“Of course you mean to bunk with us to-night, Doctor? Sorry we haven’t anything to offer you in the way of food, but we came away from our camp in a big hurry, anxious about our missing chum, and failed to fetch grub along. But after the storm, with the woods all soaked with water, I guess a fire feels too good to leave; how about that, Doctor?”
Elmer wisely made out to use that designation whenever possible; he fancied it might please the other, and allay any suspicion he might have been entertaining toward the speaker. Those wonderfully keen eyes seemed almost to pierce Elmer, as the other surveyed him closely.
“Thank you, that’s very kind,” he remarked, smoothly; “and I think I shall accept the invitation in the same spirit it is given. Yes, this fire does warm one up, after such a soaking; and it would be foolish for me to leave such good company.”
“There’s another reason why you ought to stay with us, Doctor,” continued Elmer, looking so innocent that Amos made up his mind the other was built for a clever actor.
“Indeed, what might that be, I’d like to know?” said the other, with a vein of sudden alarm in his voice.
“Why, the chances are we’ll be joined by two good friends of yours between now and sunrise,” continued the boy. “I mean Collins and Andrews, those fine fellows you brought with you from the asylum, when you came in search of that cunning Felix Gould!”
The man was silent for a full minute. He seemed to be pondering over something, for he frowned, and then forced himself to look pleasant.
“That is rare good news you are giving me, my young friend!” he burst out, though had he chanced just then to have turned his head and looked at Wee Willie, to note the expression of blank bewilderment to be seen on his freckled face, he might have felt less confidence. “What makes you think there will be a reunion of forces to-night? Collins and Andrews are great cronies of mine, whom I shall, of course, be delighted to meet again.”
“Why, they said they meant to put in the day searching the woods up here; and something seems to tell me they’ll surely drop in.”
“It is very kind of you to tell me such delightful news,” the other replied. “Yes, I’ll cuddle down here by your fire, and snatch a little sleep, of which I am in great need; though food is something I’d like to see before me as well.”