Battledore and Shuttlecock Page 9

He turned to the two heroes saying, "You’ve done the city a service. But now I’ll be needin’ a full statement. You best come down to the station."

"Could we come in later today and give it to you, officer? He," Joseph nodding his head at the younger man, "is late for a special reunion, just home after two years."

"Well, I see no harm in that. I’ll be needin’ your names and address though." He pulled out his notebook.

"Bastion, James Henry Bastion," the retainer said, again nodding to James Henry, "and Joseph Duggan. Bastion House, Pleasant Street, Nob Hill."

"Indeed! Well, thank you, sir," the policeman said, tipping his cap to the younger man. "You’ll not be forgetting to come in then?"

James Henry nodded he understood. Then there was a sudden blinding flash. When his eyes cleared he saw the Chronicle’s camera man aiming a lens at him; and the news hound that was quizzing the police and Shaky kept glancing their way.

"Oh boy, let’s get out of here," Joseph urged.

They made a dash for the car just ahead of the reporter.

"Hey, hold up a minute; I wanta’ talk to you."

Vaulting into the front seat, Joseph pulled the car into the police cleared street, but the newsman made a running leap and hitched a ride on the running board. Then the fellow pried open the rear door and gained the back seat.

"Now give me the lowdown on how you captured the mad dog and saved the orphan’s fund."