CHAPTER XII
SETTING THE TRAP
Already Amos was looking much better. The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected. Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
Elmer, too, was greatly relieved. Why, after all, the situation was a whole lot better than he had dared hope. He became possessed of an overwhelming ambition to find the tramp, and bring him the joyous news. Already in imagination Amos was picturing the joy that would fill his mother’s heart if the wanderer could only be brought back home again, after doing penance so long for his delinquency.
Afterwards Amos took to making little excursions through the neighboring timber on one excuse or another, though it was not difficult for Elmer to understand that he indulged in a wild hope a voice might call to him from out of some copse, and his father appear in sight, unable to resist the longing to meet his boy once more.
But no such happy event came to pass, though Amos continued his walks, so as to scour the neighborhood in every direction.
During one of his absences from camp Perk and Wee Willie came in, bearing quite a noble string of perch and bass and catfish, which they had succeeded in catching through persistent efforts.
Elmer took advantage of the opportunity while Amos was away to tell the two others the whole story as related to him.
Of course, they were both intensely interested, and frequently interrupted the narrative to express their sympathy for the comrade in distress, as well as to vow that not a word of it all should pass their lips.