“Which way are you traveling?” Frank asked.
“East.”
“Too bad! We are going the other way, and I hoped you’d go along.”
“Oh, no! it is impossible,” Hodge quickly asserted.
“Business important?”
“Well, it is—er—somewhat so.”
“Where are you from last?”
“Oh, I’ve been traveling—yes, traveling,” answered Bart, vaguely.
“Now, look here!” cried Merry, decisively; “you’ve got to travel with us, old man. I won’t take no for an answer, for I believe you can do it. You’ll turn about and go to San Francisco with us.”
“That’s right; come on,” cried the others.