“I would work. I would do anything I could. Really, I would try to pay my way, and I don’t eat much,” Frank cried, his eyes as appealing as a homeless puppy’s.
Bucky smiled. “I expect they can stand all you eat without going to the poorhouse. It’s a bargain then. I’ll take you out there to-morrow.”
“You’re so good to me. I never had anybody be so good before.” Tears stood in the big eyes and splashed over.
“Cut out the water works, kid. You want to take a brace and act like a man,” advised his new friend brusquely.
“I know. I know. If you knew what I have done maybe you wouldn’t ask me to go with you. I—I can’t tell you anything more than that,” the youngster sobbed.
“Oh, well. What’s the diff? You’re making a new start to-day. Ain’t that right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Call me Bucky.”
“Yes, sir. Bucky, I mean.”
A hand fell on the ranger’s shoulder and a voice in his ear. “Young man, I want you.”