Page:Silversheene (1924).djvu/31

 let us. They like to loiter along, but we ought to be home in a month."

Her next question surprised him, as it had nothing to do with travel, or automobiles, or anything in particular.

"Do you like dogs? I mean do you love them? Are they almost like folks to you?"

The young man threw back his head and laughed and Hilda liked his laugh. It was so pleasant and genuine.

"How did you guess it?" he asked. "I am nutty about dogs. The fellers in grammar school used to call me Doggy Dick. My name is Richard Henderson."

"Mine is Hilda Converse, and I am so glad you do like dogs. It will make such a difference with my plan."

The young man looked at her inquiringly but said nothing.

"How long will it take to put on the tire?"

"Half an hour perhaps. There are one or two other things to do."

"While you are waiting would you like