you been around here?"

"Two or three hours. I didn't have nuthin' to do, and I like
the water."

"Have you seen anybody around this building?"

"Yes, two fellows were here, but they went away when they saw me."

"Who were they?" asked the doctor's son.

"One of 'em was Ham Spink, and the other was that chap who is
always with him."

"Carl Dudder?"

"I guess that's his name---the chap who was going to give the
fireworks celebration."

"Humph!" muttered Snap. "What did they do?

"Walked around the building several times and peeped in the windows.
One of 'em tried the back door, but just then the other fellow saw
me and he gave a little whistle. Then both of 'em walked away
pretty quick."

"The rascals!" cried Whopper. "I'll bet a sour apple against a
gooseberry they wanted to spoil our outfit!"

"Sure they did," answered Snap.