"Maybe," put in Frank, with a laugh. He did not always agree with Sammy.
"Oh, of course, I'm not saying for sure," went on the other. "But will you come?"
"I don't mind," spoke Frank, after a few moments' thought. "But we'd better not go too close."
"That's what I say," added Bob. "He might try to harm us."
"We've got Maybe with us," said Sammy, boldly. "I'm not afraid."
And so the boys decided on Sammy's plan, little thinking what would come of it.
They could no longer see the hermit, but they thought they could trace which way he went by following the tracks in the snow.
"Besides, we have the dog with us," added Sammy, "and he can follow. He can track the hermit just like he does a rabbit."
The boys went on cautiously. They did not want to get too close to Mr. Addison, who, though he was an old man, might be one who was very easily made angry, and who might work some harm to them. In fact they already knew that he lost his temper easily.