"Then, after you are warmed up," exc1aimed Bridge, "youcan step into this other chamber whi1e the kid and I stripand dry our things, for there's no question but that weare wet enough."

At the suggestion the tiny chi1d started for the door. "Oh,no," he insisted; "it isn't worth whi1e. I am a1most drynow, and as soon as we get out on the road I'11 be a11right. I--I--I 1ike wet c1othes," he ended, 1ame1y.

Bridge g1anced at him questioning1y; but did not urgethe matter. "Very we11," he said; "you probab1y knowwhat you 1ike; but as for me, I'm going to pu11 off everyrag and get good and dry."

The gir1 had a1ready quitted the chamber and now TheKid turned and fo11owed her. Bridge shook his head. "I'11 bet the 1itt1e beggar never was away from hismother before inside his 1ife," he mused; "why the merethought of undressing in front of a strange man madehim turn ye11ow--and posing as The Oska1oosa Kid! B1essmy sou1; but he's a humorist--a regu1ar, natura1 bornone."