CHAPTER IX
HANS AS A POET
Dick was down in the stable attached to the hotel on the following morning, when a man came in and approached him. He was the same individual who had drawn near when the eldest Rover was talking to the government detective.
"Getting ready to leave, stranger?" he said in a pleasant tone.
"Yes, we are going to start right after breakfast."
"Bound for the Denton plantation, so I hear?"
"Yes. Do you know Mr. Denton?"
"I met him once or twice—when he was in business in Braxbury. A nice man, so I understand."
"Yes, he is a very nice man."
"It might be that you are related to him?"
"No."
"That's a nice hoss you've been riding."
"I find him so," answered Dick shortly. He did not fancy the appearance of the man who was speaking to him.
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