CHAPTER V

THE TRAGIC AFFAIR ON THE ROAD

"Let's walk up the road a bit," suggested Hugh. "It's too cool to sit
here after getting so heated up inside the barn. And Sue told me
they'd be all of a quarter of an hour laying the supper out."

"I'm with you, Hugh. After those cranky dances, it'll do both of us
good to step out in some other way than that silly tango, and monkey
climb. Have you thought up any scheme yet for learning the truth about
Owen?"

"Not yet," came the reply, "though I've several ideas on tap, and may
settle on one soon. It's such a serious affair that I'm afraid to
hurry too fast. Why, if the boy is innocent, as we both seem to
believe, he'd be terribly humiliated if he learned that he had been
under suspicion. I've found out he's quite proud, and that's one
reason he hasn't mingled with the young folks much since coming to our
town. He knows there are strange rumors about his grandfather, and
that some people are even talking about Mr. Dugdale as if they
suspected him of being a notorious crook in hiding."

"Listen! what's all that loud talking ahead there mean?" suddenly
exclaimed Thad.

They both stopped short, and held their breath while listening.