"You're on time, my lad," said Jake. "I didn't know as you'd think
it worth while to look me up."
"I promised," said Ben.
"And you've kept your promise. That's more'n many a man would do."
"How did you pass the night?" asked Ben.
"I stretched out on the soft side of a board. It isn't the first
time. I slept like a top."
"Have you had breakfast?"
"Well, there! you've got me," said Jake. "I reckoned on findin' an
old friend that keeps a saloon on Montgomery Street, but he's sold
out to another man, and I hadn't the face to ask him for a bite.
What a consarned fool I was to throw away all my pile."
"Where is the saloon?" said Ben. "We will go there, and while you
are eating we can arrange our business."
"Thank you, boy. I ain't above acceptin' a favor of you, and I allow
that I'm empty, and need fillin' up."
"You needn't thank me, Mr. Bradley-"
"Jake!"
"Jake, then. I am only acting as the agent of Miss Sinclair."
"The gal you spoke of?"
Ben nodded.
"Then you can thank her. If there's anything I kin do for her, jest
let me know."
"I mean to. That is the business I want to speak to you about."
After a hearty breakfast the two turned their steps to the private
boarding-house where Miss Sinclair was eagerly awaiting them.
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