Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/134

118 the empty bed in your room," added the master of the Hall.

"Oh, thank you very much, Doctor," cried Dave, warmly. "I was wishing you'd do that." And then he ran off to spread the good news.

Dave and Roger had been delegated to buy the things for the spread, and for that purpose asked permission to go to Oakdale to meet Ben. This was readily granted, and they went down in the Hall carryall, immediately after dinner.

"I hope the train is late," said Roger on the way. "It will give us a little time to do some shopping," and he winked at Dave.

"Train is 'most generally late," said Jackson Lemond. "I reckon it won't be here for an hour or more," and so it proved.

"Come and have some root beer and a cigar, Horsehair," said Roger, and to this the driver for the Hall readily consented. While he was enjoying his treat, Dave and the senator's son slipped away to buy the things they wanted.

"We mustn't waste time," said Roger. "If we do, Horsehair may suspect something is wrong."

"It won't take long to buy what we want," answered Dave. "Lead the way. You know where the stores are. As yet, I'm a stranger here, but I don't expect to remain so long."