“I wanted the Elks to have it.”
“The Elks have forgotten all about it,” laughed Tom. “They’re busy fighting with the Ravens over which patrol really can claim you. I told them you weren’t worth quarreling over. How about that, Arden?”
“You seem to be very happy this morning,” Arden commented.
“That’s me,” said Tom. “This is my big day.”
“It’ll be my big day when I get up,” said Wilfred.
“Well, I hope you don’t get up very soon,” said Tom.
“And why not, Mr. Sl—Tom?” Arden asked.
“Because you’re going home when he gets up. To-day we swap horses in the middle of the stream—as Abe Lincoln said we shouldn’t hadn’t outer do.”
“Oh, is the young doctor coming?”
“That’s what he is—with bells on. Doc Anderson beat it this morning—had a patient in Montclair dying of the pip, or something or other. That kid of his wants Billy in his patrol, too; they all want him. But Doc’s going to get him first. I’m afraid I’ll have to fall back on you for a pal, Arden. How ’bout that, Mrs. Cowell?”