Teddy told of the meeting and something of the stout lad.
“Yes, he is quite a talker, I noticed that,” said Mr. Mason. “Well, here you are at Mrs. Traddle’s.”
“Thanks for the ride,” Teddy said. “Won’t you come in and have a soda?”
“Thanks, no. I’ve got to get along. But if you see that deer, I hope you capture him, or help that man to do it. I don’t want a deer messing up my garden and cornfields.”
The boys and girls crowded into Mrs. Traddle’s small store.
“I’m glad Mr. Mason didn’t accept my invitation,” said Teddy in a low voice to Joe. “I only have enough money to treat this crowd. I’d have had to charge Mr. Mason’s soda.”
“Lucky he didn’t come in,” laughed Joe.
Mrs. Traddle came bustling out from her rooms in the rear of the store.
“Give your orders, girls and boys,” invited Teddy. “What flavors have you got, Mrs. Traddle?”
“Oh, yes, I know you’re all neighbors,” smiled the little old lady, her deafness causing her to mistake the words of Teddy.