“Oh, Bob, cut that out,” growled Alan, “there was nothing great in what I did. Knew you were keen on such things. Happened to hear you wanting to go away. Since I couldn’t go myself I didn’t see any reason why you shouldn’t profit by it. I hope I’m not a dog in the manger.”
“I’ll say you’re not!” said Bob fervently. “And I’ll have to own that if the chances had been reversed, I’m afraid I would have been. I’d have said I couldn’t go myself but you shouldn’t anyway.”
“Aw, cut it!” said Alan. “You aren’t like that, Bob, and anyhow that doesn’t cut any ice. I’ll own I was upset that I couldn’t go myself, but I’m tickled to death you can, since I can’t.”
“But why can’t you go, Mac? Aren’t you keen about it?”
“Keen? Boy! It’s like the pot of gold and the rainbow all in one to me. I’d rather go than get rich if you know what I mean. But it can’t be done. My dad got run over this morning, and I’ve got to stay by the store and take his place. It’ll be weeks, maybe months, before he’s around again. Lucky if it isn’t years.”
“Say! That’s tough luck. I hadn’t heard. Been groveling in the factory all day. But Mac, why couldn’t I take your place? I’m a year older than you, and I could take orders. I’d have my heart in doing something like that. You go, Mac, and I’ll stay!”
Alan wheeled about and faced the other boy for the first time that evening.
“Would you do that for me, Bob?” he asked, his voice all husky with feeling.
“I sure would, Mac,” said Bob. “You’re the first person since my sister died that’s cared a straw what became of me. Look what you’ve done for me! Sure, I’ll do it gladly!”
Alan put his hand out and gripped the other’s hand in a warm grasp.
“Guess I’ve got an apology coming, too, old man,” he said, still huskily. “You’re great. I won’t forget this. I can’t accept of course, because Dad needs me, but you’ve taken half the sting of saying no away from me. I didn’t think when I suggested your name that you would even know what I was connected with. But I’m glad now it happened. I’d—like to—feel—we are friends!”
“Suits me to the ground,” said Bob eagerly. “I haven’t got many of that species. I should say you might head the list if you don’t mind. And now, I wonder if you’ll put me onto the ropes. I size it up that I haven’t got much time. Professor Hodge said you had all directions. Do you mind letting me copy them? I know you’ll want to keep the letter. It’s some honor to have been asked.”
“That’s all right,” said Alan heartily, “we’re partners in this in a way, and when you get out there old man, write me a card now and then to let me know what I’m missing, see?”
“Sure thing!” said Bob. “You’ll be mother, home, and heaven to me, Mac. You know only too well I’m not very popular around here. Can I just step over to the door to the light and copy this?” he asked Sherrill.
“Oh, come in to the library by the desk,” said Sherrill, “both of you come in. I’ve got a pitcher of lemonade in the refrigerator and a great big chocolate cake that needs eating.”
“Oh, boy! Lead me to it!” said Bob excitedly. “I’m boarding down at the Copper Kettle and had half a chicken wing and one lettuce for my supper.”
Laughing, they went into the house, and Sherrill settled the boys at the library desk while she went to forage for refreshments, but Alan soon followed her to help her.
“He insists on copying it lest the paper get lost,” he said, “so I’ll help you rustle the grub.”
Sherrill wheeled about him with shining eyes then went and carefully closed the dining room and pantry doors before she spoke. “Alan MacFarland, you blessed old hypocrite! Did you go and ask Robert Lincoln to go to Egypt in your place?”
“Oh, I just suggested his name,” said Alan, looking sheepish. “I thought he might as well have the chance.”
“But I thought you were sworn enemies!” said Sherrill. “It isn’t long since you gave him an awful thrashing!”
“Well, he needed it,” said Alan thoughtfully, “but you know he almost licked me, too. He’s got a lot of nerve, and he’s strong as wire. He’s a smart kid. I think he’ll make good.”
“But, Alan, I thought you didn’t like Bob. I thought you didn’t approve of him at all.”
“Well, I don’t!” said Alan with a strange grin on his face. “At least I thought I didn’t. But I guess I’ll have to change my opinion. He certainly has showed up in great shape tonight, offering to stay in my place.”
“Maybe he doesn’t really want to go,” suggested Sherrill.
“Yes, he does, Sherry!” protested Alan earnestly. “He told me in there just now it had been a dream of his life to do something like that, and he promised me all kinds he was going to make good. Listen, Sherry. Bob’s had a rotten deal lately. His sister died last month, you know, and she was the only one that ever cared for him. His brother-in-law is as hard as nails. He gave Bob a job in the canning factory carrying out peelings at six dollars a week and his board. Told him if he didn’t like that he could get out, it was all he would ever do for him. I think he’s been kind of up against it. You know Bob. He’d never stand being humiliated by that old grouch. He’d just go to the devil pretty soon, and nobody care.”
“But how do you know what he may do in Egypt? Do you trust him?”
“Sure! I think he’ll make good. He used to be crazy about old Hodge. It was the only thing we ever had in common. I think maybe he’ll turn out all right. He’s keen on the job.”
Sherrill had been buttering thin slices of bread for sandwiches, and now she turned around with the knife in her hand and her eyes bright.
“Alan, I think you’re just wonderful!” she said, with a shining look.
“Nothing of the kind, Sherry. I’ve just had to grind my teeth all day to keep from boohooing because I can’t go myself.”
“Well, I think you’re wonderful!” stated Sherrill again, whirling back to her buttering. “This may be the chance of Bob’s life, but I’m inclined to think you’ve got a bigger one yet coming to you. Now, these are ready. Get the pitcher out of the right-hand door, please. And put that plate of cake on the tray. I’ll take these in.”
“Say, this is some set out, Sherry!” said Alan, surveying the burdened tray. “But I’m glad you did it. I believe that kid is really hungry.”
Sherry flashed him a glad look and led the way with her plate of delicate sandwiches.
Bob looked up from the letter he had copied, his face flushed with eagerness, and a radiant smile that made him seem like a new person, not the boy they had disliked through the last three years of high school.
“Boy!” said Bob. “That certainly looks good! You two people are making me feel I’m leaving some real friends when I go away. I didn’t think I’d ever regret leaving this little old burg, but I certainly think I’ve missed a lot not having you people for friends. No, don’t say anything. I know you likely wouldn’t care for me any more than you ever did if I stayed, but let me go away with the illusion that you would, can’t you? A fellow has to have someone to tie to!”
“You make us ashamed, Bob, that we have been so unfriendly,”