“That’ll do,” Thad told him; “now lie down on the sand on your face, and put your hands behind you. We’ve got to tie your wrists, you understand. Here, don’t think to play any trick, because we won’t stand for it! Down on your knees, and over you go!”
Realizing that such a young chap was not to be trifled with, the tramp, muttering to himself, did as he was ordered. Lying there on his chest he pushed both hands behind his back, and crossed his wrists, just as though this might not be the first time he had run up against a similar situation.
“Giraffe, you fix him up!” said the patrol leader, for the lengthy scout had a reputation as an expert in tying hard knots, and was never known to be without more or less stout cord on his person.
It had come in handy many a time in the past, as Giraffe could explain if asked, and he produced his coil now with a satisfied grin that told how much he enjoyed his new job.
After Giraffe had completed the fastening of the hobo’s big wrists, there was not one chance in a thousand the fellow could free himself, even if he were a second Houdini, capable of slipping handcuffs from his person by doubling up his pliable hands.
This done, Giraffe got up, and helped the man rise to his feet.
“Behave yourself now, and we’ll treat you white,” he told him; “but just try to make trouble, and see what you get, that’s all. But, Thad, where d’ye reckon his pal has disappeared to, that he ain’t around here? We covered every foot of the island from the other end, and didn’t scare him up. Half a loaf may be better than no bread, but we didn’t come after this fellow at all. We want Wandering George, and we want him bad.”
Thad himself was bothered to tell how the second tramp had disappeared. If the ground had opened and swallowed him he could not have vanished more completely; and apparently there was only one source of information open to them. This was the prisoner, who stood there, listening to what they were saying, and trying hard to conceal a grin that would creep over his face in spite of him. That very cunning expression convinced Thad the man knew the important fact they wanted to find out, if only they could force him to speak.
CHAPTER XXV.
FORCED TO TELL.
“Where’s your partner?” asked Thad, turning suddenly on the prisoner.