"Because we were on the trail of a thief," explained Bart, "and he skipped out just before you got caught on top of the pole. He was a chap who had stolen a diamond bracelet, and we boys are accused of the crime. We wanted to capture him to prove our innocence. My two chums are after him, but I don't believe they'll catch him. He saw us and skipped out. By the way," the lad added, as he recollected the incident, "he waved his hand to you, and you waved back to him from the top of the pole, just before the wire broke loose."