How did you get here ?" "Freight, two hours later." "You 're not a bum, or you would n't be working." I put one foot on the wheel, but he touched me on the sleeve with his cane.
"Wait a minute," and there was more animation in the tone.

"I may have something better for you than this lumber wagon.

I 'm right, ain't I, in guessing you 're no regular bum ?" "I 've bummed it most of the way from Frisco; I had to.

I was homesick for the East, and lost my transportation." "Your what ?" "Transportation; I was discharged at the Presidio." "Oh, I see," smiling again, and tapping the wheel with his stick; "the army--foreign service ?" "The Philippines three years; invalided home." "By God, you don't look it," his eyes on me.

"Never saw a more perfect animal.