down with a crash in the brushwood. "What are you doing here, anyway?"
At the interruption the whole Flockley crowd started to their feet, and turning, beheld not only Max and the boy who had come up so suddenly, but also Songbird. The latter was nearest to them, and Koswell eyed him with sudden suspicion.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, while Max and his friend were wrestling in a good-natured way in the bushes.
"Oh, I've been listening to some interesting information," answered Songbird.
"Playing the eavesdropper, eh?" came from Flockley with a sneer.
"If so, it was for a good purpose," answered the would-be poet warmly.
"Say, Jerry, you want to look out for him!" cried Larkspur warningly. "He rooms with Dick Rover, remember. They are old chums."
"I know that," said Koswell. He faced Songbird again. "How long have you been here?" he cried angrily.
"That is my business, Koswell. But I heard enough of your talk to know how you tried to put Tom Rover in a hole. It's a mean piece of business, and it has got to be stopped."
"Bah!"
