Mr. Mole looked a little confused.
"Oh! I will explain that," he said; "on our way home we were attacked by a horde of tramps."
"A horde?"
"Yes, about a score, and being exhausted by our encounter with the Indians we surrendered at discretion."
"That was rough on you, sir. It was indeed. Did the tramps rob you of anything?"
"All we possessed; but we beat the Indians, and if we had been possessed of any cartridges we should have driven off the tramps."
"That is a very good story," said Jack.
Mr. Mole looked indignant.
"What do you mean by that insinuation?" he exclaimed. "Do you doubt my honor?"
"Oh! no. Not for a moment."