From five o'clock in the afternoon until late at night the stand was the centre of attraction for all Teddy's, Carrots's, or Skip's acquaintances; and Master Williams fairly outdid himself as host.
PROSPERITY.
He explained what they meant to do; showed the new chair which they had bought; described how the establishment would look when the new coat of green paint was put on, and received more offers of assistance in this artistic work than he could well accept.
The partners were thoroughly tired when the last guest took his departure, and Teddy said in a tone of satisfaction as he curled himself up on his portion of the straw:
"Well, Carrots, I reckon we're here to stay this time!"
"Yes, sir! I reckon we are; an' now I'm beginnin' to think it won't be such a dreadful long while before we get a store. Say, that'll be great, won't it? I can have my chair inside when it storms; an' what a place we'll rig up to sleep in! I'll know what a bed feels like then, an' it won't be all ropes, same's that one out to the farm."
Teddy was too nearly asleep to be capable of making any reply, and Ikey had been snoring several moments. Therefore Master Williams, giving up his attempt at conversation, laid his red head on his arm, and joined his companions in their journey to the Land of Nod.
It seems hardly necessary to say that Skip has not been seen since his friends forsook him in the stable where his reign as a bully came to an end; and even those to whom he owes money have felt no regret because of his long absence.