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 the middle of the road.  Indeed, he drew very near, and finally Hugh gave a sudden cough.

At that the other quickly looked up, as though startled.  When he saw who it was he immediately commenced to grin after his usual custom.  Somehow Hugh no longer saw anything to condemn in that broad smile that covered the face of the ex-hobo; just then, in the light of the new revelation, it seemed most kindly and benign; for circumstances alter cases, and a great deal depends upon one’s view-point as to whether an expression can be classed as merry or sarcastic.

Brother Lu did not seem to be bothered a great deal on making the discovery he did, though he must surely have jumped to the conclusion that the boy had been spying upon his late movements.  He continued to advance.  Hugh could detect the light of humor in those blue orbs that had always mystified him, even when he believed the other to be the worst kind of an impostor, or human leech, capable of living upon the scanty earnings of his sister Matilda.

“Hello, there, Hugh Morgan! so you concluded to turn back, did you?” the man started to say, as though inviting the other to open his batteries at once, and accuse him to his face.

“Why, yes,” said Hugh, trying to control his trembling voice, “I saw somebody jump into the bushes as if he didn’t want me to glimpse him, and of course my curiosity was aroused; so I just dismounted and came back to the other bend.  Then, when I recognized you, I determined to follow a bit.  You see, Mr. Corbley, I mean to settle certain matters that have been worrying both my chum and myself a heap lately—–­settle them once and for all.”

“Which I suppose now you’ve done for a fact, Hugh?” remarked the other, chuckling.

“I believe I have,” the boy said, firmly.

“You’ve got me sized up, all right, I imagine, lad,” continued Brother Lu.

“I’ve come to the conclusion, sir, that you are a fraud of the first water, if that’s what you want to know,” Hugh told him, boldly.