“That’s jest what I did.”
“Then the thing is plain enough. You see, folks ain’t allowed on platforms where the cars stop, an’ so we had to wait near the ferry-slip. If you’d followed the other passengers it would have been all right.”
“Then Tom an’ Bob really was there?”
“Of course, an’ we couldn’t figger out why you didn’t come, ’less somethin’ happened so’s you had to stay at home a day longer than was ’greed on. Now, if you’ll go with me, it won’t take more’n half a minute to find the other fellers.”
This boy spoke in a very friendly tone, and appeared to be thoroughly conversant with the matter; but at the same time it was possible he might be one of the party who had been having so much sport at the country visitor’s expense.
Josiah feared the joke would be continued; but the thought came into his mind that his condition could hardly be made worse, and he replied promptly:—
“See here, I’ve jest come from Berry’s Corner, an’ never was in the city before, so don’t play tricks on me ’cause I’m green.”
“You needn’t be afraid. I’ve heard what your folks did for Tom’s crowd; an’ if that gang over there try any funny business, I’ll thump the head offer every one before night.”
“I ain’t sure as it’s best to do that,” Josiah replied hastily, “though I should like to get even with the feller what told me ’bout the Mayor.”
“I’ll give you a chance before long,” the stranger said generously. “Come with me: my name’s Bill Foss, an’ when we’ve found Tom an’ Bob we’ll clean out that gang. They’re puttin’ on too many airs ’round here.”