Pretty, on account of the extreme neatness of his costume, often got credit for being a much richer lad than he was. And Enid also was as careful and as successful in her costumery as Pretty. So the three tramps probably thought they had before them two children of wealth, who would be amply provided with pocket-money. But if they had only known how little the two really had in their possession, the adventure you are about to hear would never have happened.
But while Pretty was flicking the dirt at the end of his toe with his walking-stick, and wondering if he really cared to go any farther, the tramps moved toward him quickly.
Enid, being a girl, was frightened, and did not try to conceal it, but said:
"Oh, Pretty, let's go home at once!"
Pretty, being a boy, thought he must make a display of courage, even if he didn't feel it; so, while his heart clattered away in his breast, and he could hardly find breath to speak, he said with some show of composure:
"Yes, Enid; I think we have walked far enough for to-day."
Then they whirled about and started for home at a good gait. They had not gone far when Enid, glancing back over her shoulder, noticed that the tramps were coming up at a still more rapid walk.
One of them, indeed, called out in a suspiciously friendly tone:
"Hey, young feller, hold up a minute and tell us what time it is, will ye?"
Enid gasped: