They started fair and even with the police, but they beat the police at the latter's own game.

Dodge, by every consideration of right and justice, you owe that reward to Prescott and Darrin! If they had not found and rescued you, you might not be here today.

There is no telling what might have happened to you had you been left helpless less in the custody of the pair of scoundrels who had you in that shack.

I repeat that you owe that thousand dollars as fairly as you ever owed a penny in your life" "Well, then, I'll pay it," assented Theodore Dodge reluctantly, after some hesitation.

"I am afraid my wife will oppose it, however." "You can tell Mrs.Dodge just what I've said, or I'll tell her, if you prefer." "Will you attend, Ripley, to rewarding all the boys for their gallant conduct in rescuing my daughter." "Yes; if you'll leave the matter wholly in my hands, and agree not to interfere" Theodore Dodge agreed to this, and Lawyer Ripley went ahead.
The legal gentleman, however had a more difficult time than he had expected.