He left the sidewalk and sought the centre of the road, pretending that out there he could better search for a valuable lost horse.

The Ransom children were at first in two minds about following him, but they soon found it more interesting to stay on the sidewalk.

They could pause to acquaint the churchgoers with a matter of common interest.

"He throwed Merton off right into the dirt." If the people they addressed appeared to be doubting this, or to find it not specific enough, they would call ahead to Merton to confirm their simple tale.

With rapt, shining faces, they spread the glad news, though hurrying always to keep pace with the figure in the road.
Spruce Street was vacant of Dexter, but up Elm Street, slowly cropping the wayside herbage as he went, was undoubtedly Merton's good old pal.
He quickened his pace.