"If I could get back anywhere near Grand View I'd never go away again," said the boy in a low voice. "I guess I did wrong, but it's too late now. I wish——"
Just then the voice of Mrs. Brown was heard calling:
"Come to dinner, children!"
"Ah! That sounds good!" murmured Tad Munson.
Russ, Rose and the others thought the same, and soon they were sitting down to a bountifully supplied table. As the canal mule driver had said, there was roast chicken, hot biscuits with plenty of gravy, and many other good things.
"I wish Daddy and Captain Ben could have some of this," said Rose, as she passed her plate for a second helping.
"Oh, I'll save plenty for them," said Mrs. Brown. "I always cook a lot, because automobile folks are almost always hungrier than the general run. Are you feeling better?" she asked the strange boy who had taken the apples.
"Oh, I feel a lot better," he said. "I can't thank you enough, nor tell you how sorry I am I took your apples," said Tad. "I'll do some chores to pay for my meal."
"I think we shan't worry about that," said Mr. Brown, with a laugh. "I didn't mean to collar you quite so roughly, but I've been bothered a lot with the pesky apple boys."
"I know a riddle about apples," said Laddie.