When he said that the girl burst out laughing again, and Skinny laughed with her. That made them feel acquainted.
"I guess I've got 'em, too," said he. "They must be catching. Well, I must be going now."
"My name is Mary Richmond," she told him, "I live in Holyoke and I am visiting over where you see that red barn."
"Mine is Gabriel Miller. I don't like the name very well. Gabe isn't so bad. The boys call me Skinny. I live down in the village and I am on a hike. I guess I'd better be going now."
"I don't see any."
"Any what?"
"What you said you were on, a hike."
"You will see one in about a minute. I am out for a long walk. I belong to the Boy Scouts and I've got to walk seven miles, camp out to-night, and come back to-morrow."
"My," said she, "you must be hungry—all that walking and—and—chasing the cow, too."
"I am," said Skinny, bracing up. "I believe I'll eat my lunch right here in the shade. Wish you'd stay and eat with me. I can cook some bacon."