Quigg laughed, then resumed his reverie.

After the meal was over, Ralph washed the dishes, while the artist made
up his bed and otherwise tidied up the car.

Two window sash of unusual size attracted the lad's attention.

"Those are my skylights," said Quigg. "You might polish them up a bit
after we leave Hendersonville. That is, if you are going on further."

Ralph had no definite idea as to where he wanted to go, except that he
thought of Captain Shard. Regardless of Mrs. Dopples' warning, he now
said that he had a notion of going on to Columbia.

"All right," responded Quigg, who liked Ralph's appearance the more he
saw of him. "Go on with me. You can help me for your keep until
something better offers. I shall stay in Columbia a week, then strike
for the coast. What say?"

Ralph assented gladly, and thought himself lucky in being afforded so
easy a chance to get forward. Presently he was rubbing away upon the
skylights, while Mr. Quigg produced a cornet from somewhere among his
belongings, and played sundry doleful airs with indifferent skill,
until the train arrived at Hendersonville.

"What do you call that brass horn?" asked Ralph.

"A brass horn! Come! That's good." Quigg laughed loudly. "That is a
cornet, and a good one, too! But here we are."