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 ex-
