“I think such a court order will be easily obtained,” replied Mr. Ripley frigidly.

Harry Hazelton turned pale, clenching his fists, though he had the good sense not to speak just then.  The other boys all looked highly concerned.

“Were you bitten by the dog?” asked Dr. Bentley quietly.

“I—–­I don’t know yet,” replied Fred.  “I can’t tell.”

“Mr. Ripley,” said Dr. Bentley very quietly, “if you contemplate seeking a court order for having the dog shot, then I suggest that you permit me to take the young man aside and examine him.  I am a physician, with a good many years of practice behind me, and any court would pronounce me competent to testify as to whether your son has been bitten, and, if so, to what extent.”

“I don’t choose to be examined here,” Fred declared sulkily.  “If I want anything of that sort done our own physician can do it.”

“Young man,” replied Dr. Bentley, “your father is an eminent lawyer.  He is therefore qualified to inform you that if you decline an examination now as to the presence or absence of injuries on your body, your refusal would have to be taken into account in contested court action for the death of the dog.”

“Dr. Bentley is quite right, and he has stated the matter accurately,” replied Mr. Ripley.  “Fred, do you desire to be examined now?  If so, we can go away to some secluded spot with the doctor, and with the dog’s owner and any other witness desired.”

“I don’t want to do anything now but to get away from here,” replied Fred sulkily.  “I want to be rid of Prescott and his friends as soon as possible.”

“Very good, then,” nodded his father.  “You may do as you like, but if you refuse Dr. Bentley’s suggestion for an immediate examination you will stand no chance of securing an order dooming the dog.”

Fred’s further answer was an angry snort as he turned away.  His father lingered to say: 

“If your suspicions that my son was here improperly are anywhere near correct, then you are entitled to my most hearty apology.  Fred is a peculiar and high-strung boy, but I believe his impulses are right in the main.  I will add that I believe his account of how he came to be in this strange plight.  He took the car early this morning.  I am just returning from a spin in our larger automobile.  I saw my runabout at the edge of the road and it occurred to me to stop and see if my son were here.  Is there anything more to be said about my son’s peculiar experience here?”

“Nothing, thank you, Mr. Ripley,” replied Dr. Bentley, after a sidelong glance at Dick.

“Then I will bid you all good afternoon,” replied Squire Ripley, raising his hat to the women.

Dr. Bentley watched the lawyer out of sight, then turned to Hazelton with a smile.

“Harry,” remarked the physician, “your dog won’t be shot by order of the court.”

CHAPTER XV