“Better get your glasses, Peleg. These boys aren’t lumberjacks, they’re gentlemen—and special friends of Si Hopkins.”
“Why didn’t you say so in the fust place? Howde, gents. You kin stay as long as you want. Glad to have you. Hey, Jennie, come git these duds and take ’em up to your room. You kin sleep in the office.”
“What did you say your names was?”
“Porter. I am Phil, and this is my brother, Ted,” returned the elder boy.
“Mine’s Hawkins. Most forgot it, though, ain’t heered it for so long. Everybody calls me Peleg.”
“Jest sit down on the steps, Jennie will have to slick up a bit before she’ll let you go to her room, I cal’late. Set down, too, Andy.”
“Can’t. I’m going out on 15. Mind, you take good care of these boys, Peleg. I’ll be in tomorrow on 64 with your letter of credit.” And the station agent started back down the track.
CHAPTER XIX
A CLOSE CALL
Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.