Frank took out his watch and looked at it.

“Gracious!” he mentally exclaimed, “time is flying. If this keeps up much longer, I’ll not reach Puelbo to-day.”

“Now he shows his anxiety and concern,” said a voice in the crowd.

“He’s beginning to be frightened,” said another voice.

“He’s anxious to get away,” said a third.

“But he can’t get away,” said a fourth.

“This is all very interesting,” thought Frank; “but it is decidedly unpleasant.”

“Waal, whut in time’s sake is goin’ on here, I’d like ter know?” cried a voice that was familiar to Frank, and a tall, lank, countrified-appearing youth came up to the outskirts of the crowd, stood on his tiptoes, and peered over.

It was Ephraim Gallup, and he saw Frank.

“Waal, darned if it ain’t——”