"Ah!" The darkness hid the smile on my face. "That will relieve you a little?"
"Yes, a little; but I'm blessed if I understand it. Business is unusually light just now. I needed an assistant more in the Fall and Winter."
"Indeed," I said, aloud. Then to myself, "But Carnes and I did not need one so much."
Our agency had done some splendid work for the telegraph company whose wires ran through Trafton; and I knew, before requesting a new operator in the town, that they stood ready to oblige my Chief to any extent compatible with their own business. And my Chief had been expeditious indeed.
"Then you look for your night operator by the down express?" I questioned, carelessly.
"Yes; they wired me that he would come to-night. I hope he'll be an obliging fellow, who won't mind taking a day turn now and then."
"I hope so," I replied, "for your sake, Harris."
We had reached the post-office, and bidding him good night, I entered.
A few tardy Traftonites were there, asking for and receiving their mail, but Dimber Joe was not among them.