Stirling was feeling
relieved and hopeful over the visit of the express superintendent, and
the prospects of Bart succeeding to his position.
Bart very much wished to visit his father at once, but Mrs. Stirling
said he had quieted for the night, was in no pain or mental distress,
and it might not be wise to disturb him.
Bart told his mother something about the roustabout and their friendly
relations, and the bottle of hot coffee, home-made biscuit sandwiches,
and half a pie were put up for Bart's pensioner with willing and
grateful care.
Bart also took a shade lantern with him, and lighted it when he came to
the express office. He found the padlock loose.
He glanced over to the far dim end of the place. Baker had built a
regular cross-corner barricade of packing boxes, man-high.
Bart set the lantern on the bench and approached the roustabout's
hide-out.
"Are you there, Mr. Baker?" he inquired.
"Yes, I did just as you told me to do," came the reply, but the speaker
did not show himself.
"Well, here's a blanket. Can you make up a comfortable bed?"
"Oh, yes, I've got a broad board on a slant, and plenty of room.
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