"
This happy discovery, of having a mutual friend, completed Kenneth's
feeling of ease and confidence, and he was soon talking unrestrainedly
about the Latimers--what splendid people they were. How Jim's father
was trying to save his (Ken's) father from having a very valuable
patent stolen by a ring of rascals in New York City. And how Mr.
Latimer's brother who was a large financier on Wall Street, was
financing the lawsuit, and the stock-company that was formed on the
value of the patent.
During the time it took for Kenneth to enlarge on the merits of the
Latimers, Jake grew restless. He shifted his weight from one cowhide
booted leg to the other, and finally he heaved a doleful sigh. Then he
drew attention to himself.
"Ef we-all ain't goin' to get started mighty soon, thar's no use in
gettin' off, to-night. Mike gen'ally has a dance to his ristrant at
night, on pay-day, and he can put us up, all right."
Mr. Brewster hurriedly took his watch from his pocket and Mr. Simms
turned to look at the old banjo clock in his office, and both men
quickly said in one voice: "Oh, no, Jake! You have plenty of time to
get off and make camp before dark."
But the suggestion made by the driver, to stop over-night in Oak Creek,
was the means of hustling Kenneth Evans along his way. The entire party
walked with him, down the road, towards the shed where Jake had the
lumbering camp-wagon; and there they waited while Jake drove back to
the baggage room to find his passenger's trunk.
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