“Let him speak if he wants to,” said Jack, stepping forward. At the sight of the military uniform the rascals looked much worried.
“So youse is bringin’ de soldiers here, hey?” said one.
“Da ain’t soldiers, da are cadets from a school,” said one tramp. “Don’t yer know Flatnose told us about ’em?”
“Where is Flatnose?” asked Andy eagerly. He remembered that the tramp he was after had a somewhat flat nose.
“He’ll be back in about——” began the younger of the three tramps, when a warning look from both of the others halted him as before.
“When will he be back—answer me?” said Rossmore Ford sternly.
“Don’t youse say a word more!” growled the largest of the tramps.
“Here comes some men now—over yonder hill!” cried Dale, who chanced to look back.
“Yes—and there is the rascal I want to catch!” returned Andy. “Come on, Jack and Pepper, will you help me?”
“We will!” answered his two chums.