As she nibbled, half-heartedly, at the miserable food brought by a slovenly waiter, the two men exchanged barely a dozen words, the lieutenant growling out monosyllabic answers, finally pushing back his chair, and striding out.

Again the girl glanced across at the older man, mustering courage to address him.

At the same moment he looked up, with eyes full of good humor and kindly interest.
"Looks rather tough, I reckon, miss," waving a big hand over the table.
"But you 'll have ter git used to it in this kentry." "Oh, I do not believe I ever could," disconsolately.

"I can scarcely choke down a mouthful." "So I was noticin'; from the East, I reckon ?" "Yes; I--I came last night, and--and really I am afraid I am actually homesick already.

It--it is even more--more primitive than I supposed.
Do--do you live here--at Ripley ?" "Good Lord, no!" heartily, "though I reckon yer might not think my home wuz much better.