e called.

The car disposed of, the Governor introduced Archie as one of his
dearest friends, and the hand Archie clasped was undeniably roughened by
toil. Walker mumbled a "glad-to-see-ye," and lazily looked him over.

"Always glad to meet any friend of Mr. Saulsbury's," he drawled with a
mournful twang. "We've got plenty o' bread and milk for strangers.
Somebody's spread the idea we run a hotel here and we're pestered a good
deal with folks that want to stop for a meal. We take care o' 'em
mostly. The wife and little gal sort o' like havin' folks stop; takes
away the lonesomeness."

There was nothing in his speech or manner to suggest that he had ever
been a road agent. He assisted them in carrying their traps to the
house, talking farmer fashion of the weather, crops and the state of the
roads. The house was connected with the barn in the usual New England
style. In the kitchen a girl sang cheerily and hearing her the Governor
paused and struck an attitude.

"O divinity! O Deity of the Green Hills! O Lovely Daughter of the Stars!
O Iphigenia!"

The girl appeared at a window, rested her bare arms on the sill and
smilingly saluted them with a cheery "Hello there!"

"Look upon that picture!" exclaimed the Governor, seizing Archie's arm.
"In old times upon Olympus she was cup-bearer to the gods, but here she
is Sally Walker, and never so charming as when she sits enthroned upon
the milking stool. Miss Walker, my old friend, Mr. Comly, or Achilles,
as you will!"

A very pretty picture Miss Walker made in the kitchen window, a vivid
portrait that immediately enhanced Archie's pleasurable sensations in
finding a haven that promised rest and security. Her black hair was
swept back smoothly from her forehead and there was the glow of perfect
health in her rounded cheeks. Archie noted her dimples and the white
even teeth that made something noteworthy and memorable of her smile.

"Well, Mr. Saulsbury, I've read all those books you sent me, and the
candy was the finest I ever tasted."

"She remembers! Amid all her domestic cares, she remembers! My dear lad,
the girl is one in a million!"

"You'd think Mr. Saulsbury was crazy about me!" she laughed. "But he
makes the same speeches to every girl he sees, doesn't he, Mr. Comly?"

"Indeed not," protested Archie, rallying bravely to the Governor's
support. "He's been raving about you for days and my only surprise is
that he so completely failed to give me the faintest i