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 Dave thought his companion's slight accent was familiar.

"Are you an American?" he asked.

"Well, I am in a way. I started out under the Stars and Stripes, but I have been a bit of a wanderer. Since we 've got to know one another so well, may I offer you such hospitality as I can in my shack? It's nearer than the farm. Come along, or you 'll get cold." A little way above the rim of the trees Tempest led Dave to a log hut.

"It's my home for the present," he said, thrusting open the door and showing its bare interior. "I'm sorry the piano has been taken away to be tuned, and both the cook and the parlor-maid are having the day off, but I 'll have a cup of hot coffee ready for you inside of two shakes. In the meanwhile, slip off those wet things until they 're dry and I 'll allow you to wear my best trousers. There's only one hole in them and I mean to mend that some day."