as a thought came to him, Frank happened to
say:

"I wonder how Hank Brady is getting on with father's new car?"

He saw the cowboy start and turn white.

"Who's Hank Brady?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"A fellow we met under strange circumstances. Hank was on the road to
the bad, but he got his eyes open just in time. Now he's our chauffeur,
and we think he's going to make good," replied Frank, watching the other
with sudden interest.

"Huh! Did you ever hear anything about his family?" asked Reddy, trying
to act in a natural manner, but hardly succeeding very well.

"Yes. He's got a father and mother who were mighty anxious about him."

"And there's that good-for-nothing brother Ted he told you to keep your
eye out for up here!" broke in Bluff.

"Yes; how about that, Frank? Have you ever asked about him?" exclaimed
Jerry.

"No; but perhaps I'd better begin now. How about it, Reddy?" questioned
Frank.

"You needn't go any further, for I can tell you all about that scalawag.
If you had asked Mr. Mabie, he'd have told you my name was Ted Brady,"
was the astonishing reply.

CHAPTER XX

"WE MUST CUT AND RUN FOR IT!"

It was surprising to see the effect of the cowboy's announcement.

Frank was in some measure prepared for it. He had entertained a sudden
suspicion as he noticed the emotion of the other. But his chums seemed
almost thunderstruck.

"Tell me about that, will you!" said Jerry, feebly waving his hands.

"Did you ever hear of such luck?" ejaculated Will.

"Beats a story all hollow. Here's the prodigal son found at last, eating
his dinner with the--" began Bluff, when Jerry pounced on him.

"Don't you dare finish that, on your life! Of course, you can call
yourself swine, if you please, but I object. But is it really true,
Reddy? Are you Hank's long lost brother?" he asked, turning to the
other.

"I certainly am, although I ought to be ashamed of the way I've treated
my folks. All for a measly little matter, too. My eyes have been openin'
lately, and I was mighty near headin' Eastways before you came," said
the cowboy, hanging his head.

"Then perhaps you'll go back with us, and surprise the folks?" suggested
Frank eagerly.

"Well, now, I'd like to do that same, if so be you fellows mean it. You
see, my folks ain't always lived in Centerville. I thought that lots of
things you talked about seemed kinder familiar to me, for I was brought
up in that part of the State. Yes, I'll