It can thus be seen that Master Thurston was on very good terms with himself, and feeling perfectly satisfied with his attempt to earn a livelihood in the metropolis. As Carrots had dreamed of the farm, so Teddy had often pictured to himself how he would live and conduct his business when once the stand was an assured fact; and while in the midst of these pleasing anticipations he was startled, almost frightened, by a sound as of some person making his way across the litter with which the yard was strewn.
His first act was to extinguish the candle, lest the rays of light should betray his whereabouts, for he had no doubt that the intruder was Skip Jellison, with, probably, a number of followers.
With such thoughts in his mind it cannot be wondered at that he was startled beyond the power of speech when he heard the familiar voice of Carrots in a cautious tone:
"It's only me! Don't get flustered!" and an instant later the would-be farmer was once more inside the packing-case dwelling.
"Good gracious! Where'd you come from?" Teddy cried, after standing like a statue for several seconds.
"From the farm; that's where I come from!" Carrots replied, in an angry tone.
"Got through so soon as this, have you?"
"You can jest bet your sweet life I have! Why, I wouldn't stay out there a month if they'd give me the whole place, an' all the animals there was on it! That man was a reg'lar old—old—he's an old skee-sicks, that's what he is!"
"Sit down, so's to tell me all 'bout it;" and Teddy relighted the candle in order to have a good look at the amateur farmer.
Carrots was disconsolate and discouraged, and the dust on his boots told of a long walk over country roads.