A little talk ensued regarding the circulars. It appeared that Mr. Hooker did not approve of circulars about the place.
"But you leave them there," said Henry Bott, "and I won't take them down unless he especially orders it."
Ralph was about to leave the post office when he brushed against a man who had just come in. The man was Dock Brady.
The boy was about to say something about meeting once more, but Brady gave him no chance. As soon as he saw he was recognized he turned on his heel and walked away again.
"He acts mighty queer," thought the boy. "What can make him wish to avoid me?"
Ralph wondered if he would meet Percy on the hill among the fashionable houses. But he saw nothing of the aristocratic bully, although he even left a circular on the Pagets' front piazza.
By noon the boy had gone through the entire town. Then, after taking lunch, he started on foot for Hopeville, a mile away.
The road was uphill, leading directly from the lake shore. But soon Ralph was overtaken by a man in a farm wagon. It was some one he knew fairly well and the man asked him up on the seat.
"Thank you, Mr. Gillup, I wouldn't mind riding, as it is warm," said Ralph.
"Going to Hopeville with them bills?" asked Mr. Gillup, a farmer.