At this question consternation seemed to seize both Ham Spink and Carl
Dudder, and their faces grew pale as they stared at the tramp.

"Wha--what's that?" stammered Ham, faintly.

"I asked you if gentlemen's sons blew up boathouses."

"What do you know about blowing up a boathouse?" asked Carl.

"I don't know much about doing the job. But I saw one blown up not
long ago, and--"

"And what?" came eagerly from Ham and Carl.

"And I know you two boys did the job," finished Kiddy Leech,
significantly.




CHAPTER XVI

AN EVIL COMPACT


For the next moment Ham Spink and Carl Dudder stared at the tramp in
amazement not unmixed with terror.

"You--er--you saw us?" faltered Ham, at length.