“The tramp!” repeated the boys together.
“That’s what I said.”
“Tell us about it,” said George.
“Why, after you fellows cleared out and left me behind, for you remember that you took all the tickets there were and left me up there sans money, sans ticket, sans everything, as Shakespeare says—”
“We don’t remember anything of the kind,” interrupted George. “We tried to get you to come along.”
“Yes, you did!” laughed John scornfully. “You tried hard. You had just money enough to buy three tickets and I was generous enough to say that I would let you three fellows use them—”
“Go on with your story about the tramp,” interrupted Fred.
“Well, I’ll tell you the truth,” said John.
“Hope it won’t make you too tired,” murmured Fred.
“I’m telling you the truth,” said John, glaring at his diminutive companion as he spoke. “The train hadn’t fairly gotten out of sight with you fellows on board before up comes the tramp, driving this car. He came right up to the platform of the station and invited me to get on board. You may be sure I didn’t stand on the form, or likewise on the platform, very long.”