“That’s so,” said Tom. “Anyway, I’ll bet he’s the sort that can learn fast and remember things. Wish I could.”
“Here’s a romantic-looking well,” said Dan, “and I’m thirsty. That bacon was a trifle salt. Let’s go in and interview the old oaken bucket.”
The well stood in front of a little white house, and as they went up the walk a woman put her head around the corner of the open door. Dan doffed his cap gallantly.
“May we borrow a drink of water?” he asked politely.
The woman nodded and smiled, and Tom began winding the old-fashioned windlass. When the bucket—which turned out to be tin instead of oak—made its appearance the four dipped their cups.
“Fellow tramps,” declaimed Dan, “let us drink a health to Jerry. May he be a credit to Hillton!”
“May our plans succeed,” added Nelson.
“Here’s to Ju-ju-Jerry!” cried Tom.
“To our protégé!” laughed Bob.
“To our protégé!” they echoed, and drank merrily.