Jack wavered.
“Won’t you tell me what your plan was?” he asked.
“It was a scheme for a trip back East, in which we could have any amount of sport. But what’s the use? You are going, and that spoils everything.”
Diamond looked conscience-stricken, but he was proud, and he disliked to yield. However, his curiosity was aroused, and he urged Frank to divulge his scheme.
“I’ll do it if you’ll shake hands with Gallup and promise to stick by the party. I am sure Ephraim will shake hands.”
“Why, ’course I will!” cried the Vermonter, cheerfully. “I ain’t no darn fool ter git my back humped up inter ther air an’ keep it there till it gits crooked like a camel’s jest ’cause I think I’m spitin’ somebody. Shake? Why, sartin’!”
Then, before Jack could realize it, the quaint down Easter had him by the hand and was working his arm up and down as if it were a pump handle.
CHAPTER IX—A DISCUSSION ABOUT GIRLS
Diamond could not resist Ephraim’s heartiness, and his face cleared despite himself. The Yankee boy was so good-natured and ready to meet him more than half-way that he was conscience-stricken.
“I am a fool!” he muttered; “and I’m the only one to blame. It is in my nature, and I don’t seem to be able to help it.”