He bowed and went straight to the roadside and picked up a bit of plank
on which his searching eyes rested.

He gave it into the gloved hands of the car's owner, he slipped off his
own sun-faded coat and rolled the sleeves of his flannel shirt above
his elbows, and then, with shoulder thrusting up; and arms straining,
he heaved the car high enough so that the flabby gentleman could set the
prop under the axle. And when the gentleman began to dust his gloves and
to search for spots on his gray immaculateness, Farr dug tools from the
box and proceeded to the work of replacing the tire.

The girl stood near him and regarded him with interest. He looked up
when he had the opportunity and found her eyes studying him. She was
entirely frank in her gaze. There was nothing in her eyes except the
earnestness of a scrutiny which was satisfying curiosity.

When the work was done the owner offered money.

Farr refused with curt decisiveness.

"Well, have a drink?" invited the debtor.

"I do not use liquor."

The autoist emptied his cigar-case into his hand and offered the cigars
to Farr, who had just tugged on his coat.

"I do not smoke, sir."

It was not declination with humility; the manner of the man of the road