Besides, there had been those thrilling words spoken by Ralph in connection with something that bore upon his own tangled fortunes. What could have happened?
“Now, you know I’m just burning up with curiosity to hear what’s been going on, Ralph. What about this little child you carried home after she hurt her hand; and how does that happen to have any connection with your own matters?” he remarked, when they found themselves removed to some degree from the crowd that was swarming along the road back to Columbia, some to take the trolley for Bellport, others river conveyances for Clifford and beyond.
Ralph turned a glowing face upon his friend.
“Oh! Frank, I can hardly believe it even now, it seems so very strange! Just to think, because I wouldn’t believe some fellows were trying to get me in the bushes, where they could keep me from showing up, I’m going to hear the truth about the past, and who I really am!”
“Hurrah! that’s great news you’re telling me, and I’m sure as glad as if I’d found another dad myself!” exclaimed Frank.
CHAPTER XIX
WHAT UNCLE JIM KNEW
“Of course you are, Frank! Don’t I know what an interest you’ve taken in this affair?”
Ralph looked into the face of his friend as he spoke, and there was sincere affection in his expression.
“But tell me what happened, for I’m just wild to know, Ralph.”
The other had looked around several times while they walked away from the field that had so lately been the arena for that fiercely-fought battle of the bats.