“Now, boys, form in line after the other passengers have left the car,” said the superintendent. “Then follow me.”
His directions were carefully followed, and in five minutes the little company were drawn up on the platform. Many curious eyes were fixed upon them by those who had come to meet them, and some were already selecting those whom they desired to adopt.
“Now, boys,” said the superintendent, when order was obtained, “what have you to say to the ladies and gentlemen who have been kind enough to come here to meet you?”
“Three cheers for Brookville!” shouted Tim Shanter, who, it had been agreed, should act as leader.
The cheers were given with a will, and with such emphasis that it was clear none of the boys as yet was troubled with weak lungs.
Then the band struck up again, and after they had concluded, one of the citizens came forward and addressed Mr. O’Connor.
“Mr. O’Connor, I presume?” he said.{52}
“That is my name, sir. You were expecting us?”
“Yes; we received your telegram, and have made arrangements to receive you. First, however, let me introduce myself. My name is Taylor.”
“Ephraim Taylor?”