Then the lad paused. The light faded from his eyes. He sank back into his chair.
“No—no,” he said slowly. “I’m much obliged, but I—I guess I can’t go.”
“Why not?”
Will hesitated.
“Well—er—you see—er—the fact is, I haven’t any money. My guardian pays all the bills, and, as I told you, he doesn’t give me any spending money. Not even enough for a postage stamp.”
“That’s tough,” said Jack, “but I guess you didn’t quite understand me. I didn’t ask you to spend any money.”
“How can I go camping and hunting, away off in Wyoming, without money?”
“You’ll go as my guest,” said Jack simply. “I’m inviting you to go with me. The other fellows are coming on their own hook, as members of the gun club, but I’d like to have you come just as my guest. Will you do that?”
“Will I?” Once more the lad’s eyes sparkled. “Of course I will,” he said, “only it doesn’t seem right to have you pay my way. If my uncle only knew of my plight he’d give me some money, I’m sure, but I can’t even write to him. It’s quite mysterious the way he hides himself. I can’t understand it.”