The question was put with what seemed to be strong interest and curiosity.
“Robert Thatcher.”
The tramp whistled, as if to express his surprise and amazement.
“Did you know him?” Tom repeated.
The stranger answered guardedly:
“I heard that such a man was at work with John Simpson.”
“And you saw him?”
“I believe I saw him once.”
“Do you know what became of him?”
“Do I know what became of him? I suppose he came home.”