The stranger started a little when Ernest pronounced this name, so that young Ray was led to inquire, "Do you know Luke?"
"How should I know him? Is he a young man?"
"No; he is probably about your age."
"I suppose he came with you from Nebraska?"
"Iowa."
"Oh, yes, Iowa. He isn't in the store, is he?"
"He is working for Mr. Ashton on one of his claims."
At this point a new customer came in, and the visitor, after a brief delay, left the store.
When Ernest had waited upon the new customer he look for the first visitor, but missed him.
"I wonder who he was," he reflected, puzzled. "I am sure that I have seen him before."