“I’d go back if I was sure he wouldn’t lick me.”
“Go back by all means.”
“I’m awfully hungry and thirsty,” said Bobby, after a long pause.
“Maybe they’ll let you have a dinner at the next farmhouse, if you’ll pay for it.”
“I’ll pay.”
“Then come on with me. And maybe you can get a ride part of the way back.”
Frank arose and so did the boy. Soon they were tramping the road side by side, and kept on until the next farmhouse was reached. A tidy-looking young woman came to greet them.
“Good-afternoon,” said our hero, politely. “I know it is rather late, but this boy is very hungry and I would like to know if you cannot fix him up some sort of dinner. He’ll pay you for it, or else I will.”
“I’ll pay for it,” put in Bobby, promptly, and pulled out a handful of cents and nickels.
“Everything is put away,” said the young woman, but bent a kindly glance at the dusty and tired youngster. “Didn’t I see you pass here a while ago?”