol when the man that is missing changed some of his things, as I was passing their door. After thinking it all over, I sent Dan and Nan on horseback, soon after you all left, but I didn't say nothing, for I didn't really know nothing. We needed more coffee, and that was a good excuse. But I told the kids to be sure and see the operator of the telephone booth and try to find out what was the matter. I reckon we'll know if they ever get back." Mrs. Feeney now appeared in the doorway and excitedly pointed westward. "Nan and Dan's a-comin'. I can see 'em out at the kitchen back door. There's nobody with 'em as I can see." Just then Paul came in to say: "That chap's come to again. Looks like he's worrying some. What ought Dave and I to do? He seems to want Dippy, as he calls that mate of his." Phil accompanied Paul back, while Worth remained with Pat to wait for the arrival of the girl and boy. Their horses seemed tired, and stood with drooping heads while they dismounted, delivered the coffee to their mother and glanced shyly at Billy as the father explained briefly what had happened. The children brought news that as soon as a telegram could reach Midlandville, two officers would start at once for Feeney's place. Might get there some time in the night. "Well, here's a pretty to-do!" exclaimed Mrs. Feeney. "How am I goin' to feed so many strangers? You know, Pat, we're pretty near out of flour." "Shucks, mother! We got plenty of meal and hog meat, and there's vegetables. We'll not starve. Besides," here he whispered in Mrs. Feeney's ear, "you'll get some money from 'em, eh? I knows you--" "Pat, you know you're not going to charge them four boys, if they stay a week. I've heard ye say so." "Now, Mrs. Feeney," put in Billy, "don't you worry! We boys are not going to cost you a dollar more than we'll pay back. We like you folks." Here Billy winked boldly at Nan who laughed as she slightly blushed. "Anything will do us." "You sure are good boys," nodded Mrs. Feeney. "You were nice to my folks on the way from the hay market. Pat and me are glad to have ye. But these others--real strangers, that might be different." "Oh, Billy," called Paul from the shed doorway, "please come here!" Thus summoned, the two at once followed Paul into where the sick man was picking at his wounded head and moaning: "Dippy--done--it. What'd you do it for, Dippy?" A series of feeble coughings ensued, and the man again seemed to swoon away.