"Just a minute, Hobbes," called Matt, "and I'll go with you. I want to rope this flying machine to a couple of trees, so that it won't be blown into the river if a wind should happen to come up."
Hobbes was very wet, very tired, and very sulky, but he could hardly refuse such a trifling request. With the rope that had saved his life, he helped Matt secure the Comet.
"Do you know any one, in these parts, by the name of Newt Prebbles?" Matt inquired, while they were moving toward the shack.
"You used that name while I was in the skiff," said Hobbes, "I remember, now. What's your business with Newt Prebbles?"
"I'll tell him that when I see him. It's important. Do you know the man?"
"Yes, I know him. He's a pal of mine and lives with me in the shack."
"Is he there, now?" asked Matt eagerly.
"No."
"When will he be back?"
"That's hard to tell. He won't come back at all if you don't tell me what your business is with him."