"Must have been Ham Spink and his crowd," murmured Whopper. "It would be just like them to do that."
In spite of the color in his cheeks the young hunters could see that the circus lad was far from strong. He was nervous, and evidently needed plenty of food and a rest.
Having heard the runaway's tale, Snap and the others told something about themselves. Tommy listened with keen interest, and presently his eyes showed considerable enthusiasm.
"I wish I was going with you," he said. "Such an outing would suit me down to the ground. I can cook some, and I could wash the dishes and cut wood and keep the camp in order, and all that. But I don't suppose you'd want me along in these old duds." And he looked sadly at his torn and faded suit, so much too big for him.
"Oh, we might fit you out with a sweater and a cap," said Snap. The more he saw of the circus boy the better he liked the young fellow. "But I don't know," he added hastily, looking at his chums.
"We didn't expect to take anybody," said the doctor's son slowly. "But you might stay with us for a day or two, anyway—-and we can talk it over. We ought to be better acquainted before we make a bargain."
"He could help us take our outfit to the mountains," said Giant. "We could pay him for the work."
"I don't want any pay. Just give me my meals, and it will be all right."
"We can settle the whole thing later," said Shep. "But you can stay for the present."
"Wasn't it queer?" cried Whopper. "We found your dog and you found our boat!"