Page 109 - In A New World

"At the same place where you passed the night. I got there about an hour
after you left, as well as I can make out. The gal was very kind, and gave

me a tip-top breakfast. I ate till I was ashamed, and then left off hungry.
That's why I've got such an appetite now. Yesterday I didn't have but one

meal, and I've had to make up for that."

"Did Lucy tell you we had passed the night at her father's house?"

"Lucy! Seems to me you got mighty familiar," said Obed in a jocular tone.

"She didn't tell me what her name was. I suppose she looked upon me as a
dried-up old bach."

"She's a nice girl," said Harry emphatically.

"So she is. I'm with you there. But about your question--I asked her if she
had seen anything of two chaps about your size, and she told me enough to
show me I was on your track. She told me which way you went, and I

follered. She was a little shy at first, not knowin' but I might be an enemy
of yours, but when she'd made up her mind to the contrary she up and told

me everything. Well, I struck your trail, and here I am."

"I for one am delighted to see you, Obed," said Harry cordially.

"And I for two," added Jack, smiling.

Mr. Stackpole seemed gratified by the pleasure evinced by the boys.

"Well," he said, "we're together once more, and now we must hold a
council of war, and decide what's to be done."

"With him?" asked Jack, pointing to the tramp.

"With him first of all; I take it you don't want me to invite him to join our
party?"

"His room is better than his company," said Harry.