'Call me Hiram,' was the response. 'It will put me in mind of old times.'
'Well, I don't know but it is more natural, for I declare I have hardly set eyes on you since you left our house.'
Hiram sighed.
'Well, I suppose I shall not see you again for another five years; so I had best say, 'Good-by.''
They were standing at a point where a lane led off from the main street.
'Which way are you going?' asked Hiram.
'Just a few steps down the lane, and then home.'
'Shall you be detained long?'
'Only a minute. I have just to run in and leave a pattern, if you must know.'
'Then I will walk along with you, if you have no objections. I am out for a little necessary exercise.'