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.
Strange to say, the ex-tramp, instead of taking umbrage at such language, bent over almost double, and laughed so hard Hugh almost feared he was about to have one of his violent fits of coughing; but he did not..