closely, and making up his mind to have it out then and there, because
he could not stand the weighty load of suspense any longer, was sure
the other must be in a merry frame of mind, for he laughed several
times, and even slapped his hand against his thigh in a way he had,
as if to emphasize his thoughts.

"Oh, you sly rascal!" Hugh was saying as he continued to observe all
these significant things. "I'm beginning to size you up for what
you are, all right. But just think how Thad will be stunned when I
tell him all about my adventure! Why, he'll almost believe he's
asleep, and dreaming it. There, I do think he's turning around as
if he meant to come back this way. That suits me O.K., because I
won't have to chase after him."

Hugh thereupon prepared a surprise for the reformed hobo. He secured
his wheel and stood just around the bend, trying to look severe and
knowing, though his heart was beating like a trip-hammer, and he felt
that his eyes must be fairly dancing with all the excitement.

In imagination he could tell just how near the other man was as the
seconds passed. Hugh wondered how Brother Lu would take it upon
learning that his deep-laid schemes had been discovered. Apparently
the boy did not see anything to fear, or else he would have sped away
on his wheel instead of remaining to charge the other with his base
deception.

Then the sound of footfalls came to the waiting lad. He caught his
breath, and his eager gaze was glued on the bend around which the man
must speedily appear. As he walked Brother Lu had his head lowered,
and consequently did not at once see that some one waited for him in