"Wolfie," pointing to the cloak. "I hid under him, and cuddled up, and he made it all right with the conductor."
Mr. Hastings' face was a study—astonishment, indignation and fun each struggling for the mastery. At last his face broadened, and his eyes twinkled, and he leaned back in his seat and indulged in a long, loud, hearty laugh. Tode's eyes twinkled, but he waited decorously for the laugh to subside.
"This is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard of in my life," began the gentleman when he could speak.
"So you're traveling with me, are you? And what do you propose to do when you get to Cleveland?"
"Mean to work for you, sir."
"Upon my word! How do you know I shall need your help?"
"You've needed it several times on this journey," said Tode, significantly.
Whereupon Mr. Hastings laughed again.
"You'll do," he said at length. "I don't see that you need any help from me. I should say that you are thoroughly capable of taking care of yourself."
Tode shrugged his shoulders.