The former hired man of the Dodds was shambling down the street at a lazy gait, apparently wrapped up in his own concerns. Frank and Joe followed, at a respectful distance. When Montrose reached a busy corner he turned down a side street and here his demeanor changed. His shoulders were straighter and his step more purposeful.
Taking the opposite side of the street, the boys strolled along, keeping well behind Montrose but not letting him out of sight. They followed him for about two blocks and then, leaning against a telegraph pole at the next corner, they saw Montrose's companion of the previous night. He looked up as Montrose approached, and then the pair met and joined in earnest conversation.
There was something peculiarly furtive about the two men. Not wishing to be observed, the Hardy boys stepped into a soft drink place near by and bought some ginger ale, which they drank in the store, keeping an eye on the pair across the street, through the window.
Finally, Montrose's companion moved slowly away, and Montrose himself shambled across the road. He was lost to sight for a moment.
"We'll trail him a little while longer," said Frank. "We have about a quarter of an hour before school opens."
They paid for the ginger ale and stepped out of the shop. To their astonishment, Gus Montrose was coming directly toward them. They had lost sight of him in the window and had assumed that he had gone on down the street. Instead he had turned back.
They affected not to notice him, and were starting back up the street when Montrose overtook them and brushed against Frank rudely.
"Look here," he said, in a gruff voice. "What's the idea of followin' me, hey?"
"Following you!" said Frank, in tones of simulated surprise.
"Yes—followin' me. I saw you. What do you mean by it?"