The knapsack rearranged, they started back.
They caught up with Bob and Dan two or three miles outside of Kingston, and reached that town just at dusk. Nelson and Tom were inclined to be stuck-up over the fact that they had done three miles more than the others and therefore held the record. But Dan maintained that it didn’t count when you went over the same ground twice. Of course they went to the hotel in which they had put up on the occasion of their previous visit and where Barry had distinguished himself, and of course they received a warm welcome. Barry was in real danger of death from overeating, so attentive was the proprietor. After dinner they told the latter of their further adventures with the thief, and it was plain to be seen that he didn’t approve of their clemency, although he didn’t say so. When bedtime came Dan and Nelson went into the room occupied by Bob and Tom, and stretched themselves out on the bed while the others undressed. After Bob had brushed his teeth he carried his toothbrush over to the bed in a stealthy manner, and placed it under his pillow.
“What the dickens is that for?” asked Dan.
“S-sh!” whispered Bob, finger on lips. “You know Tommy lost his.”
“Huh!” answered Tom amid the laughter. “You needn’t think I’d use yours!”
“That reminds me,” said Dan, with a giggle. “Did you ever hear about the Englishmen on the steamer?”
“Help!” cried Nelson. “Help! Dan’s going to tell a joke.”
“Never mind,” said Bob soothingly; “humor him; laugh if you possibly can.”
“All right; you say when, Bob.”
“Shut up,” said Dan, “and let me tell you. It’s funny. I read it in—in—Punch, I think it was.”