He might now have a chance to learn whether the two were on the level or not.
For the moment Whitey had some qualms about listening, but he soon dismissed them.

If these men were open and aboveboard, why were they whispering in the dimly lighted bunk house?
Whitey had never been able to overcome the first distrust he had felt for String Beans and Ham.

He also had a feeling that he ought to justify that distrust, that in a way it was up to him.

So he continued to eavesdrop.
String's tones were low, and did not come to Whitey distinctly.

This was unfortunate in one way, but fortunate in another, for had the men been nearer they probably would have seen the boy.