all the more reason why we must get him where he
can have attention. The village of Dunfield is four miles below
here. We must get him there at once. And we'll march the hobo
there, too, in the hope that the village has a lock-up."

"It hasn't," snarled the tramp.

"Oh, we wouldn't take your word on a vital point like that," jeered
Darry.

"The first thing you'll do will be to give back this poor old
man's money," Dick went on, eyeing the tramp.

"I haven't got it," came the prompt denial. "I turned it over
to Joe and Bill, and they've got away with it."

"You're not going to like us a bit, my man," smiled Prescott.
"We are not the kind of fellows to take your word for anything.
We're going to see whether or not you have the money. We're
going through your clothing for it. Poor old Mr. Hinman will
need it for the care that I am afraid he is going to require.
Search the fellow, Tom."

Greg now aided Dave in holding the vagabond. The tramp made such
a commotion during the search that Dick and Greg added their help
in holding him.

Out of a trousers' pocket Tom dragged the peddler's money sack.
It was still tied.

"Let me have it," said Dick, and took it over by the campfire,
where he untied the sack and peered into it.

"There's a roll of bills and at least ten, dollars in change in
the sack," Dick announced, "so I think that none of the money
has been taken."

"That's my money you've got," snarled the tramp.

"Tell that to the Senate!" Tom suggested.

Greg and Dan now aided Dick in lifting Mr. Hinman to the floor
of his wagon, where they laid him on a pile of rags. Mr. Hinman
was breathing, and his pulse could be distinctly felt.

"Dave, I guess you and I had better go along with the wagon,"
Dick suggested. "Now, see here, Tom, you and the other fellows
go back to camp and act just as if we were all there. Start in
the morning, as usual. You ought to be in Fenton by noon to-morrow.
If Dave and I don't join you before that time, then you'll find
us at Fenton."

"What are you going to do with the hobo?" Reade wanted to know.

"Roll him over on his face and tie his hands. Then we'll hitch
him to the back of Mr. Hinman's wagon, and I'll walk with him
and see that he goes along without making trouble, while Dave
drives."

At this moment Reade alone was occupied in sitting on the captive,
Dave having risen when it was suggested that he go with Dick to
Dunfield.

"Here---quick!" yelled Read