“Unless you can furnish security for your appearance against this Flecker. You must remember, you are all strangers to me, and he may be as innocent as you are—in which case I should get myself into trouble if I allowed you to get away.”

 

“This is an outrage¹!” stormed the planter. “I am a Southern gentleman, sir.”

 

“Perhaps you know somebody in Greensboro who might go security for you,” suggested the officer.

 

The planter stroked his beard.

 

“I cannot recall anybody that I know——” he began. “But wait. Does Captain Farrand still reside here?”

 

“You mean old Colonel Farrand’s nephew?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“He does.”

 

“Then kindly² send for him at once.”

 

“I will do so, Mr. Lee.”

 

Without delay a messenger was sent out, and in less than half an hour he returned with a pleasant-looking business man of thirty-five or forty.

 

“Why, my dear Mr. Lee, what does this mean?” demanded the newcomer, as he shook hands.

 

“It means that I am in a mess, and I need you to get me out of it,” answered the planter.

 

“What is the trouble?”

 

“A rascal³ tried to swindle me on the train from New York. This young man came to my assistance. Now, we have the rascal locked up, but I must remain as a witness, unless I can get somebody to go my security.”

 

“That is easy.” Captain Farrand turned to the police officer. “What sort of a bond do you want, sir?”

 

“A thousand dollars, captain.”

 

“Very well; make it out and I will sign it. I know Mr. Lee very well.”

 

“I wish I could find somebody to go on my bond,” put in Frank.

 

The planter looked at him squarely, and then at Captain Farrand.

 

“Captain, do me an additional favor,” he said.

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