"We'll drive to Hoopville," said Sam, a minute later, as he and Songbird got in the buggy. "And we'll ask about Tom on the way."
A quarter of a mile was passed and they came to a lonely spot on the highway. Here, the only building in sight was a half tumbled down cottage belonging to a man named Hiram Duff. Duff pretended to be poor, but common report had it that he was a miser and fairly well to do.
"Going to stop here?" questioned Songbird, as they drove near.
"We might as well," returned Sam. "Old Duff is a tough customer, but in this case——"
He did not finish for at that instant a muffled cry came from the old cottage, startling both boys.
CHAPTER XII
AT HIRAM DUFF'S COTTAGE
"What can that be?"
"Must be somebody in trouble!"