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.