Joe flashed them a smile, showing his fine, white teeth.
“Hello,” he answered genially.
“Wonder if he’s as fond of hash as ever,” Fred remarked in a low voice to Mouser.
“What are you doing up this way, Joe?” asked Bobby.
“Looking for any one?” inquired Sparrow.
But Joe was wary and refused to be drawn out.
“Can’t get that old fox to give himself away,” muttered Skeets.
Just then Tom Hicksley approached, accompanied by Bronson and Jinks. They caught sight of Joe at the same time that he saw them, and tried to retreat. Bronson and Jinks succeeded, but Joe was too quick for Hicksley, and hurrying forward laid his hand on his arm, while he jabbered away excitedly.
“Ha ha!” exclaimed Fred in a tragic way. “I see it all now.”
“He’s boning Hicksley for something,” guessed Sparrow.