Ever since he had met Laura he had been much interested in Dave's sister.
The three chums had covered about half the distance to the old Potts place when they saw a horse and buggy approaching.

As it came closer they saw that it contained two men.
"It's Mr.Poole!" cried Dave, and then, as he caught sight of the other man's face, he turned a trifle pale.

"Step behind here!" he called to Phil and Roger, and pulled them back of some handy bushes.
The horse and buggy soon came up to them and passed on, the three boys keeping out of sight until the turnout was gone.

Dave gave a deep sigh.
"I guess Mr.Poole means business," he said.
"What do you mean ?" questioned the senator's son.
"I mean he is going to have me locked up." "Why ?" asked Phil.
"That man in the buggy with him was Mr.Mardell, the police justice.".