"Good-morning, sir," said Jasper, smiling. "I haven't the honor of being a colonel."
"Haven't you, cap'n? Well, that ain't of no account. It'll come in time. Where are you travelling?"
"To St. Louis."
"Ever been there afore?"
"No; this will be my first visit."
"You don't say! Where may you be from?"
"From New York State," answered Jasper, amused.
The stranger drew from his pocket a package of chewing tobacco and passed it politely to Jasper.
"Help yourself, colonel," he said hospitably.
"No, thank you; I don't chew."