"Unless she's changed a heap she'll let me stay a while with her anyhow.
Mebbe I'll pick up some if I get good care, and can go on the road again if the worst comes.

But I'm much obliged to you for saying as how you'd show me her humble home.

It'll be mighty fine for a poor old rolling stone like me to get under the roof of a blood relative, which ain't been my luck for over twenty years." He hastened to gather his scanty belongings together.

When the pack was complete be slung it across his back, and gave Hugh a nod.
Somehow even this tramp seemed to understand that Hugh Morgan was the leader among his mates; perhaps it was his expression of firmness that told the story, for there was certainly nothing of the "boss" air about the boy to indicate as much.
"I'm all ready, if you are, younkers," the tramp said.
"Then we'll be off," remarked Hugh, Putting his words into action.
Thad began to wonder what any of their acquaintances would say should they happen to see them in company with Wandering Lu.

The tramp looked so utterly disreputable that Thad disliked being discovered with him; and yet Hugh, who looked deeper than his companion, was surprised to notice that this dirt had the appearance of being rather new and fresh.