wearied horse stood and dozed between the shafts.

"It's about time for you younkers to be doing something," urged
the boss tramp, after some minutes had slipped away.

"If you'll find the strength for me to stand up," urged Dick,
"maybe I can dance, or do something."

"Did we muss you up as much as that?" demanded the boss tramp.
"It serves you right, then. You shouldn't have meddled in our
pastimes. Maybe it was all right for you fellers to get your
horse and wagon back this morning, but you shouldn't have meddled
to-night."

"I guess maybe that's right," nodded Darrin sulkily, "but you
went in too strong in getting even. You had no call to cripple
us for life."

"Oh, I guess it ain't as bad as that," muttered the boss tramp,
though there was uneasiness in his voice.

So the tramps sat and smoked about a fire that one of their number
had lighted. Another fifteen minutes went by.

"Come, it's time for you fellers to get busy, and give us
something---songs, dances, comic recitations, or something like that.
That's what we brought you here for," declared the boss, rising and
prodding Darrin with one foot.

But Dave gave forth no sign. His eyes were half open, yet he