CHAPTER XX

MR. ADDICKS EXPLAINS

Fudge and Perry gazed spellbound.

There was no chance of mistake, even at that distance. Before them, smiling, unconcerned, sat Mr. Myron Addicks, one hand resting negligently on his hip, the other on the keyboard of the piano. No one would ever have suspected him of being a fugitive from justice! Presently, quite as though he had nothing to fear nor an enemy in the world, he turned and looked calmly over the audience. Fudge's gasp was painful in its intensity, and Mrs. Hull's thoughts sped to peppermint tea. Then the lights went down, the orchestra broke into tuneful melody and the entertainment began.

But all through the performance the two boys shivered whenever a footstep came creaking along the aisle or there was a sudden stir behind them. They had visions of the entire Clearfield Police Force, led by the stout and intrepid Chief, filing