"Maybe that's because you've worked for it," suggested Reade thoughtfully.
"I wonder," grunted the hobo. "I wonder."
Later on Dick and his chums prepared a supper, of which all partook except the peddler, who needed sleep and warmth more.
The tramps slept on the floor, later on. Tom, Dave and Harry slept on their cots, while the other three high school boys remained awake.
Toward two o'clock in the morning Dick found Reuben Hinman's skin becoming decidedly feverish, and began to administer nitre.
"I'd mount our horse, and try to ride for a doctor, if I thought
I could get one," murmured Greg.
"You couldn't get one here to-night," volunteered the boss tramp, who had awakened and had risen on one elbow. "Neither an automobile nor a buggy could be driven over this wild road to-night. The water is three feet deep in spots—-worse in some others."
Though the deluge outside still continued, all would have been cheery inside had it not been for the alarm Dick & Co. felt over the increasing fever of the poor old peddler. His breathing became more and more labored.
Dave awoke and came over to listen and look on.
"I'll try to go for a doctor," he whispered.