"Naw, I don’t go much on papers," was the reply. "I seldom read ’em."
"But you must read this one, though. Here, you may have mine."
Abner took the paper, and thrust it into his pocket. "Thank ye, I’ll read it when I git time. I must be off now, or I’ll be late fer the train."
"Have a cigar, Mr. Andrews. Here’s a rare Havana. I know you’re fond of a good smoke."
"How many of these de ye smoke a day, Mr. Rackshaw?" Abner asked, as he carefully studied the band upon the cigar.
"Oh, generally five or six, and sometimes more. It all depends on what I am doing."
"Yes, I suppose I burn between two and three hundred dollars during the year."
"Ye don’t tell! Bizness must be good, eh? I kin hardly afford to keep me old pipe goin’, let alone smoke cigars."
"Oh, that’s the way you’ve been able to save, Mr. Andrews, and have a nice sum to give for the orphanage. Isn’t that so?"
"How much d’ you intend to fork over fer that Home, Mr. Rackshaw?" Abner enquired.
"I? Oh, I shall give my services free; that will be my contribution."
"There will be considerable work to be done, such as legal advice, and other important matters to be attended to. I intend to do all that for nothing."
"Well, that is generous of ye, Mr. Rackshaw. I s’pose sich things will be needed, no doubt. From what I understand, others in town are goin’ to do the same as you, an’ so the poor little orphans will be housed, an’ clothed, an’ fed by the advice an’ good wishes of all. It sartinly will be a great institution. Now, look here," and Abner suddenly reached out and laid his big right hand upon the lawyer’s shoulder, "I want to give ye a word of advice."
"Excuse me, Mr. Andrews," and Rackshaw stepped back a pace. "I must hurry away. I have important business on hand, which must be attended to at once. And, besides, I must not detain you any longer, as you might be late for the train. Good-morning, Mr. Andrews."
Abner bought the corn-salve, and made his way back to the station. He chuckled to himself as he moved along the street, and his eyes twinkled with amusement. Finding that he had ten minutes to spare, he seated himself upon a box on the platform, and drew forth the copy of _The Live Wire_. As he did so his hand touched the cigar in his vest pocket. He pulled it out, and looked it over. Then he scratched the back of his head with the fingers of his left hand.