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CHAPTER VII ACROSS THE CONTINENT
Hiram had kept his face glued against the window so much of the time during the long journey, when it happened to be closed, that Andy told him he was getting a distinct curve to his classic Roman nose. He turned on hearing Rob make this assertion, after consulting the time-table.
Well, for one, I must say I wont be sorry, he admitted, with a sigh.
But see here, I thought you were having the time of your life with all this traveling, and seeing so many wonderful sights? expostulated Andy.
Thats all right, I am, admitted Hiram. Still, a feller can get too much of a good thing, cant he? Havent you stuffed yourself moren once because you liked the food first-class, and then wished afterward you had gone slow? Fact is, I just cant sleep while were ding-donging along like hot cakes. I want to be on a steady footing for a while, and go to bed like a civilized human being.
But its been a great trip, said Andy. Those Injuns at the stations in Arizona were real true-blood Zuñis, all right. Im mighty glad, though, weve made up our minds to go back by way of the Canadian Pacific road, so as to see what the picturesque Selkirks look like.
Yes, added Rob, Ive read so much about the Rockies up in British America I want to see them with my own eyes. The weather will be a whole lot better than in the southern zone, where its terrible in summer.
Oh! dont lets talk about coming back before weve even got there, expostulated Hiram, looking unhappy. Ive got an awful lot to do before I turn my face homeward.
I hope it all comes out right, and that the Golden Gate Company acts square with me.
If you get some money, Hiram, I suppose its all laid out before now in experiments that youve wanted to start and couldnt? Andy hinted.
Well, what would you have me do with the stuff? demanded the inventor indignantly. I expect to devote my hull life to science. Hoarding money and discoveries in the realm of science dont go hand in hand. Youll notice that all the big bugs of professors dont seem to care a lickin thing about the cash they gain. What theyre after is fame and glory. Some day but never mind that now.
You were going to tell us we might live to see you famous, eh, Hiram? Andy chuckled. Well, stranger things have happened. Men have become president of these United States, and those who played with the same as boys never dreamed such a thing would ever come about. Theres always room at the top.
Five hours will soon pass, Hiram went on to say, without paying any attention to the little slur there seemed to be in this remark on the part of the other.
Theres one thing I want to speak to you about, said Rob, his face assuming a look of gravity that impressed Hiram very much.
What, me, do you mean, Rob? he asked hurriedly.
Yes, Rob told him. Heres what it is. Ive noticed that you keep on putting up your hand every little while, and feeling to see that your papers are safe inside your coat. Its become second nature with you, the habits grown so strong.
Well, you told me to keep my mind on that matter, and never to forget it; and so every time it crops up I guess I feel to make doubly sure. What is there wrong about that, Rob, tell me?
Only this, Hiram; youre getting so careless that you do it openly, and in such a way as to attract attention. If a person happened to see you do it once and then later on saw the movement repeated, his curiosity might be aroused, so that he would fall into the way of watching how often you did it.
He might, thats so, muttered the disturbed Hiram uneasily.
And then the idea would become a conviction that you must be carrying something very valuable in that inner pocket. You see, if the parties chanced to be crooked, that would make them figure how they could get hold of your property. So the very movement which you meant to be a safeguard would prove your undoing.
Rob, Ill try and quit that, if you think it best, promised the other, apparently more or less impressed with the logic the scout leader had brought to bear on the subject.
Thats all very well, Hiram, but Im afraid your repentance comes too late to do much good, Rob told him, at which the inventor gave a start, and into his eyes there crept a look of concern.
Whatever can you mean by saying that, Rob? he asked in a troubled voice.
Ill tell you, said Rob. Im afraid that youve already attracted the attention you wanted to avoid.
What! here on this train, in this sleeper? whispered Hiram, appalled.
Dont look up now, when I mention the matter, because they might see you, for I expect theyre watching us. Both of you have undoubtedly noticed two men who sit back of you, and at the end of the car, one of them small and stout, the other tall and slim?
Yes, Andy admitted, the tall one nodded when he passed, and acted like he wanted to open up a talk with me, but I turned to the window again as if I was too much taken up with the scenery here to bother.
And the stout one nodded to me when he caught my eye, said Hiram. Course I nodded back, but made out not to look that way again.