“Well, you see,” Sam went on, hesitatingly, “you see I just happened to——”
The confusion of the young man was so great that no further questions were asked of him at that time, but all understood that he had inadvertently lifted a curtain which revealed previous acquaintance with men like the chief in charge of the Gatun dam. The boy certainly was a mystery, and they all decided to learn the truth about him before parting company.
“Well,” Mr. Havens said, breaking a rather oppressive silence, “are we all ready for the roof of the world to-morrow?”
“You bet we’re all ready!” cried Jimmie.
“I’m ready right now!” exclaimed Carl.
“Will you go with us, Sam?” asked Mr. Havens.
“I should be glad to!” was the reply.
No more was said on the subject at that time, yet all saw by the expression on the tramp’s face how grateful he was for this new chance in life which Mr. Havens had given him.
“Jerusalem!” exclaimed Jimmie in a moment, jumping to his feet and rushing toward the door. “I’ve forgotten something!”
“Something important?” asked Ben.