“No, I never met you before,” answered Dave, quickly. “When did you meet the other fellow, and where? I am very anxious to locate him.”
“It was down on de bridge, about an hour ago. I was comin’ dis way, and he was goin’ de udder way.”
“Was he smoking a cigarette?” asked Roger.
“He had one o’ de coffin-nails in his hand and he lit up after I given him de match.”
“Did he say anything?” questioned our hero.
The carpenter’s helper scratched his head for a moment. “Sure he did! He ast me if it was putty good walkin’ to Bixter. I told him ‘putty fair,’ and den he went on and I came here.”
“Then he must have gone on to Bixter!” cried Roger. “How far is that from here?”
“About two miles and a half,” answered Dave. He turned to the carpenter’s helper. “Much obliged to you.”
“Dat’s all right. Say! but dat guy certainly 62 looks like you,” the carpenter’s helper added, with a grin.
“Come, we’ll follow him,” said Dave to his chum, and led the way on the run to where the horse was tied.