The boy looked around the kitchen, as though he did not know just what to do. In his hand he held a ragged cap he had taken off his head when he came in.
"Did you want something?" asked Grandma Brown.
"I—I was looking for a place to hang my hat. And then I'd like to wash. I'm all dust and dirt."
Grandma Brown smiled. She was pleased—Bunny and Sue could see that—for Grandma Brown liked clean and neat boys and girls who hung up their hats and bonnets, and washed their faces and hands, without being told to do so.
"Hang your cap over on that nail," said Grandpa Brown, pointing to one behind the stove. "And you can wash at the sink to-night. Now you two tots had better go to bed!" grandpa went on, as he saw Bunny and Sue standing with their backs against the wall, watching the strange boy.
"We—we want to stay and see him eat," objected Sue.
The boy smiled, and Mrs. Brown laughed.
"This isn't a circus, where you watch the animals eat," she said. "You come along with me, and, when this young man has finished his supper, you can see him again."
"Oh, but—if you please—you're very good. But after I eat this nice meal I'll—I'll be going on," said the boy.
"No you'll not!" said Grandpa Brown. "You'll just stay here all night. We can put you up. I think it's going to storm. You don't want to be out in the rain?"