“Gone!” echoed Bluff.
“Goodness gracious! what’s happened?” ejaculated Will, clutching hold of the newcomer’s sleeve, as though his knees suddenly grew weak.
“Disappeared, and I’m seriously afraid that those miserable hoboes have caught him,” declared Frank.
“Caught him—but they’re not cannibals—they couldn’t eat poor Jerry!” came from the bewildered Will, at which Bluff gave a contemptuous laugh.
“Why, of course not, silly. Frank means they’ve caught Jerry, intending to make him valuable some way; ain’t that it, Frank?” he said.
“Just what I mean. They may try to dicker with us for some provisions. I rather guess they’re some shy in that line. Or, it may be they want us to clear out. Any way you fix it the thing has a bad look, and promises to break up our pleasant little outing.”
“It’s a beastly shame. I’d just like to get hold of those tramps. Wouldn’t they be headed for the lock-up in Centerville in a hurry!” growled Bluff.
Frank looked at him seriously as if contemplating some move.
“Well,” said he presently, “I don’t know but what it will come to it that you can have a hand in their removal.”
“What d’ye mean?” demanded the other, instantly.