's one thing sure."

"Only we didn't make a success of our refreshment parlor," Pepsy
ventured to say, "but just the same we're going to because--"

"What do I care about it?" Pee-wee vociferated. "I know a way to get two
hundred and fifty dollars and that's more money than we'd ever make
in this old place. And I'll have you for my partner just the same. I'm
going to get two hundred and fifty dollars all at once."

"Can I see it when you get it?" Pepsy asked.

"You can have half of it because we're partners," Pee-wee said,
recovering something of his former spirits as this new prospect opened
before him.

"Can't we have the refreshment parlor any more?" Pepsy asked wistfully.
"Because, honest and true, we're going to make lots and lots of money in
it; I know a way--"

"Listen, Pepsy," Pee-wee said. "Do you know what the Morse Code is? It's
the language they use when they telegraph. Scouts have to know all about
that. Do you remember when I said hide Kelly's barn last night? That's
what that first feller said to the other one who was stuck. Didn't you
notice how his little red light kept flashing away up the road? That's
what it meant. They're hiding in Kelly's barn and nobody knows it.

"There's a sign in the post office and it says they'll give two hundred
and fifty dollars to anybody who tells where they are. Do you think I'd
tell Beriah Bungel?" he added contemptuously. "I'm going to tell a man
named Sawyer, he's the county prosecutor, he lives in Baxter City. Only
we have to go right away. I'm going back with the mail car to Baxter. Do
you want to go? If you do you have to hurry up."

The last time that Pepsy had appeared before an official--of--the--law
she had been sent to the big brick building and she was naturally wary
of prosecutors, judges and such people. Suppose Mr. Sawyer should
order herself and Pee-wee to the gallows for meddling in these dark,
mysterious matters. Pee-wee read this in her face.

"Don't be scared," he said manfully; "I wouldn't let anybody hurt you.
My father knows a man that's a judge and he tells jokes and has two
helpings of dessert and everything just like other people. Prosecutors
aren't so bad, gee whiz, they're better than poison-ivy; they're better
than school principals anyway, that's sure. You see, I'll handle him all
right."

Pepsy's thoughts wandered to the six merry maidens whom Pee-wee had
"handled" with such astounding skill. "Can't we have our refreshment
parlo