The other gave a tremendous start, and a low, bubbling cry, half of
fright, and also of disgust, came from his lips. The woollen muffler
fell from about his face, and, although he snapped off the light just
then by a movement of his thumb, the others had glimpsed his features.

Thad had evidently hit the target in the bull's-eye when he mentioned
his suspicions concerning the probable identity of the skulker.
It was Leon Disney!




CHAPTER VIII

LEON PROMISES TO REFORM


The startled boy struggled to get free, but Hugh had taken a firmer
grip upon his person, and saw to it that he could not squirm loose.

"Quit your kicking!" cried Thad, indignantly, when one of the fellow's
shoes came in rough contact with his own shins; "or we'll start
something along the same lines! We know you, Leon Disney, so there's
no use trying to hide your face."

Leaning over, Thad groped around until he managed to find the hand
that held the little electric torch. This latter article he tore
from the grasp of Leon, and immediately pressed the button that
caused the battery to work. The intense darkness around them was
dissipated to some degree. Thad threw the glow directly into the