They arrived in Augusta by way of a ferry across the dirty, narrow
river that flows near the city. The mules were duly delivered to the
proper parties and the two at last felt at leisure to do as they
pleased.

Emmons took Ralph to a soda fountain.

"What will you have?" he asked.

"I don't know; whatever you like," said the boy, once more at sea as to
what he might expect.

When the effervescent liquid foamed and fizzed, Ralph stared in
amazement.

"Must I drink it?" he faltered, noticing the ease with which Emmons
swallowed his.

"Of course, you must. Did you think it was to wash with?"

Ralph afterward averred that it tasted better than it sounded, but
again pondered over the--to him--increasing mysteries of civilization.
They had a late dinner, then made their way to the railroad depot,
where Emmons bought and gave to Ralph his ticket for Savannah by the
train which was to leave in an hour.

"I'll be goin' back to see about the money for them mules," said Emmons
at length. "Well, good by. Swing tight to your cash, and write to us
when ye get to Savanny."