"
The boy eyed him attentively. The qualities conspicuous in the
pioneer--energy, fortitude, grit, patience--shone finely out of Jeff's
eyes.
"I like you, Jeff," said the boy, almost shyly.
"Shake," said Jeff. "I like you, Bud."
The two shook hands solemnly.
"Although I am a city boy," said Bud.
"But it beats me what yer doing--here?"
"Just camping. Dad's a botanist and an entomologist."
"Is that so?" Jeff's face shone. The presence of these strangers in
the wild foothills was adequately explained. Then he laughed, showing
strong, even teeth. "I'd like to meet your dad first-rate, and, Bud,
I'd like even better to meet your sister."
He punched the boy in the ribs, chuckling to himself. The boy laughed
too, freshly and frankly.
"Something like you, I reckon," said Jeff, "only cleaner and----"
"I'm as clean as they make 'em," Bud declared angrily.
"Keep your hair on, sonny. I'll allow yer as clean as they make boys,
mebbee cleaner, but we're speaking o' girls. Have ye got her picture?"
"Whose picture?"
"Your sister's."
"Well, I declare! How do you know I've got a sister?"
"I know it," said Jeff.
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