“I’m Done For!”
“What have I said or done now? Is it because I have no peanuts for you good people?”
“I think the young ladies would like an explanation of your sudden departure the other night,” spoke up Hippy Wingate.
“Were I to tell you that I ran away because I was afraid, you probably would not believe me, so I’ll not tell you that. There are some things one can speak of freely, and others that he cannot. This latter happens to be my difficulty now. If you feel that you do not want me, of course I shall not impose upon you. I thank you, but I warn you that you are not to enjoy any of the International’s product until you reach home. They eat ’em alive up here.”
“You are quite welcome to remain as long as you wish. Please stay over Sunday with us, Mr. Haley,” requested Grace. “We hope to have a spread for our Sunday dinner,” she added laughingly.
“You win, Mrs. Gray. Unfortunately, my International raiment is in a sad condition, but if you will lend me a pair of shears I’ll cut off the ragged ends and try to make myself presentable.”
The girls, at this juncture, bade the men good-night and turned in, for there were not many hours left for sleep, and they were now very tired after the exciting night through which they had passed.
A few words passed between the guide and the peanut man, and Ham White listened with a heavy frown on his face.
“I won’t do it!” he exclaimed. “Do you think you would were you in my position?”