found," answered Dave; and then the two girls hurried away.
Mr. Porter led the way to the local hotel, situated close to the depot, and there registered his party for dinner and supper.
"You can take dinner with us," said he to his son and Phil. "I'll write a note to Doctor Clay, so there will be no trouble."
"We can't stay very long after dinner," answered Dave. "I must look up that package,—and all hands want some kind of a rehearsal."
The boys walked to the express office, but Case had not come back, so they had to go to dinner without hearing from the driver. The five sat at a separate table, and Dave had Laura on one side and Jessie on the other. He did his best to make himself agreeable to Jessie, but she did not warm up as was usual with her, and this made his heart feel rather heavy.
"Why, Jessie, you don't act like yourself," he said, after dinner, and while the others were sitting somewhat apart from them in the hotel parlor.
"Don't I?" she asked.
"No, you don't. What is the matter, don't you feel well?" And his face showed his concern.
"Oh, yes, I feel very well." Her lips trembled a little. "I—I guess I am out of sorts, that's all."
"It's too bad."
