He took the chair that one of the children brought him, and sat down, answering all their kindly questions about his mother and himself, and asking some few of them concerning their welfare, until at last Adler arose from the table to go to his work.
“You’ll excuse me, William. It is after six o’clock, and you know I have to go,” he said.
“I will walk with you as far as the car,” Harcourt answered.
“All right. I shall be glad to have your company.”
Harcourt bade good-by to the family, and the two men walked out together.
On their way, Harcourt made known his wish to get work on the road.
“I don’t understand you, William! I don’t, indeed! I can’t see the use of a highly educated man like you hankering after this sort of work, hanged if I can!” said Adler.
“We have discussed this subject before, my friend. You know my mind,” replied the young man.
“Well, then, get in the car with me, and come along up. The contractor wants more hands than he can get just now. And—here comes our car.”
As the car approached the crossing Adler hailed it.