Though both the boys would like to have stayed to see what would be
done with the unconscious man, they did not dare to disobey the
policeman, so they hurried off, and at last reached the hotel. They
found Mr. Dexter anxiously waiting their return, and to him they
related what had happened on the street.

"This is what comes of your galavanting around at such hours of the
night," he growled. "You should have been in your beds long ago. And
so we've got to wait, have we? This is a pretty state of affairs. I
can't afford to stay here all day to-morrow. Get away to bed now.
You've done enough mischief for one night."

Rod went to bed, but he found it hard to sleep. His thoughts turned
not only to the wounded man, but to the concert to be held the next
day. Suppose he could not get home in time to take his part, what
would Whyn and Captain Josh think, and how could they get along without
him?

Early the next morning a message came summoning Rod and Phil to appear
at the court room at ten o'clock. Mr. Dexter went with them, which was
a great relief. Everything was strange to the boys, and they were very
nervous as they were examined and cross-questioned. But they both told
what they knew in such a manner as to give much satisfaction. At last
the Police Magistrate told them that they could go home, but must
appear before him whenever they were needed.

The newspapers that morning gave considerable space to the assault of
the previous night. They told of the cowardly attack, and the
assistance the two country boys had given, mentioning their names, and
where they were from. The injured man was unknown, and though careful