Part 23 (1/2)
But he walked two miles farther without encountering any team. At last, however, he heard the rumble of wheels, and turning round to see whether there was room in the vehicle, he saw that it was a buggy driven by a tall, thin man with dark hair, swarthy face, and a long, aquiline nose.
The driver eyed Ernest sharply and brought the buggy to a standstill.
”Where are you going, boy?” he asked.
”To Lee's Falls.”
”Where have you come from?”
”From Emmonsville.”
”It is a long walk.”
”Yes. Do you think you could give me a lift?”
”Perhaps so. Jump in.”
Ernest lost no time in availing himself of the invitation. He was footsore and weary, and it was with a sensation of relief that he seated himself beside the driver.
The latter, who had been going at good speed, pulled his horse down to a walk and showed indications of becoming sociable.
”Where were you going in Lee's Falls?” he asked.
Ernest felt that it would be imprudent to mention that his destination was the bank, so he answered guardedly, ”I am going to see the town. I may stop over night.”
”At the hotel?”
”Yes.”
”It is not much of a place to see,” said the driver, watching his companion curiously.
”It is larger than Emmonsville, isn't it?”
”Yes. How long have you been in Emmonsville?”
”Not long.”
”Where do you live there?”
”At Mrs. Larkins'.”
”Do you go to school?”
”No.”
Ernest began to think that his companion was decidedly inquisitive, and something told him that he would do well to be on his guard. Why should he ask so many questions of a boy with whom he had no acquaintance?
Meanwhile the horse was travelling very slowly, and it seemed to Ernest that he would go over the road quite as fast if he had continued to walk. However, it was easier riding, and this was a consideration. He began to think it was his turn to ask questions.
”Are you going all the way to Lee's Falls?” he asked.