Accordingly, they turned their backs on the smouldering fire, where the volunteer department still worked industriously. On the way home it was only natural that the two chums should discuss the late occurrence, and its successful ending.
“Tilly looked happy enough,” Leslie was remarking as they stood for a minute on the corner where their roads separated, both somehow a little loath to say good night.
“Well, why shouldn’t she?” laughed Dick, happily. “The future of Billy was made certain, and with old Mr. Nocker as changed as he is, any little mother might be glad to have him for a father-in-law. I’m wild to tell my folks all about it. Mother will be so delighted, I know.”
“And wasn’t Mr. Holwell pleased, too?” continued Leslie, reflectively. “I guess he hardly understands what has happened to crabbed Deacon Nocker.”
“Oh! yes he does,” stoutly asserted Dick. “Mr. Holwell makes a study of human nature. He knows boys from the ground up, and sour old men as well. He told mother that love alone could redeem Jed Nocker.”
“And I reckon it has,” asserted Leslie.
“Well,” said Dick, as the other turned away, “I’m right glad I’ve got that thing out of my system, anyhow.”
“Yes,” Leslie called back over his shoulder, “and now the next job on hand that is going to take up my attention is to investigate a certain gentleman who bears some earmarks of being an impostor. Never mind answering back, Dick. Good night!”
CHAPTER XXI
THE BOYS’ LIBRARY
“Hello! Peg! on your way to the club room?” asked Dick, several evenings later, as he overtook the other on the road about half-past seven.