d parted
company.

"You're in luck, boys," was Obed's comment. "You fared better than I,
for you've had your square meals, while I've had only one besides
this."

"Where was that?" asked Harry.

"At the same place where you passed the night. I got there about an hour
after you left, as well as I can make out. The gal was very kind, and
gave me a tip-top breakfast. I ate till I was ashamed, and then left off
hungry. That's why I've got such an appetite now. Yesterday I didn't
have but one meal, and I've had to make up for that."

"Did Lucy tell you we had passed the night at her father's house?"

"Lucy! Seems to me you got mighty familiar," said Obed in a jocular
tone. "She didn't tell me what her name was. I suppose she looked upon
me as a dried-up old bach."

"She's a nice girl," said Harry emphatically.

"So she is. I'm with you there. But about your question--I asked her if
she had seen anything of two chaps about your size, and she told me
enough to show me I was on your track. She told me which way you went,
and I follered. She was a little shy at first, not knowin' but I might
be an enemy of yours, but when she'd made up her mind to the _contrary_
she up and told me everything. Well, I struck your trail, and here I
am."

"I for one am delighted to see you, Obed," said Harry cordially.

"And I for two," added Jack, smiling.

Mr. Stackpole seemed gratified by the pleasure evinced by the boys.

"Well," he said, "we're together once more, and now we must hold a
council of war, and decide what's to be done."

"With him?" asked Jack, pointing to the tramp.

"With him first of all; I take it you don't want me to invite him to
join our party?"

"His room is better than his company," said Harry.

"I agree with you. According to my idea, we may as well leave him where
he lies."

"But won't he starve?"

"He can get his hands free after awhile," said Obed, "but not till after
we are at a safe distance. You needn't be afraid about him. Anyhow the
world wouldn't lose much if he did take passage for another."

"That's so, Obed, but I wouldn't like to feel that we were responsible
for his death."

At this moment the prostrate man opened his eyes, and as his glance
lighted on Obed, they gleamed with the old look of rage. He tried to get
up, and of course discovered that his hands were tied.

"Loosen my hands, you scoundrel!" he exclaimed.

"If you mean me by that pet name, my esteemed friend," said Obed