In answer, Joy gave a graphic account of the meeting with Petersen, which caused the agent’s face to grow serious, for he realized the danger to the Jays from drawing Petersen’s wrath. But with a swift glance of understanding at Jasper, he kept his thoughts to himself, and soon the boys launched on another recounting of their trips to and from Bradley.
At last Phil chanced to look at the clock.
“Dear me, I had no idea it was ten o’clock,” he exclaimed. “We’ve had a very happy time, finding a friend of father’s. And, Joy, I never ate food that tasted so good. I hope you’ll ask us to come again.”
“The latchstring is always out to any of Winthrop Porter’s folks,” declared Mr. Jay, heartily. “It will do Joy good to have some young people about. I try to do what I can, but I’m old and I know she’s lonesome, though she wouldn’t admit it.”
“The idea, Pap, me lonesome with you and all the work and the hens and cows and horses,” and the girl put her arm affectionately about her father’s shoulders and stroked his hair.
“Well, we’ll be over again soon and thank you again for going to Lem’s with us. Goodnight.” And Phil advanced to shake Joy’s hand.
“Where you going?” dryly inquired Andy.
“Why, back to camp, of course.”
“Oh, I guess Jasper can find a place for us.” In amazement, the boys looked at him and he quickly added: “It’s too dark to tramp through the woods tonight.”
Had the boys paused to think, they would have realized that to a man accustomed to roam the woods, this excuse was very flimsy, but they accepted it readily.