It was not lost upon Sam that when the pair appeared, in answer to his hail, they took care to close the big door of the barn behind them. He plunged at once into his errand, and was a bit disappointed to note that neither of the others displayed much enthusiasm.
“Oh, I guess it’ll be all right—if you say so,” quoth Poke. “Of course, we’re awfully busy, and there’s lots to do, and—er—er—but you mostly know what you’re about, Sam.”
“Yes, but we’re mighty busy, you know,” contributed Step.
Sam glanced keenly at the pair. The hands of both were grimy, and there were certain greasy spots on their clothes, which stirred his curiosity and reminded him of the mysterious occupation to which they had been giving their spare time.
“What’s up?” he demanded. “Out with it!”
Poke glanced at Step, and Step shot an uneasy glance at Poke.
“Oh, if it is something you don’t care to talk about——” Sam began.
Poke cleared his throat. “Ahem, ahem! It—look here, Sam! It is a sort of a secret, and yet I don’t know why we shouldn’t tell you. Course, we wouldn’t want it gossiped all over town—we can’t have the crowd coming here and trying to get a sight of—of IT! But you—why, it’s different with you, you know.”
“And he’d have to find out sooner or later, anyway,” said Step, in a stage whisper.
“He would—might as well tell him now,” responded Poke. “But it’s to go no farther,” he added, addressing Sam. “You’ll understand why, when I tell you.”