“But, Martha,” protested Jenkins, his face turning red in confusion, “I was only helping these young people out. One of ’em had been kidnapped, and——”
“And you had to go along and see the fun, I suppose.”
“Well, not exactly,” said Mr. Jenkins. “I——”
“You come with me,” said Mrs. Jenkins decisively.
She gave Jenkins’ ear a sharp twist, and the latter howled with pain.
He twitched about, and with effort freed himself and stepped back.
“You can explain when you get to the house,” said Mrs. Jenkins angrily. “If you ain’t there in three minutes, I’ll be back after you.”
Mr. Jenkins rubbed his ear and grinned ruefully.
“You see how it is,” he exclaimed. “A man always gets the worst of it somehow when he gets mixed up with somebody else’s business.”
“We certainly appreciate your aid, Mr. Jenkins,” said Shirley, offering her hand, which Jenkins grasped heartily.
“Well,” said Mr. Jenkins, “you know I’m glad to have been of—— All right, Martha, I’m coming!”
This last as the voice of his wife once more rang out with the demand:
“Are you coming, Tom Jenkins? Or do I have to come after you?”
He broke off suddenly and hastened toward the house to meet his spouse, who was coming toward him with rapid strides.
The girls laughed and the others joined them.
“Poor old Jenkins,” said Leonard. “I’ll bet he has a tough time.”
“It looks that way,” said Dick, with a faint smile.
“Now that you are safe at last,” he said quietly, “I guess I may as well be going. There is nothing more for me to do.”
“Surely you will wait and let my father thank you?” she said.
“It’s enough for me to know I have been of service to you,” he said. “I want no thanks.”
“But,” protested Shirley, “where are you going?”
“I don’t know exactly,” replied the boy. “Back to Cincinnati, I guess.”
“Do your father and mother live there?” asked the girl.
“I have no father and mother,” was the slow response.
“Forgive me,” said Shirley impulsively. “I didn’t know. What are you planning to do?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “I guess I shall find a job of some kind, though.”
“Surely you will not get mixed up with Jones again?” asked Shirley anxiously.
“No,” replied Dick. “I am through with Jones and his kind forever.”
“I am glad to hear that,” she said. “How would you like to go home with us? I am sure Dad can find something for you to do on the farm.”