Observing it, the humorist kindly condescended to explain that "prairie schooner" was the current slang for an emigrant wagon.
"I couldn't," explained Clarence, naively looking at the dark eyes on the back seat, "get any clothes at Stockton but these; I suppose the folks didn't think there'd ever be boys in California." The simplicity of this speech evidently impressed the others, for the two men in the middle seats turned at a whisper from the lady and regarded him curiously.

Clarence blushed slightly and became silent.
Presently the vehicle began to slacken its speed.

They were ascending a hill; on either bank grew huge cottonwoods, from which occasionally depended a beautiful scarlet vine.
"Ah! eet ees pretty," said the lady, nodding her black-veiled head towards it.

"Eet is good in ze hair." One of the men made an awkward attempt to clutch a spray from the window.

A brilliant inspiration flashed upon Clarence.