Well? he demanded.
Good evening, said Bob. Could you let us have something to eat, sir? We would be glad to pay for it.
This isnt a hotel, said the man.
Oh, then you arent Mr. William Hooper?
Yes, thats me. Some one send you here?
Yes, sir. We met a man down at Locust Park who said he was sure youd
What was his name?
Er what was it, Dan?
Abner Wade, answered Dan promptly.
The name exerted a remarkable effect on Mr. William Hooper. His face flushed darkly and his hands clinched. Bob fell back from the doorway in alarm.
Abner Wade, eh? growled Mr. Hooper. Abner Wade sent ye, did he? I might have known it was him! Now you make tracks, the whole parcel of ye! If you aint outside my grounds in two minutes Ill set the dog on ye! Here, Brutus! Here, Brutus!
Et tu, Brute! muttered Dan as he fled down the path.
At the gate they brought up, laughing, and looked warily back for the dog. Much to their relief he wasnt in sight.
Dont believe hes got any dog, said Tommy.
Dont see why he should have, said Dan. Hes ugly enough himself to scare anyone away.
Id like to see that Abner Wade just about two minutes, said Nelson. Nice game he put up on us!
Yes. Old Bill hates him like poison, evidently, answered Bob. Hes an awful joker, Abe is!
Whatll we do? asked Tom.
Foot it to Jericho, I guess, said Bob. Its only about a mile.
Tom groaned dismally.
When I get back, said Dan darkly, Ill bet Ill tell that doctor of mine what I think of his old walking!
Heres some one coming, whispered Nelson. Lets light out.
Its a woman, said Bob. Guess its the old codgers wife. Lets wait.
She was a stout, kind-faced woman, and her hurried walk from the house had left her somewhat out of breath.
Boys, she gasped, Im real sorry about this. And I guess you didnt mean any harm.
Harm? echoed Bob. Nom, we just wanted some supper and were willing to pay for it. A man down at Locust Park
Yes, I know. That was the trouble. You see, Abner Wade and my husband aint been on speaking terms for ten years and more. Abner sold William a horse that wasnt just what he made it out to be; it died lessn a week afterwards; and William went to law about it, and Abner kept appealing or something, and it aint never come to a settlement, and I guess it never will. If you hadnt mentioned Abner Wade I guess it would have been all right. Im real sorry.
Oh, its all right, maam, Bob hastened to assure her. I dare say we can find something to eat at the hotel in Jericho.
There isnt any hotel there, far as I know, said Mrs. Hooper, shaking her head.
Dan whistled softly, and even Bob looked discouraged.
I guess its the cold, cold ground for us to-night, said Dan. If I only had a ham sandwich !
Mrs. Hooper cast a glance up the lane.
Maybe you boys wouldnt mind sleeping in the barn, she suggested doubtfully.
Indeed we wouldnt, said Bob.
That would be fun, assented Nelson.
Anyway, I dont see what better you can do, said the woman. Its a good five miles to Samoset, and I dont know of any hotel nearer than that. You go around here by that wall and cross over to the barn back of the garden. Youll find the little door at the side unlocked. Theres plenty of hay there, and I guess you can be right comfortable. As soon as I can Ill bring you out some supper.
Tom let out a subdued whoop of joy, and Dan did a double shuffle in the grass.
Its mighty good of you, said Bob warmly.
Yesm; were awfully much obliged, echoed Nelson.
Well be mighty glad to pay for it, Dan chimed in.
Well, I guess there wont be anything to pay, said Mrs. Hooper with a smile. Now you run along, and Ill come soon as I can. Williams kind of worked up, and I guess hed better not know about it. I want you to promise me one thing, though.
Yesm. What is it? asked Nelson.
Not to light any matches.
Yes, we promise.
All right. Run along now, and keep out of sight. Mrs. Hooper nodded good-naturedly, and turned back toward the house. Dan struck a dramatic attitude.
Supper! he cried.
Shut up, and come along, said Bob.
Well, said Dan, I guess heres where we get the laugh on Abe. Only well, if I ever have a chance to square things with him !
Words failed him, and with a sigh he followed the others down the road for a distance, over a fence, and so along a wall that skirted the truck garden. The little door was unlocked, as Mrs. Hooper had said it would be, and they stumbled into the twilight of the big barn. The only sound was the occasional stamping of a horse and the steady crunch-crunch of the cattle.
Fortunate beasts, whispered Nelson.
Overhead the mows were filled with fragrant hay, and near at hand a ladder led up to it. From a window high up at one end of the building a flood of red light entered from the sunset sky.
Shall we go up there now? asked Nelson.
No. Lets stay here until we get something to eat, said Bob.
So they made themselves comfortable, Dan and Nelson finding seats on some sacks of grain, and Bob and Tom climbing into the back of a wagon and sprawling out on the floor of it, hands under heads.
Ill bet no one will have to sing me asleep to-night, said Dan with a luxurious sigh. Just wait until I strike that hay up there!
Conversation was desultory for the next half hour, for all four of the boys were dead tired. Tommy even dropped off to sleep once, though he denied the fact indignantly. It seemed a long while before Mrs. Hooper appeared, but when she did, her burden more than atoned for the period of waiting. She carried a big tray, and it was piled high. There was cold mutton, a pitcher of hot tea, milk, stacks of bread and plenty of butter, preserved pears, a whole custard pie, and lots of cake. Tom was almost tearful. Mrs. Hooper set the tray down on a box and disappeared into the harness room, to return in a moment with a lighted lantern.
There, she said; now I guess you can see what youre eating. When you get through, set the tray here by the door, and Ill get it later. And put out the lantern carefully. Dont leave any sparks about. In the morning you stay up in the hay until I call you. My husband will be out in the field by seven and then you can come to the house and have some breakfast. Good night.
Good night, maam, they answered with full hearts and fuller mouths. Were awfully much obliged to you.
Yesm. Youve saved our lives, said Dan.
Mrs. Hooper surveyed them smilingly from the door.
Well, its real nice to see you boys eat, she said. I just couldnt bear to have you go tramping around so late without any supper. And William wouldnt have wanted it either, only if it hadnt been for Abner Wade, you see.
Yesm!
Good night, Mrs. Hooper!
Thank you very much!
Then the door closed behind her, and they were left to the enjoyment of their supper. And when I say enjoyment I know what Im talking about!
Say, fellows, said Dan presently, when the edge of his appetite had been dulled by many slices of cold meat and bread and butter, say, do you suppose were always going to eat in barns on this trip?
Much Id care if it was always as good as this, answered Nelson, dividing the pie into four generous quarters with his knife. And the others agreed. When only crumbs remained on the tray they blew out the lantern, set the remains of the feast beside the door, and climbed up into the loft. There, burrowing luxuriously in the sweet-smelling hay, they fell asleep almost instantly.
CHAPTER V
DESCRIBES A SECOND ENCOUNTER WITH MR. WADE
At a little after eight the next morning they were on their way again. Nine hours of sound, refreshing slumber had worked a change. Dan no longer held any grudge against the doctor, while Tom, cheered and comforted by the biggest kind of a breakfast, was once more his optimistic self. They had overwhelmed Mrs. Hooper with their gratitude, had made friends with Brutus, a benevolent and toothless setter, and had left the farmhouse with sentiments of regret. For, as Tom said, who could tell when they would again find such coffee and such corn muffins! Brutus had insisted upon accompanying them as far as the farm limits, and had parted from them with tears in his eyes; at least, we have Dans word for it. Nelson became philosophic.
It just shows, he said vaguely, that you cant always tell at first what youre up against. Some persons are like some dogs, their bark is worse than their bite.
Sure, agreed Dan. Some persons havent any teeth.
It was the jolliest sort of a September morning. Once or twice they imagined they could catch glimpses of the ocean, sparkling and sun-flecked in the distance. Whether they actually saw it or not, they were constantly reminded of it by the fresh, salty breeze that caressed their faces.
Why cant we go along the shore instead of here where we are? asked Nelson.
Thats so, cried Dan.
Bob produced his map, and they sat on the top rail of a fence and studied it.
After we leave Samoset, said Bob, we can turn down here and go to Sisset. There must be a hotel there, and we can spend the night. Then
Maybe we can find a barn, suggested Tom.
Then in the morning well go on to Seaville or some place along there.
But, look here, objected Dan; were a heap nearer the north shore than we are the south.
Yes, but what we want is the real ocean, said Bob. We can come home by the Sound shore.
Just as you say, answered Dan. Meanwhile, lets get to Samoset before dinner time.
They reached that town at a little after ten oclock, and found it quite a lively place. There were two hotels, and although Tom held out awhile for a comfortable barn, they finally decided to go to the Fairview House and have dinner. After registering, they left their packs in the office, washed and spruced up, and went out to see the city. The main street was well lined with stores and well filled with vehicles.
This is the first thing weve struck, declared Dan, that looks like a town. Lets buy something.
So they roamed from store to store, looking into every window, and speculating on the desirability of the articles shown. Tom bought a pound of peanut brittle which, on close examination, proved to be much older than supposed. Tom declared disgustedly that it wasnt what it was cracked up to be, a pun that elicited only groans from his companions. Bob purchased six souvenir post cards, and insisted on returning to the hotel to address them. So the others accompanied him, and, while he retired to the writing room, sat themselves down on the top step in the sunlight and attacked Toms candy.
Nothing like candy, Dan declared, to give a fellow an appetite for dinner.
That may be true of some candy, answered Nelson, but
Hello! cried Dan excitedly. Look there!
The others followed the direction of his gaze, and saw a tired-looking sorrel horse coming up the street, drawing a battered buggy, in which sat a single occupant. The occupant was Mr. Abner Wade. The boys watched eagerly. Opposite the hotel Mr. Wade drew up to the sidewalk, jumped out, and tied the horse to a post. While doing so, he glanced across and saw them. A smile spread itself over his features, and he waved his hand.
Howdy do? he called.
How are you, sir? responded Dan cordially. Nelson and Tom glanced about at him in surprise. A nice morning, Mr. Wade.
Fine, fine! agreed the farmer. Well, youre getting along, I see.
Yes, sir, thank you. And, by the way, were much obliged for that tip you gave us. We called on Mr. Hooper, and spent the night there. We were certainly treated well, and were very much obliged to you, sir, for sending us there.
Mr. Wade looked surprised.
That so? Er did you tell William I sent you?
Yes, indeed, and he couldnt do too much to us I mean for us, answered Dan gravely.
Humph! muttered Mr. Wade doubtfully. Speak of me, did he?
Oh, yes, sir! Quite enthusiastically. And we fully agreed with everything he said, replied Dan genially.
Mr. Wade stared hard for a moment. Then:
Well, I must be getting on, he said. Good luck to you.
Thank you, sir; the same to you. Hope youll have a pleasant trip home.
It is doubtful if Mr. Wade heard the latter part of the remark, for he was entering the grocery store in front of which he had hitched. Dan sprang up.
You fellows stay here, he said softly, and watch for him. Dont let him out of your sight. Ill be back in a minute.
He hurried down the street and around a corner on which hung a livery-stable sign. He was soon back.
Still there? he asked.
Yes, answered Nelson eagerly. What are you going to do?
Im going to get even with the old codger, answered Dan grimly, as he sat down again on the step.
Whered you go? asked Tom.
Livery stable. Borrowed a carriage wrench. There he comes!
Mr. Wade issued from the grocery, cast a glance toward his horse, and then turned up the street. They watched him until he had disappeared into the bank, half a block away. Then Dan arose and, followed by his companions, sauntered across the street. For a moment he glanced carelessly in the grocery-store window. Then, quite as carelessly, he sauntered over to the buggy. There, with Tom and Nelson in front of him and apparently in earnest conversation, he drew the wrench from his pocket and, unobserved, applied it to the nut of the front wheel. Presently the trio sauntered along a few steps until Dan was beside the back wheel. A moment later they walked slowly away down the street, crossed and returned to the hotel. As he walked, from Dans jacket pocket came a clanking sound as the steel wrench jostled a couple of iron nuts. When they had regained the porch Dans look of innocence gave place to a grin of delight and satisfaction.
You watch for him. If he comes call me. Im going to get Bob and our knapsacks.
What do you want the knapsacks for? asked Tom suspiciously.
Because its more than likely that well want to leave here in a hurry, my son, answered Dan gravely.
Without our dinner? cried Tom.
What is dinner to revenge? asked Dan sweetly.
But but stammered Tom.
S-sh! cautioned Dan. Not a word above a whisker!
But look here, Dan, said Nelson a bit anxiously, arent you afraid the old dufferll get hurt? Maybe the horse will run away!
Have you seen the horse? asked Dan. Now keep a watch up the street and dont forget to call me if he comes. I wouldnt miss it for a thousand dollars!