“Yes, this world is full of surprises,” agreed the girl, sweetly.

“But your own eyes told you that he was a tramp.”

“There isn't any doubt of it, is there, if you used your eyes?” demanded their escort.

“We'll consider that the eyes have it—and let the matter drop,” said the girl—and her tone was not sweet.

The man of the keen brown eyes and the faded garb fared on.

He plucked a rose from a wayside bush and carried the flower in his hand.

“Your sister just passed this way,” he informed the rose in whimsical fashion. “I don't suppose you and I will ever catch up with her. I go very slowly, but you may journey along with me.”

[ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]

II

A HOME-MADE KNIGHT-ERRANT