Emma Dean stuck out a foot and succeeded better than she had hoped, for Washington tripped and plunged floundering into the campfire.
Uttering a piercing yell, he bounded up like a rubber ball and made a mad dash for the bushes with Hippy Wingate in full pursuit.
CHAPTER II
THE MYSTERY MAN
"I've got him," cried Hippy, appearing with a firm grip on the frightened Washington's arm, and fairly dragging him along. "Can't afford to let any fellow get away who can bake potatoes like Wash can."
"Bring him to me, please," demanded Grace. "Now, Washington, what happened to frighten you so?" she asked in a soothing tone, at the same time patting the colored boy on his kinky head.
Wash rolled his eyes from side to side and twisted his head as if to smooth out the wrinkles in his neck muscles.
"Speak up. Don't be afraid. Nothing can harm you. What was it?" urged Grace.
"De—de debbil him—him speak—him heyeh. Him speak to Wash right outer de air," gasped the boy.