When Shaville was reached the boys commenced a diligent search for some news concerning the carriage with the white and the black horse and the dilapidated top. At first they could find nobody who had seen such a turnout, but presently they met a tramp whom Sam stopped, and he gave them news that was surprising.
“I see ’em!” cried the tramp. “Say, boss, give me a dollar an’ I’ll tell you all I know.”
“You’ll tell all you know without the dollar!” cried Dick, and grabbed the knight of the road by the collar. “Come now, tell me, quick!”
“YOU’LL TELL ALL YOU KNOW WITHOUT THE DOLLAR!” CRIED DICK.
“Don’t hurt me!” yelled the tramp. “I was only foolin’. Course I’ll tell you.”
He was subjected to close questioning, and from him it was learned that the carriage with the three men and the lady had passed through Shaville and turned towards Latown. The lady had tried to jump from the carriage just while it was passing the tramp, but the men had held her back. He had heard the men mention Latown, and also speak of an automobile.
“One feller was an old gent, who looked like a perfesser,” said the tramp.
“That must have been Crabtree,” said Tom.
“Can it be that they were going to leave the carriage and take to an auto at Latown?” came from Sam.