"I'm glad to see you," he said. "It seems pleasant to see an old
acquaintance"--he intended to say "friend."
"You left us rather suddenly," said Harry.
"Why, yes," said Luke, hesitating. "I had reasons. I'll tell you
about it after supper."
As Harry rose from the table, Luke joined him.
"Come upstairs to my room, Walton," he said, "and have a cigar."
"I'll go upstairs with you; but I don't smoke."
"You'd better learn. It's a great comfort."
"Do you board here?"
"Yes. I found I shouldn't have to pay any more than at a boarding
house and the grub's better. Here's my room. Walk in."
He led the way into a small apartment on the top floor.
"This is my den," he said. "There isn't but one chair; but I'll
sit on the bed. When did you reach town?"
"About noon"
"Are you going to stop long?" asked Luke.
"I shall stay here till I get through with my errand," answered
Harry, shrewdly; for he saw what Luke thought, and it occurred to
him that he might turn it to advantage.
Luke looked a little uneasy.
"By the way, Walton," he said, "I believe I owe you a little money."
"Yes. I believe so."
"I'm sorry I can't pay you the whole of it. It costs considerable
to live, you know; but I'll pay part."
"Here are five dollars," he said. "I'll pay you the rest as soon
as I can--in a week or two."
Harry took the bank note with secret self-congratulation, for he
had given up the debt as bad, and never expected to realize a cent
of it.
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