“It was a big surprise to me,” said Mabel, “when Joe seemed to rise up like a ghost out of the floor of the car.”
“A pretty substantial ghost, I take it,” laughed Reggie, as he took in the stalwart frame and perfect condition of his friend.
“Joe’s coming up to the house for dinner,” went on Mabel.
“You just bet he is,” declared Reggie. “He doesn’t get out of my clutches as long as he stays in Goldsboro. Hope you can make us a good visit, Joe.”
“About four hours or so,” laughed Joe.
“Four hours only!” Reggie stared at him blankly. “What’s the answer?”
“Joe’s on his way to the training camp at Marlin Springs,” explained Mabel. “The Giants pass through here this afternoon and Joe is going to join them when their train comes along.”
“If so soon I’m to be done for,
I wonder what I was begun for,”
quoted Joe, with a smile.