“About a dollar; why?”
“Lend it to me until we get back, will you?”
“Of course, but what are you going to do?”
“Buy a ticket to New York,” answered Dan grimly.
“To New York! But you don’t want to go to New York!”
“I want to stop that train, though. I’ll buy a ticket and they’ll flag the train. You take the letter and post it in the slot on the mail car. Then I’ll decide to postpone my trip.” Dan laughed at Arthur’s expression of admiring awe.
“You’re a wonder! I’d never have thought of that! But won’t they be peeved?”
“Let them. I’ve got a perfect right to buy a ticket and have the train stopped. If I change my mind about going at the last minute it’s no one’s business but mine. What time is it, I wonder.” He glanced at his watch. “Let’s hit it up a bit, Thompson. I’d hate to lose the train!”
Thompson laughed enjoyably. “Gee, I wouldn’t have missed this for a farm!” he said. “Can’t you just see the conductor’s face when you don’t get on the train?”
The little station was empty when they reached it save for the presence of the agent who, tilted back in his chair at the telegraph desk at the open window, was yawning behind his Sunday newspaper.