Meanwhile the obliging Butler made haste to do as requested. He was fleet of foot, and had no trouble in overtaking Alvin and Chester, who were walking at a moderate pace, made still more moderate by their merriment over the clever way in which they had gotten the best of Mike.
“It isn’t often we can do it,” said Alvin, “but we caught him fair that time. Hoke will stick like a leech to him—hello! what’s up now?” exclaimed the lad, as the sound of footsteps caused both to look around.
“Gracious!” gasped Chester, “it can’t be Mike has persuaded him to go with us!”
“Hold on a minute!” called Butler.
The two halted and Alvin asked reproachfully:
“Why have you deserted Mike, when he wants you so badly?”
“I haven’t deserted him; he and I are going to have a day’s ramble together.”
“Then what are you doing here?”
“He asked me to run after you and get the five dollars he loaned you yesterday.”
“Chest, have you got any money with you?” asked the astonished Alvin; “I have only a Canadian quarter.”