"Well, yes, take a hold of this valise and these wraps. But, gracious sakes! how you've grown," she replied.
"Got a little fatter," said Tommy, coloring up.
He was not aware that he presented the appearance of a prize side show boy, and had increased apparently at least one-third in size.
"Why, bless me!" remarked Mr. Stocker, "the boy is positively bloated—swelled up like the frog in the fable. I never saw such a thing. Chicawgo growed fast after the fire, but, by thunder, he licks Chicawgo hollow!"
"It's being confined and shut up on board ship," said Tommy.
"You've been living high, bub."
"Yes, sir. I guess that's got something to do with it."
A man who was writing at a table in the saloon heard this conversation, and got up.
Tommy had the valise in one hand, and the wraps were thrown over his arm.
"Put those down," said the man.