that the train had broken down and would not arrive until morning.
"Well, it doesn't matter," said Dave. "We've hired our driver to take us to the Hall, anyway."
"All hands off for a hot soda!" cried Phil, as they rounded the drug-store corner, and the sleigh was stopped and they rushed in to get the refreshment. They treated Shadrach Mellick to two glasses, which put the old farmer in fairly good humor.
"I don't blame ye for not wanting thet man," said he, after he had heard their story about Isaac Pludding. "Guess he's about as mean as they make 'em."
"He said he had some cattle deal on in Oakdale," said Dave. "Perhaps you know something about that?"
"Oh, mebbe I do. There's a city consarn buying cattle up here, now—started last fall. They're tryin' to do old Joe Parker out o' his bus'ness. Mebbe this fat feller is the city company's agent. If he is, old Joe Parker won't want him up here."
"Where does Joe Parker live?" asked Dave, with interest.
"We'll pass his house In a minlt. There it is—over yonder, by the willer trees."
"Let me off a minute at that place," went on Dave.
"That's the talk!" cried Roger, catching Dave's
