CHAPTER IX

A BOY GUARDIAN


The conductor grinned and the passengers roared with laughter when the
farmer explained the incident. Even the glum-faced stepson of the narrator
roused up into some interest.

"Thankee, neighbor," spoke the farmer, effusively grasping Frank's hand.
"You're the right sort, sure enough--eyes wide open and up to snuff. Guess
I'd better keep close to home after this. I ain't to be trusted along with
them gold-brick fellows."

The old man took a great fancy to Frank and became quite confidential with
him. He piled candy and peanuts on him from the train boy's supply, invited
him to the farm, and wanted to know Frank's name so he could tell the folks
about him.

"I am Frank Jordan, live at Tipton, and am bound for school at Bellwood,"
said Frank.

"Hey! how--what?" exclaimed the farmer explosively. "You don't mean to say
that you're traveling to school, too?"

"Yes," replied Frank. "But who else do you mean?"

"Why, my son, Robert, over there--Robert Upton. Now, isn't it funny--he's
going right to the very school you are?"