"What does he live on?" asked Myron. "Has he got money saved?"
"No, he's got something better; he's got an up-and-coming wife who works just as hard as Zeph--looks. She's a wonderful woman, too, Mrs. Binney is. She's lived with Zeph thirty years or more and she ain't--hasn't found him out yet. Or, if she has, she don't let on. If you ask her has Zeph got a job yet she'll tell you, 'No, not yet, but he's considerin' acceptin' a position with a firm o' commission merchants down to Boston.' And all the considering Zeph has done is read an advertisement in the Bangor paper where it says the Boston folks want a few carloads of potatoes!"
"It's sort of tough on the puppy, though," murmured Myron.
"Well, there's a strong resemblance between him and Zephaniah," said Joe. "I've been watching him. He doesn't push and shove for his food like the rest of them. He just waits, and first thing you know he's getting the best there is. If that ain't like Zeph I'll eat my hat."
"Where are you going to keep him?" inquired Myron.
"In my room--when I get it. He won't want any better than I have, I guess. I don't suppose he's going to kick because there isn't much of a view."
Merriman asked about the new quarters and Joe supplied a drily humorous description of them. The room began to grow dark and the boy's faces became only lighter blurs in the twilight. Tess went to sleep and snored loudly. Myron listened more than he talked, conscious of the comfortable, home-like atmosphere of the queer, illy-furnished room and putting off from minute to minute the return to school. But at last the town clock struck six and Joe lifted the terrier from his stomach, in spite of protests, and swung his feet to the floor.
"I've got to be going," he announced. "Haven't peeked into a book since Friday." He yawned cavernously. "You coming along, Foster?"
"Yes, I guess so." Myron was glad to be asked, but he was careful to keep any trace of cordiality from his voice.
"Well, come again," said Merriman heartily. "Both of you. Sunday's an off-day with me and you'll usually find me in about noon."
"Me? I'll be back," declared Joe. "I haven't enjoyed a meal since I left home like I enjoyed that dinner. Brother, you sure can cook sausages!"
