“Guess he’s given up the chase now,” Midge said, as they drew near the Jones’ home. “No, by George! He’s still following!”
“Say, what if Mrs. Jones isn’t at home?” Babe quavered. “What’ll we do then?”
“Don’t dig up trouble,” Dan advised him. “Wait until it nudges you in the shoulder.”
He pounded on the door with his fist. The Cubs waited uneasily. The tramp had turned into the lane and was running faster now.
“Wait, boys!” he shouted. “I got something to tell you!”
“He probably wants to give us a stick of candy!” Dan muttered. “Oh, why doesn’t Mrs. Jones open the door—”
Just then, the widow did answer the knock.
“Let us in and we’ll explain later,” Dan said breathlessly. “That tramp is after us!”
Without asking questions, Mrs. Jones hustled the Cubs into the house.
“Better lock the door,” Brad advised, setting the money box on the kitchen table. “That bird may try to break in.”