The others agreed to this, and they set off at a rapid pace. They had not gone far when they turned at the sound of running feet behind them and a breathless small boy came panting up to them.
“Well, young fellow, what seems to be your trouble?” asked Fred. “You look as though you were in a hurry.”
“So I am,” said the youngster aggrievedly. “Youse fellers walk so fast I has to run my legs off to catch youse.”
“But what did you want to catch us for?” queried Bobby.
“Dere’s some friends o’ yours wants to speak wid youse,” said the urchin. “They told me to ast youse to visit dem.”
“Friends!” repeated Bobby, perplexed. “I’m sure I don’t know anybody in Bayport. Have any of you fellows got any friends or relatives in this town?”
None had, and they gazed questioningly at one another and then tried to elicit further information from the boy. But he could do little to enlighten them, and they decided to investigate.
“Lead on, kid, show us the way and be quick about it,” said Bobby, and they all followed in the wake of their small guide. He led them several blocks, then up a narrow street and around an abrupt corner into an alleyway. The boys’ mystification was suddenly dispelled, for from a doorway stepped Hen Lemming, followed by the members of his gang!
CHAPTER VIII
AGAINST HEAVY ODDS