She thrust this across the counter toward Dan Larkin.
“Please!” she cried eagerly, “can you tell me where you got that bill?”
CHAPTER XXIII
DAN LARKIN REMEMBERS
Dan Larkin was a character. He stood behind the little counter of his traveling store, sleeves rolled up to display sinewy forearms, small, good-humored eyes twinkling out from masses of puffy flesh, and a derby hat set rakishly on the back of his grizzled head.
He looked from the bill in Billie’s hand to Billie’s face and shook his head waggishly.
“You oughtn’t to startle an old feller like that,” he said. “I ain’t sure where I got that bill, young lady—let’s see, it’s a five dollar one, ain’t it? But one thing’s certain—I come by it honest!”
“I don’t doubt it,” replied Billie, smiling engagingly. “Anyone would know you were honest, just to look at you.”
“Would they now!” exclaimed the old man delightedly. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in a powerful long time. I am honest you know—as the day!”
“I’m sure of it,” Billie repeated. “Mr. Larkin,” pushing the bill toward him again, “won’t you please look at this again closely and tell me if you don’t notice anything strange about it?”