"So they have, Dick. Who in natur' could have done it? Perhaps the kid did it himself. Might have had a knife in his pocket."
"Don't be a fool, Stubbs! Supposin' he'd done it, how was he goin' to get out?"
"That's what beats me!"
"Somebody must have let him out."
"Do you think it's his circus friends?"
"No; they're all in Groveton. Somebody must have been passin' and heard the boy holler, and let him out."
"What are you goin' to do about it, Dick?"
"Goin' to sit down and take a smoke. It may give me an idea."
It will be noticed that of these two, Dick Hayden, as the bolder and stronger spirit, was the leader, and Bob Stubbs the subservient follower. Stubbs was no less brutal, when occasion served, but he was not self reliant. He wanted some one to lead the way, and he was willing to follow.
The two men sat down beside the cabin, and lit their pipes. Nothing was said for a time. Dick seemed disinclined to conversation, and Stubbs was always disposed to be silent when enjoying a smoke.