The tramp hunted about for a stone to throw at the boy, but in that part of the West stones are not as plenty as in New England, and his kind intentions were frustrated. "Perhaps you think I'll go away after a while," he said presently, "but that's where you make a mistake. I will stay here all night, if necessary." He looked as if he would really carry out his threat, and Robert, it must be admitted, in spite of his coolness of demeanor, began to feel anxious. "What an obstinate ruffian!" he thought. "If he keeps his word, it will be decidedly uncomfortable for me." "Will no one come along?" That was the thought that kept recurring to him. It seemed to offer the only means of escape. At last he heard wheels, and was thankful. So did the tramp, and felt uneasy. But when the carriage came along it turned out to contain a woman and young boy. It would do no good to hail them, for they could not help him, and the tramp might be led to attack and rob them. So Robert was constrained to let the carriage pass, and to find himself once more in solitude with the tramp. "You did well not to speak," said the latter, grimly. "If you had I would have robbed her, too." "Just what I thought," returned Robert. "That seems to be your business." "Don't be impudent, boy!" "Isn't it the truth?" "Come down and you'll find out." "I know well enough already." Another half hour passed, and no one came by. At last the two heard a sound and a man whistling; the same seemed approaching. "I hope it's a strong, able-bodied man," thought Robert. When at length the man came in sight, a great tide of joy swept over him. It was the very man whose presence he would have desired above all others. It was Hercules, who had at one time been employed in the same circus with himself, to perform feats of strength. CHAPTER XXXI. HERCULES—THE STRONG MAN. "Hercules!" cried Robert, joyfully, from his perch in the tree. Hercules paused and looked about in surprise, for he saw no one except an ill-looking tramp, who, he was sure, had not spoken to him. He thought he recognized the voice, but was not certain. "Who is it calls me?" he asked. "Where are you?" "Here, in this tree." Then Hercules espied our hero and recognized him. "Robert Rudd," he cried, in mingled surprise and joy. "Yes, it is I." "What are you doing here? I had no idea of seeing you here." "Nor I you; but I am glad you came along." "Why are you up there?" "Because the gentleman below insists upon my giving him my money, and I have a use for it myself." "Ha!" said Hercules, eying the besieging force narrowly. "Well, he looks like a thief and a scoundrel."