Nat explained briefly, telling how he and his chums had watched
Professor Punjab, and had fooled him.
"Say, you boys are all to the good!" exclaimed the miner. "Saved my money for me, that's what you did. I didn't know I could be so foolish until I tried. Well, it will take a slick one to beat me again."
Mr. Post began counting over his roll. Meanwhile the other passengers had gathered around, and the story became generally known.
"Smart lads, them," commented an elderly man. "Ought to get a reward."
"And that's what they will, too," put in the miner, overhearing the words. "Nobody can say Josh Post forgot a good action. Here's a couple of hundred for you."
"No, thanks," said Nat firmly, and his companions shook their heads. "We can't take money for that. Besides, it was pay enough to fool the professor. We've had dealings with him before."
Mr. Post tried to force the money on the boys, but they refused to listen to him, and he finally understood that there was a higher standard than cash to repay kindness.
"Then shake hands!" he cried heartily, and the boys were almost sorry they consented, for the miner's grip was anything but a light one. However, he showed how much in earnest he was.
"I'll never forget you boys," he said. "Josh Post never forgets a favor, and if ever you want a friend just you call on me."
The boys thought little of this at the time, but there was an occasion when they remembered it and profited by it.