"You could just say that the bag was stolen, couldn't you?" asked Tom more cheerfully. "I mean you needn't go into particulars, you know. It doesn't really matter how it happened as long as it did happen."
"No, of course not. I'll just say it was stolen while we were waiting for the train. I guess five dollars will be enough. Let's see. Pajamas cost two and a half, brushes——"
"You getting off at Brimfield, gentlemen?" asked the porter, putting his head through the curtains and waving a brush at them.
"Yes. Are we there?" asked Tom startledly.
"Pretty near, sir. Want me to brush you off, sir?"
"I guess so." By the time that ceremony had been impressively performed and two dimes had changed places from the boys' pockets to the porter's, the train was slowing down for the station. A moment later they had alighted and were looking about them.
The station was small and attractive, being of stone and almost covered with vines, and beyond it, across the platform, several carriages were receiving passengers. A man in a long and shabby coat accosted them.
"Carriage, boys? Going up to the school?"
"Yes," replied Steve. "How much?"
"Twenty-five cents apiece. Any trunks?"