At the first cross road he jumped down.

"Thank you," he said to the teamster.

"You're welcome," returned that gentleman, regarding him curiously, "but the next time a gal like that asks to ride in this yer wagon, I reckon I won't take the vote of any deadhead passenger.

_Adios_, young fellow.

Don't stay out late; ye might be ran off by some gal, and what would your mother say ?" Of course the young man could only look unutterable things and walk away, but even in that dignified action he was conscious that its effect was somewhat mitigated by a large patch from a material originally used as a flour-sack, which had repaired his trousers, but still bore the ironical legend, "Best Superfine." The summer brought warmth and promise and some blossom, if not absolute fruition to Blazing Star.