Hugh and Thad had been out on a particular night after supper, visiting
another boy who chanced to live on the outskirts of town. He had
received a wonderful collection of curios from an uncle living out in
India, after whom he had been named; and upon being especially invited
over to view these things, which included a wonderful assortment of
rare postage stamps, the two chums had made it a point to accept, being
greatly interested in all boyish "hobbies."

That was how they happened to be passing along the road close to the
athletic grounds about half-past nine o'clock that same night.

There was a fair moon shining, but objects appeared more or less
misty, as often occurs under such conditions. The boys had about
exhausted their vocabulary of words that express delight, in examining
the many things of interest shown by "Limpy" Wallace, who was a
cripple, and had to use a crutch, he being also a great admirer of
Hugh Morgan, whom he considered in the light of a hero.

Besides this, both boys were unusually tired after the exertions of
the day, and Thad frequently yawned in a most terrific fashion, as he
walked homeward. Probably these were the main reasons for their
unnatural silence, as they stalked along side by side; since it is
seldom that two lads will refrain from exchanging opinions on some
object or other, when in company.

Afterwards, in the light of what happened, they were inclined to
believe that it was exceedingly fortunate they had lapsed into this
queer condition of silence, for, otherwise, they would have missed
something that proved unusually interesting, as well as afforded them