"So we're six simpletons, held up by his shady tricks, are we?
If Bert Dodge is anywhere ahead of us on the road, then I hope we have the good luck to meet him under conditions where he can't jam on the speed and get away from us!" "Joke on you all, is it ?" asked the farmer, grinning quizzically.
"It looks like it," admitted Dick sheepishly.

"You're sure that none of the folks west of here heard anything of a mad dog, are you ?" "Pretty sure," nodded the farmer.
"Then this notice isn't really needed up here," replied Dick, carefully pulling the tacks, after which he folded the paper and tucked it in one of his pockets.

"We're mightily obliged to you, sir." "Oh, you're welcome," grinned the farmer, as he gathered up the reins over his horse.

"I've got to be getting along.

I'm late in Gridley now." "If that man is too talkative in Gridley, folks will hear how we got sold," yawned Tom, gazing after the farm wagon.