“He’s around here somewhere,” declared Jack, and just then saw a bush that had been caught back switch itself into place. He leaped into the direction.
“Here he is, fellows!”
“Where?” asked Andy and Pepper in a breath.
“Under a bush. Come out of that!” Jack added to the fugitive.
“I ain’t comin’ out,” whined the tramp. He was out of wind and crestfallen.
“If you don’t come out, we’ll kick you out,” answered Andy, and then he shook his stick at the fellow. “Come out of that, and be quick about it.”
The tramp looked at the acrobatic youth and he gave a little gasp. Evidently he recognized Andy.
“I ain’t done nuthin,” he grumbled. “I’m an honest fellow, I am.”
“You certainly look it,” answered Jack. “Come, get up.” And he, too, raised his stick as if to hit the rascal over the head.
“Don’t—don’t strike me!” was the cry. “I’ll come out! But I ain’t done nuthin’.”