I wonder if it is that way, generally, in the United States ?" Prescott had unwittingly stumbled upon a fact often noted.

The homes of plain American wage earners send more boys than girls to high school.

The well-to-do families send more of their boys to private schools, while their girls are more likely to attend high school.
However, as the boys neared their camp, all other thoughts were driven from their minds.
Tom Reade, who was leading, stopped abruptly, holding up one hand.
"Now, what do you think of anyone who would do a trick like that ?" he demanded with a sharp in-drawing of his breath.
"The sneaks!" breathed Darry fiercely.
"Who could have done it ?" gasped Greg.
For the tent was down---flat.

The wagon lay on its side, nor was the horse anywhere in sight.
"Did those rascally tramps follow us and watch their chance ?" demanded Dave Darrin hotly.
"I don't believe the tramps did it," spoke Prescott, in a very quiet voice, though an angry flush rose to his face.

"I believe that we must look in a different direction for the offenders." "The rah-rah hoodlums ?" gasped Greg Holmes.
"Yes," Dick nodded..