So he told her that the boys had blundered on the workroom of the
counterfeiters, had been suspected of being spies sent by the
government and seized, and finally had been released by strategy. He
added that they were not there to molest the people of the district,
whatever their occupation might be, but to take pictures and have a
long vacation in the health-giving mountain air."
"And I hope you'll pass the word along," he closed, "so that your
friends will not regard us as enemies. We are anxious to meet as many
of them as possible, and to be on good terms with them."
This was strictly true, as the boys were not there to convict any of
the natives, whatever their offenses might be, but to deal with the
strangers who had abducted the prince from his home in Washington.
Ned was certain that no one belonging in that region had had a hand
in the crime, although he suspected that some of them might
innocently harbor the outlaws he was in quest of.
The old lady listened to Ned's story and his explanation with a
startled face.
"I'm sure," she said, "that no one belonging here was interested in
the counterfeiting gang you boys came upon. I am sure, too, that no
one will blame you for what you did.
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