Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/58

46 "Mr. Opper, can you take us back to Oak Hall?" asked Dave. "We'll pay you for your trouble."

The farmer looked at the students and rubbed his chin reflectively. Then he gazed out at the storm and the snow-covered ground.

"Might hook up my big sleigh and do it," he said. "But it would be quite a job."

"What would it be worth?" asked Ben.

"Oh, I dunno—three or four dollars, at least. It's a tough night to be out in—an' I'd have to drive back, or put up at the town all night."

"Supposing we gave you fifty cents apiece," suggested Roger.

"And we'll go along—as far as Rockville, at the same price—if you'll have us," added Mallory, quickly.

"Why, yes, Mallory, and welcome," answered Dave cordially. "That is, if the turnout will hold us all."

"Sure it will," answered Homer Opper. "An' if ye all go an' pay fifty cents each,"—he counted them mentally as he spoke—"I'll hook up my four hosses an' git ye there in jig time."

"Then it's a go," answered Dave, after his chums and the Rockville cadets had nodded their approval.

"And do hurry," called out Buster, as the