But even then he could not be said to feel deep regret for his unworthy
act. He was sensible of the inconvenience to which he was subjected by
his constrained position, and began to chafe and fret under it.

"I wonder how long he's going to leave me here?" thought Philip, though,
in truth, he hardly knew whether he wanted Temple to return or not.

"Just as soon as I get away, I'll ask pa to have him arrested. I
wouldn't mind seeing him hung."

An hour passed--about the longest hour Philip had ever known. At length
his eager ears discerned steps outside the hut. It might be a friend! At
any rate, he would call, and perhaps the call would bring rescue.

"Hello, there!" he called out. "Come in; I need help!"

CHAPTER XXVI

PHILIP IS FORCED TO APOLOGIZE

There were two persons outside, one of whom was our hero, Harry Gilbert.
The other, though dressed in citizen's clothes, was an officer, who had
been sent to arrest Temple, on a charge of being implicated with Vernon
in the robbery of the tin box.

Harry at once recognized the voice of Philip, and it is needless to say
that he was filled with genuine surprise.

"That must be Philip Ross," he said, in a low voice, to the officer.

"Who is Philip Ross?"

Harry gave a few words of explanation. He did not, however, mention the
mean trick which Philip had played on him.

"He is not a friend of Temple?" asked the officer.

"Oh, no! He must have got into some trouble with Temple. Please stay
here, and let me go in and see what is the matter. I have a reason for
wishing him to think I am alone, just at first."

"Just as you say," returned the officer. "I take it for granted Temple
isn't here, or the boy wouldn't have called. Suppose the man comes
back?"

"Let him come in, and you can follow. Between us, I guess we can make
him a prisoner."

"You have plenty of courage," said the officer. "Are you not afraid to
have him come in upon you?"

"Not while you are near to help me," answered Harry. "In that cabin we
could pen him up."

"That's true. Well, go in to your friend."

"A queer sort of a friend Philip is," thought Harry, but he did not
object to the title.

Opening the cabin door, which Temple had closed, Harry regarded Philip
with amazement. He could hardly believe the testimony of his eyes when
he saw his enemy, tied hand and foot, very much as he had been the night
before.

"What's the matter, Philip?" he aske