“But why do they stay in this neighborhood? The hobo doesn’t take to the woods for long, though he may hide there when the officers make it too hot for him. What can there be in this part of the world that attracts them?”
“They may be looking for a chance to steal from the Boy Scouts,” suggested Hoke.
“The last persons two hobos would tackle. What chance would they have against twenty vigorous, active, fearless youths, who despite their peaceful principles are yearning for stirring adventure?”
“Then it must be you, doctor, that they have designs upon.”
“I half suspect as much; I have been considerate to them despite their insolence, more so than I shall be again if they annoy us further.”
Turning upon the youths, Dr. Spellman asked a question that fairly took away the breath of the two Boy Scouts.
“Has either of you seen Uncle Elk and those tramps together?”
Hoke was not sure he understood the question. Mike was shocked.
“Why should they be togither, docther, unless the spalpeens called at his cabin for food? Ye know his latchstring is always out, but I’ve niver known of their being in his company.”
“Didn’t you hear them laughing or talking last night, along shore, and not far from this spot?”