Part 20 (2/2)
But I was sort of knocked out by the accident, and it slipped ot it now”
Jack looked at it The packet h to hold maps of any size And, to Jack's surprise, it was addressed, not to Mr Argent, but to the poste He had been so sure that it was the valuable letters and papers the miner expected that for the moment Jack almost expressed his astonish near-by, and the lad felt it better to keep still
Besides, the letters Mr Argent expected s, which Jack carried on his saddle, those bags not having been opened since he received theuess now you're all right,” the stage driver went on ”You can get on your way, Jack I won't have to call you back again”
”I hope not I'h as it is”
”I'm sorry, my boy”
”Well, it couldn't be helped, I suppose I don't want to ht trip, If I can help it”
”Do you often do that?” asked Ryan
”Oh, occasionally But since I was held up once I don't hanker after it”
”Were you held up?” Ryan seeo into details He had no time
”I say!” exclaiain ”It wouldn't be a bad idea for you to have a blacksmith look at that shoe I fixed I did the best I could, but I can't guarantee that it will stay on There's a sht across the way”
”I believe I will do that,” Jack said ”It won't be any joke if Sunger casts a shoe when I get on the mountain trail I'll take him over to the shop”
The smith was busy, but Jack decided to wait
”I'll have plenty of tiht ride,” he reested Ryan, who had followed Jack over to the blacksmith shop, ”why not come and have a bite to eat with ”
He seemed so much in earnest about it, and so friendly, that Jack did not like to refuse After all, Ryan had been very helpful to hi Jack could overlook It was more or less a settled custoan, ”but--”
”Oh, well, coested Ryan ”It won't take long, and by the tih with our little snack your pony will be ready for you Coreed, and he followed his new acquaintance across the street to a small restaurant Jack ordered a sandwich and a cup of coffee, but Ryan called for a more substantial meal
”And I'll have mine in a hurry, if you don't et back on the trail”
”Have it right away,” was the answer
Jack sipped so for the beverage to cool so in the direction of the entrance to the restaurant, tohich Jack had his back, said:
”Is that a friend of yours? He see for some one”