Page:Traveler from Altruria, Howells, 1894.djvu/143

Rh "No, I was just looking to see if it was all right. The folks wanted I should come round."

"Why, where are they?"

"Oh, they're gone."

"Gone?"

"Yes; gone west. They've left the old place, because they couldn't make a living here, any longer."

"Why, this is quite a case in point," I said. "Now, Mr. Homos, here is a chance to inform yourself at first hand about a very interesting fact of our civilization;" and I added, in a low voice, to Mrs. Makely, "Won't you introduce us?"

"Oh, yes! Mr. Camp, this is Mr. Twelvemough, the author—you know his books, of course; and Mr. Homos, a gentleman from Altruria."

The young fellow opened the gate he leaned on, and came out to us. He took no notice of me, but he seized the Altrurian's hand and wrung it. "I've heard of you" he said. "Mrs. Makely, were you going to our place?"

"Why, yes."

"So do, then! Mother would give almost anything to see Mr. Homos. We've heard of Altruria, over our way," he added, to our friend. "Mother's been