“Then you are an American, too?” asked Josh, before Rod could say a word.
“I am a naturalized citizen of your great and glorious republic,” explained the man. “I was born in Switzerland, but my people emigrated while I was a child. My name it is Oscar William Tell.”
“Oh! you don’t mean to tell me that you spring from the original William Tell, the famous archer who defied the tyrant Gessler, and shot the apple from the head of his own son?” cried Hanky Panky, in delight.
“So I have been told,” replied the other, modestly. “But just now I am more concerned how I may get out of this country of the fighting armies than what my dead and gone ancestors may have been. I have been caught napping, as they say, and for days now have been trying to reach Paris, where I hope to secure some funds, and start back across the ocean to my far-away home.”
The boys exchanged glances. Somehow, although the man had not as yet mentioned such a thing plainly, they could read between the lines, and understand that he was hinting about assistance.
“We could supply you with the little money you may need to pay for your food until you get into Paris,” said Rod, promptly.
“That is indeed very kind of you,” continued the other, eagerly, while his eyes fairly sparkled with satisfaction; “but my greatest need is to be helped on my way a few miles. My feet are so sore I can hardly walk; and I have been told that a short distance ahead there is a railway line over which I might get transportation to the French capital, which cannot be more than fifteen miles away at the most.”
Josh lost no time in offering to take him along. He had often carried a passenger, and never had an accident thus far. Had it been Hanky Panky now, or the still more clumsy Rooster, the undertaking might have assumed a more serious aspect.
“Sure, you are welcome to a seat with me,” he told the other, promptly, right from the depths of his generous heart; “that is, if you think you could hold on, and do the grand balance act.”
The man who claimed to be an American took him at his word so eagerly that there was no chance for Josh to change his mind, even had he wanted to do so.