"Good-by, Petersen," he said.
"Goo'-by," said Petersen.
They shook hands.
When Tom came into the street ten minutes later there was Petersen standing just where he had left him. Again the Swede fell into step. Tom, though embarrassed and irritated by the man's silent, persistent company, held back his words.
At the second stop Tom said shortly: "I'll be here a long while. You needn't wait."
But when he came down from the call, which he had purposely extended, Petersen was waiting beside the steps. This was too much for Tom. "Where are you going?" he demanded.
"'Long you," the Swede answered slowly.
"I don't know's I need you," Tom returned shortly, and started away.
For half a dozen paces there was no sound but his own heel-clicks. Then he heard the heel-clicks of the Swede. He turned about in exasperation. "See here! What's your idea in following me around like this?"
Petersen shifted his feet uncomfortably. "De man, last night, he say——" He finished by placing his bony fists successively on either side of his jaw. "I tank maybe I be 'long, I be some good."