“And no money to pay a doctor for that poor old fellow’s rheumatism,” Helen added. “I declare, Ruth, if I thought the old man would take it, I’d pay for the doctor myself!”
But though Ruth and Helen were both depressed by their visit to the Chase mine, they were glad that they had made it. It gave them a better idea of the stupendous task before Mary and Ellen Chase and increased their admiration and respect for these plucky girls and the manner in which they set about to overcome the obstacles in their path.
That they were not the only ones to admire the Chase girls Ruth was informed by Tom in a laughing conversation they had a few days after her trip to the Chase mine.
“Layton Boardman is in a bad way, poor chap,” laughed Tom. He and Ruth were taking a quiet stroll along the one main street of Knockout Point after a busy day. “He confided to me to-day that for a long time he was feeling queer and thought he was coming down with some sickness or other. What was his surprise then, to find it was only love!”
Ruth looked up at him, eyes suddenly eager, in spite of her amusement.
“Tom! Then he is in love with Mary!”
Tom nodded.
“It affects ’em that way sometimes,” he said, with a whimsical laugh.
“Well, I am glad,” said Ruth and added with a fine enthusiasm: “She deserves all the good luck that comes her way. She is the pluckiest girl I know!”
“Except one!” said Tom, and looked at Ruth.