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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!