"We're all of us chilled and hoarse." "I will," Dick nodded, "if you men will undertake to fill the buckets before you try to dry yourselves.

Otherwise, we shall run out of water." Grunting, the boss tramp and one of his companions listened while Dick directed them where to find running water.

Out again into the storm they lurched, and soon had all the water buckets filled and in the tent.
While the tramps dried their clothing, Prescott kept his word about making ginger tea.
"This seems like the best stuff I've had since I was a baby," remarked the boss tramp, in a somewhat grateful voice.
"Maybe that's because you've worked for it," suggested Reade thoughtfully.
"I wonder," grunted the hobo.

"I wonder." Later on Dick and his chums prepared a supper, of which all partook except the peddler, who needed sleep and warmth more.
The tramps slept on the floor, later on.

Tom, Dave and Harry slept on their cots, while the other three high school boys remained awake.
Toward two o'clock in the morning Dick found Reuben Hinman's skin becoming decidedly feverish, and began to administer nitre.
"I'd mount our horse, and try to ride for a doctor, if I thought I could get one," murmured Greg.
"You couldn't get one here to-night," volunteered the boss tramp, who had awakened and had risen on one elbow.