Jack nodded.
"He went away for a while. I guess he went home for lunch, but he came back. He's patient. I'll say that much for him. He's up in the tree now, with a pair of field-glasses."
"The genuine detective!" said Chet approvingly. "Does he know you saw him?"
Jack shook his head.
"We didn't pay any attention. I suppose he thinks he's been very clever."
"Well, if he likes sitting in a tree so much, he'll have enough to suit him for a long while. You have a dog, haven't you, Jack?"
Jack nodded. "A bulldog. I'll call him." He whistled sharply, and in a few minutes an extremely ferocious looking bulldog came around the corner of the house, wagging his tail.
"Fine! Got a chain for him?"
The boys looked at Chet, puzzled, but Jack went away and returned with a long chain, which he attached to the dog's collar.
"I don't think you should let a dog run around loose," said Chet gravely, "It isn't good for him. I think he'd better be chained up. And if you'll show me just which apple tree contains our detective friend I'll show you the apple tree that should shelter Towser."
The others were beginning to see Chet's plan
