"I could stay in town with Minnie until you got back," said Songbird, eagerly, to Sam. "I could keep my eyes open for Tom."
"We could both look for him," added the girl. It pleased her to think she might have the would-be poet's company.
The matter was talked over for several minutes and then it was agreed that Sam should ride over to the seminary with the farmer.
"You won't have to hurry back," said Songbird, on parting. "If it gets too late Minnie and I can go over to the hotel for supper," and he smiled at the girl, who blushed and smiled in return.
Mr. Sanderson had always owned some excellent horses and the mare attached to his buggy was a swift animal. He and Sam got into the turnout, and away they went with a whirl, soon leaving Ashton behind.
"This year the seminary is going to buy all its potatoes from me," explained the farmer. "And they get their cabbages, and carrots and turnips from me, too, and a good many of their eggs and chickens. They are quite a customer, and I want to do my best to please 'em."
"It's a fine place," returned Sam. "Just as good as Brill."
"So it is, Sam. By the way, how is Dick makin' out? I understand he was lookin' after your father's business."
"He is, and he is getting along very well. Of course, our lawyer is helping him, for some matters are in an awful tangle."
"That feller who hit Tom over the head ought to have been put in jail."