Sitting on the porch late that afternoon, Professor Young heard from Tess of the coming of Sandy Letts.
"And, Uncle Forrie," she continued. "I can't understand why he went away so quickly."
"Perhaps he thought I was around somewhere."
"Perhaps," meditated Tess. "But I don't think so. You see, Andy was looking out of the window. Oh, dear, I've told him not to, but he's always trying to see what Boy's doing. You don't think Sandy saw him, do you?"
The unpleasant consequences of Andy's discovery rushed through the lawyer's mind. To be sure, he'd lived with this possibility ever since he'd brought the squatters from the shack, but the lapse of time had developed a sense of security which the girl's question rudely shattered.
"I hope not. What time did you say that Letts was here?"
"About dinner time," said Tess.
"Well, now it's after five. If he'd seen him, they'd have been back before this. What does Bishop think about it?"
"Oh, Andy's quite sure Sandy didn't see him, ..." Tess explained, shaking her head.
"Anyhow, it's no use to worry, honey," smiled Young.
* * * * *
The next morning three men in a wagon passed the Kennedy farm. Ebenezer Waldstricker was driving and beside him sat Lysander Letts. Alone on the back seat sprawled the big sheriff, a half-smoked cigar between his teeth.
When they reached Young's barn, they left their rig and walked quietly toward the house.
"You don't want to give 'em any chance to get the dwarf out of the way, sir," said the sheriff. "We'd better get in without their knowing we're here."
"Yes," agreed Waldstricker.
They'd rounded the porch and were in the living room before Deforrest Young and Tessibel Skinner were aware of their coming. The officer held a revolver in his hand. Leering triumphantly, Waldstricker spoke to Young.
"We want Andy Bishop."
The lawyer turned to the sheriff.
"Put up your gun, Brown, you won't need it," he ejaculated. "Here, child," to Tessibel, who had risen from her chair and started for the stairs. "Wait a minute. Sit down."
Tess sank into a chair, white-lipped and silent.
"I suppose there's no use trying to hide him any longer?" continued Deforrest, turning back to the officer.
"No, I reckon not, Mr. Young.... Where's the dwarf, Professor?"
"Upstairs. I'll call him," replied the lawyer.... Then glancing at the girl, "You go and get him, Tess."