"Isn't that a shame?" came a sympathetic chorus, but a few of the fellows laughed.
"It's a boy, any way," argued Hoof, rather brokenly, "and a smart little fellow, too. Now, if he's going to grow up right as a boy the kid ought to start in early. So I've wrapped him up warm and have brought him out with me."
"What are you going to do with him, Hoof?"
"I'm going to tote the little fellow around to see the fun—if you fellows can stand having me with you," announced Hoof sadly, rather pleadingly.
"Why, of course you can come, can't he, fellows?" appealed Dick.
"If you're sure that the youngster won't catch cold," agreed Tom Reade. "A baby is a human being, you know, and has some rights of his own."
"Oh, I won't let the little shaver catch cold," promised Hoof. "See how warmly I've got him wrapped up."
As some of the fellows crowded about their encumbered mate, baby laughed and tried to reach them.
"He's a good fellow, if he is young," spoke up Greg. "Bring him along, Hoof."
So that was settled, and the crowd turned down one of the side streets. These darker thoroughfares, as all knew by experience, were safer for Hallowe'en pranks. The dark places were the easiest ones in which to escape when pursuit offered.