At this inauspicious moment Philip, yielding to a tickling in the throat which he couldn’t overcome, coughed. It was not a loud cough, but Temple heard it.
He instantly started for the quarter from which the sound proceeded, and in a few seconds discovered and dragged Philip by the collar from behind the tree.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded, sternly.
“Nothing,” answered Philip, trembling.
“Ha! You are one of the boys that I caught prowling round here this morning.”
“I have as much right here as you,” said Philip, plucking up a little courage.
“Have you? We’ll see about that,” snarled Temple. “Where’s the other fellow?”
“He isn’t here.”
“Isn’t here? I don’t believe it. He’s hiding somewhere near.”
“Then you can find him,” said Philip, sullenly.