They met near a corner, nodded, and walked on a
while together in silence. For a little time they surveyed each
other curiously. Then each began to quicken the pace.
"Maybe you think you can walk the fastest," said he of the long
hair.
They were going a hot pace, their free arms flying. Trove bent to
his work stubbornly. They both began to tire and slow up. The big
boy looked across at the other and laughed loudly.
"Wouldn't give up if ye broke a leg, would ye?" said he.
"Not if I could swing it," said Trove.
"Goin' t' Cleveland?"
"Yes; are you?"
"Yes. I'm goin' t' be a sailor," said the strange boy.
"Goin' off on the ocean?" Trove inquired with deep interest.
"Yes; 'round the world, maybe. Then I'll come back an' go t'
school--if I don't git wrecked like Robi'son Crusoe."
"My stars!" said Trove, with a look of awe.
"Like t' go?" the other inquired.
"Guess I would!"
"Better stay t' home; it's a hard life." This with an air of
parental wisdom.
"I've read 'Robi'son Crusoe,'" said Trove, as if it were some
excuse.
"So 've I; an' Grimshaw's 'Napoleon,' an' Weems's 'Life o' Marion,'
an' 'The Pirates' Book,' an' the Bible."
"I've got half through the Bible," said Trove.
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