"Then you were disguised?"

"I tried to be," was responded faintly.

Bart stood for a moment or two queerly regarding the roustabout.

"Mr. Baker," he said finally, "I am bound to respect any wish you may
suggest, but I declare I can't understand you."

"Don't try to," advised the roustabout in a dreary way. "I'm not worth
it."

"Oh, yes, you are."

"And it wouldn't do any good."

"It might. It must!" declared Bart staunchly, "See here, I want to ask
you a few questions and then I want to give you some advice, or rather
tender my very friendly services. Do you know what you have done for me
to-day?"

"No. If I have done anything to help you I am glad of it. You have been
a friend to me--the only friend I've found."

"I'll be a better one--that is, if you will let me," pledged Bart
warmly. "You warned me about the burglars last night; you helped me save
my father's life."

"Anybody would do what I have done."