At the same instant a man sprang from the ladder and stood in their midst.
"Good-evening, boys," he said, quietly. "So this is where you hang out? Upon my word, now, it ain't half a bad place. I've slept in many a worse one myself."
[CHAPTER XV.]
CALEB HOOK MAKES HIMSELF AT HOME.
The boys stared at the man who had leaped among them from off the ladder with feelings of alarmed surprise.
Nor was the surprise of Frank Mansfield less than the others.
It was Detective Hook who stood before him—Detective Hook, whom he had supposed to be already far upon his homeward way.
"So these are your friends?" he said, quietly, as the boys gathered about him, with faces expressive of anything but welcome. "I rather thought I should tumble on something like this. Introduce me, Frank. It will take off the awkwardness a bit."
"Oh, we don't want to know you, boss," spoke up one of the boys, with a threatening air. "We don't allow no visitors, we don't, and we're going to show yer, too, blame quick."