"Ho, ho, ho! Better look at summat I've got first." It was a printed
notice to the following effect--
"FIVE POUNDS REWARD.
"WHEREAS some evil-disposed persons stole some pigeons on the evening of
April 6th from the Rev. H. Gordon's premises; the above reward will be
given for any such information as may lead to the apprehension of the
offenders."
Soon after the seizure of the pigeons there had been a rumor that Gordon
had offered a reward of this kind, but the matter had been forgotten,
and the boys had long fancied their secret secure, though at first they
had been terribly alarmed.
"What do you show me that for?" he asked, reddening and then growing
pale again.
Billy's only answer was to pass his finger slowly along the words "Five
pounds reward!"
"Well?"
"I thinks I knows who took them pigeons."
"What's that to me?"
"Ho, ho, ho! that's a good un," was Billy's reply; and he continued to
cackle as though enjoying a great joke.
"Unless you gives me five pound, anyhow, I knows where to get 'em.
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