CHAPTER XIV
A MEETING OF RASCALS
Sometime after dusk the following Saturday, Tusk Potter walked cautiously toward the home of Tom Hewlet. There was no moon, but a starry glow illumined the pike and he kept well beneath the overhanging trees; for Tusk had learned, through a dim sort of reasoning, that when he walked in life's comfortable shadows he usually walked away from trouble. He now reached the broken gate and for awhile stood regarding the house, listening to see what manner of sounds came from within. Being satisfied, he called:
"Hey, Tom!"
The door opened, and Mrs. Hewlet's whining voice answered:
"What d'you want?"
"Is Tom home?" he asked, in a half whisper.
"What if he is?" she demanded.
"Nuthin'," Tusk answered, shifting his weight and leaning against the fence.