Robert did not reply to this, but looked around anxiously for some pretext to leave his unwelcome companion.
Just then they passed a wayside saloon.
"Come in, Bob, and have a drink!" said Carden, laying his hand upon the boy's shoulder. "It'll do you good to whet your whistle."
"No, thank you," said Robert, shrinking from the man's touch.
"Oh, don't be foolish. A little whiskey'll do you good."
"Thank you, I would rather not."
Meantime Carden was searching in his pocket for a silver coin, but his search was fruitless.
"I say, Bob, I am out of tin. Come in and treat?"
"You must excuse me, Mr. Carden," said Robert, coldly.