CHAPTER X
THE BUNCH FROM BELLPORT
Frank looked hastily around him to see that they were not observed. Then he took the article which Lanky Wallace was holding out.
“Why, it’s a child’s little bonnet, Lanky!” he exclaimed.
“Glad to see you guess that at the start,” remarked the excited Lanky, with a touch of humor in his voice.
“And the little one dropped this down to you; did she?” pursued Frank, as he again thoughtfully examined the article of wearing apparel.
“Just what she did, Frank. Never said a single word, either; just gave me a look I won’t soon forget. Reckon she’s frightened to death of that old gypsy queen, and didn’t dare give a little peep. But, Frank, don’t you see the poor little thing wanted me to understand something?”
“I think she did, Lanky,” replied the other, a serious look on his face.
“It’s a child’s bonnet, just like you say, Frank; but tell me, do you think for a single minute any gypsy child ever wore such a contraption as that?”
“No, I don’t, for a fact, Lanky,” answered Frank, readily.
“Looks kinder expensive to me, even if it’s badly soiled right now; eh, Frank?” continued the tall boy.