“I wish you would come back to the car with me, I want to speak to you alone.”
“All right, sir, just as you say,” responded the tramp, quickly advancing and accompanying Mr. Sanders as he led the way across the fields after he had bidden the boys remain where they then were.
CHAPTER XXVI—CONCLUSION
Mr. Sanders and the tramp remained in the car a long time. Indeed, as the minutes passed the boys became somewhat impatient. Frequently they glanced toward the scene in the road in which Mr. Sanders and his strange companion were evidently holding a very interesting conversation.
When an hour had elapsed the desire of the boys to depart became more pronounced. A few of the country people meanwhile had come to view the ruins of the famous old house, but they had little to say to the boys and after they had inspected the ruins the most of them slowly departed.
At last Fred said impatiently, “Look yonder! Mr. Sanders is taking that man away in the car.”
“I wonder where he is going?” said George, as he glanced at the departing automobile.
“Probably taking him to the lock-up,” suggested Fred.