Suddenly the lights disappeared from the windows of the office. She heard a door unlock, and presently the young man's figure crossed the street and turned up the trail past the house.
Two other figures going up halted, and the taller one said, “Will you go up on the hill, to-night, Arnold?”
“What for?” said Arnold, slackening his pace without stopping.
“Oh, nothing in particular,—to see the señoritas.”
“Oh, thank you, Boker, I've seen the señoritas.”
He walked quickly past the men, and the shorter one, who had not spoken, called after him rather huskily,—
“W-what do you think of the little school-ma'am?”
Arnold turned back and confronted the speaker in silence.
“I say! Is she thin 'nough to suit you?” the heavy-playful one persisted.
“Shut up, Jack!” said his comrade. “You're a little high now, you know.”