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THE PURPLE PENNANT

suspect you of tipping me off. I wouldn't want you to get into trouble on my account, and it might go hard with you if they found it out. Better get out while there's time."

Fudge looked uneasy. "Well, maybe we had," he murmured. "They might put us through the third degree and make us tell."

"That's just what they'd do," said Mr. Addicks convincedly. "I'm mighty grateful to you fellows, and if the thanks of a train-robber are of any value to you——"

"What's that?" asked Perry, startled. With a swift leap Mr. Addicks reached the gaslight and turned it out. In the darkness they listened with straining ears. No sound reached them, however, beyond the usual noises from the street. "I thought," muttered Perry apologetically, "I heard something."

"I g-g-guess," said Fudge, as Mr. Addicks lighted the gas again, "I g-g-guess we'd better go."

"Yes," whispered Mr. Addicks, "don't run any risks. Good-by, boys. Take care of yourselves and, whatever you do, remain honest." He shook hands with Fudge and then with Perry. "Remember that honesty is the best policy and take it from me that there's nothing in train robbery. A fellow hasn't got a fair chance nowadays."

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