euben is a very hard-working old man."

"Then you know him?" Dick asked.

"Everyone in this part of the country knows Reuben," replied the
doctor. "He's one of our characters."

"He must have a hard life of it, and make rather a poor living,"
Prescott suggested.

"I guess he would make a good enough living, if-----" began the
physician, then checked himself.

"Are you going to bring the man to consciousness, doctor?" asked
Dave.

"Yes; after I get a few things ready. I don't believe we'll have
much trouble with him, though we'll have to get Reuben home and
make him rest for a few days."

"Where does he live?" Dick inquired.

"In Fenton. Reuben has a queer little old home of his own there."

"Has he a wife?" Dick asked.

"She died fifteen years ago."

"Are there any children to look after Mr. Hinman?" Darry asked.

"He has children, but---well, they don't live with him," replied
Dr. Haynes, as though not caring to discuss the subject.

Then the physician went to work over the peddler, who presently
opened his eyes.

"Drink some of this," ordered the physician. "Now, you begin
to feel better, don't you, Reuben?"

"Yes; and I've got to get up right away and see what I can do
about getting back my money," cried the peddler.

"Don't try to get up just yet," ordered Dr. Haynes.

"If your money is worrying you, Mr. Hinman, I have it," Dick broke
in, showing the sack.

A cry of joy escaped the peddler. He sank back, murmuring:

"You're good boys! I knew you were good boys!"

"You take the money, Doctor, if you please, and turn it over to
Mr. Hinman when he's able to count it," urged Prescott, handing
the sack to their host.

"Now, Mr. Hinman will want to sleep a little while, so we'll go
outside and chat, if you've nothing pressing to do," suggested
the physician.

Dick and Dave thought they might learn more about the odd peddler,
but Reuben Hinman's affairs was one subject that the physician
did not seem inclined to talk about.

"Now, if you young men want to take Reuben over to Fenton," said
Dr. Haynes, at last, "I'll telephone Dr. Warren from here, and
he'll be expecting you. It'll take you about two hours to get
over to Fenton at the gait that old Reuben's horse travels."

This time a mattress was placed on top of the pile of rags, and
the peddler was made as comfortable as possible for the trip.

"Remember, Reuben, you've got to stay in the house and take care
of yourself for three