“That’s all right.”
“Well, I took my twenty-three cents and went over to the grocery store and I bought some cheese and a box of crackers. You get in and feed up on the way back. If you’re like me you’ll think you’ve had a dinner fit for a king.”
As he spoke the tramp held up to view the purchases he had made and John instantly responded to his appeal and took his seat in front beside the driver. The hungry boy declared that he never had tasted food he enjoyed more. Meanwhile the car was driven steadily forward on its way. And if John had had any misgivings as to the ability of his companion as a driver they were soon dispelled. It was plain that the man was an expert at his task.
“Where did you learn to drive a car?”
“I didn’t have to learn,” said the tramp. “I always knew. I have driven cars ever since they were first made. If I need any money I get a job as a chauffeur and then after I have got some money I don’t need any job and quit.”
John laughed as he said, “You’re the strangest man I ever saw.”
“That’s what others have told me.”
“I don’t see why a man with the brains you have doesn’t do something worth while. What do you want to be beating around the country for without any home and staying nights in such places as the old Meeker House?”
“I have often wondered myself,” replied the tramp quietly. “I don’t know that there’s any answer to your question. Speaking of the old Meeker House, have you heard anything more about the strange noises over there?”
“Not since I saw you,” replied John.